New to reloading - need a little help

[ALP1]

Over the past few years I've been assembling the equipment but never really got started till just the past few mths. I've got an RCBS Turret press, I was depriming and resizing 45 acp. After about 900 cases, the action had gotten so stiff it was almost impossible to complete a stroke without two hands. I tried putting a little grease on the ram, that helped a little for a couple strokes, then I tried cleaning all the grease off the ram, that helped for a couple more strokes. So what is likely causing the restriction on the ram? What is the proper oiling/lubing and maintenance procedure?

 

[454PB]

I'm not familiar with that particular press, but RCBS is top-of-the-line equipment and your description of operation sounds like it may have either picked up some foreign material within the operating mechanism or dirt/debris off the fired brass.

I'd suggest you do a thorough inspection, then spray all moving parts with Gunscrubber and relube with a light coating of good gun oil. Grease attracts dirt and grunge.

If that fails, send it to RCBS, they have an excellent warranty and are committed to customer satisfaction.

 

[GimpyLeg]

Also, check your die for debris, I believe 454pb eluded to it already.

 

[JimKirk]

Does the press operate stiff without a cartridge in the shell holder, if so, then it would be the press itself.

But if is stiff only when you are sizing a case, then you have a problem with your dies.


Jimmy K

 

[243winxb]

Break Free CLP best lube.

MAINTENANCE
This press was lubricated at the factory. However, it is necessary to lubricate all moving
parts from time to time with gun oil. If rust spots appear, swab lightly with gun oil and wipe
dry. Care should be taken not to apply oil where it could come in contact with primer pockets
or primers. Oil will deactivate primers. It is a good practice to clean the press prior to
lubrication to remove grit and other residue.You will note the ease at which the epoxy
enamel paint wipes clean. This finish is impervious to oil and is extremely chip and fade
resistant.

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/TurretPressInstructions.pdf

 

[ALP1]

Press is stiff throughout the whole stroke, not just when the shell encounters the die. I'll try cleaning it up with some gunscrubber as suggested.

 

[JimKirk]

Then I would clean it good with some gunscrubber, mineral spirits or a can of ether.

I would blow it out good with a air gun. Then lube it with some good gun oil.

If you still have problems, I would call RCBS.

Jimmy K

 

[ants]

I bet he has a non-carbide steel die.
If so, maybe he doesn't know about case lube.

 

[JimKirk]

OK ... I don't own a press like your's, but I did download the operation manual and a parts diagram.

There are several pivot points that would affect the operation of the press.

1. Ram, in the frame.
2. Two link pins in the press frame, Left & Right.
3. Two lock nuts on the toggle block pin.
4. Ram Pin.

Remove the Ram pin and see if the ram moves freely within the frame.
While you have the Ram pin out, check to see if the toggle block pivots freely.
Disconnect the links from the toggle block to see if they move freely within the frame.
All of these pivot points should move smoothly and with out any binding.

My first thought is that you have the lock nuts too tight on the toggle block pin and it is binding. Try loosening them slightly. Check all the other points, I bet you will find the problem with one of those points.

Here is a Parts link so you can see the pivot points and associated parts.

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/TurretPressInstructions.pdf

Jimmy K

 

[ALP1]

I bet he has a non-carbide steel die.
If so, maybe he doesn't know about case lube.

If you did you'd loose

 

[ants]

I bet he has a non-carbide steel die.

If you did you'd loose

Dang, here I thought I had a brilliant insight. I guess it dimmed too soon.

Sorry, ALP. I didn't help ya. But welcome to the Forum!!!

 

[steve4102]

Is it hard to raise and lower the handle without a turret head mounted?

 

[JimKirk]

The turret would not have any bearing on the movement of the handle or ram. Look at the parts diagram. The turret may well contribute to the problem but after the cartridge touched the dies. His problem lies within the ram/linkage/pivots system... if what he said ...

Press is stiff throughout the whole stroke, not just when the shell encounters the die.

I'm still thinking the lock nuts are too tight or something is binding.

Jimmy K

 

[James2]

Hi,

Not much to add to the question at hand, but welcome to the forum.