37 thoughts on “RCBS Bullet Feeder on RCBS Pro 2000 45ACP (HD)”

  1. Can you explain how you got the powder dispenser to expand the case neck in station 2?

    I really want to get my Pro2000 set up to do this as it will free up an extra station to either add a bullet feeder or seat and crimp my cast bullets in separate stations. I always use a powder check die so I have not been able to seat and crimp separately nor add the bullet feeder without having to compromise by doing without the powder check.

    Thanks

    1. Sure, in this case I just cranked down the powder measure until it “bottomed out” the micrometer at the top of the ram stroke, then turned it down a bit further. The conical shape of the bottom of the drop tube is made for this.

  2. I tried this on my Pro 2000 and found the flare to be inconsistent. Also, the conical shape is a very agressive agle, so the adjustment can be a bit challenging. You’re probably better off getting the Hornady lower assembly with the expander kit. Not horribly expensive and will give you more consistent results over time.

  3. Hi! I’m very interested in building the perfect RBCS Pro 2000 with the bullet feeder. Do you have a checklist/pricelist of all of the items I would need and want to make this excellent setup? If you have it, please include even the smallest gadget or item. Thanks again.

  4. Will you ever be using a RCBS 6 station turret in the future I would like to see the instruction in HD from 9mm, 45 acp and 223

  5. Hi, just purchased pro 2000 auto index. APS priming has been nightmare. looking at tube prime system but cant find any good info. found the installation instructions PDF but pictures are terrible.
    cant make out how it works exactly. most love the aps, I think of it as (a-pos). Sorry…Would enjoy your feedback on tube priming system. i don’t mind loading tubes. i don’t care for plastic parts (aps strips) ive trashed 4 of 4 of my large pistol strips. the last time it failed, it was a crimped brass with the red ink around hole, that kicked it all off. i know those will cause a fit on just any priming system but wondering if the tube system has less of a chance for failure of parts i need to use on next 100 rds i want to load. Been resizing and hand priming. which isn’t too bad, but would like to unlock full potential of the machine. Thx
    Chad

    1. Chad- I do know that RCBS offers a tube priming system conversion for the Pro-2000, but I don’t have any experience with it.

      I have had good luck with the APS system. Using off-the-shelf pre-loaded APS strips is best obviously, but loading isn’t too bad with the supplied tool.

      Can you give some additional detail regarding what happened to the strips?

      Thanks,
      Gavin

      1. Thought I’d reply to your e-mail Gavin….I just purchased an RCBS Progressive 2000 with Auto Index and the same with me and it almost cause me to return EVERYTHING…the press and four conversion kits….the APS priming has also been a nightmare for me.

        When I got the press and dies all set up for .45 ACP, I followed the directions and inserted the strip while I have the handle forward until it clicks….good. Two strips go through with no problems. Third strip…problem. It stops moving forward and no primer is present. The strip would absolutely not move. After tearing the strip in half and be able to yank the thing out, I found the missing primer, crushed beyond all recognition. It’s amazing it did ignite.

        Round number two, didn’t get halfway through a second strip when same thing…only this time I have the shell plate up in the air because the strips seemed to clear better at some heights than others. Next thing I know, BAM! The shell plate goes crashing to the press and now the shellplate will not advanced. I took it apart and found the ‘index pawl’ snapped right in half…there goes my auto advancing. Called RCBS and they shipped the part right out (took 5 days to get it…I didn’t like). The one thing I didn’t like, no instructions for installing the very little part. In fact I could have very easily gotten it backwards but I didn’t. If the part had come in any later than 5 days, I was ready to return everything and go speak with Dillion.

        Another problem with the press – the bullet tray mounting holes DO NOT line up with the press…and I don’t want to tell you what RCBS said…but I have the press set up, I’m manually priming my cases with a Lee Loader and I really do prefer it. I feed the cases (and I set the decap die up all the way and it doesn’t punch out the primers), flare, charge and bullet and I’ll have to tell you…300 rounds in about 48 minutes…impressive. I started with a Lee Turret press and this is my first progress press. Oh…and while loading the rounds, a large piece fell off the press…the priming tool, and I never touched it.

        1. All I can say is wow. Reloading on any progressive does require skill, mechanical knowledge, and the patience to learn how to operate it.

          #1 Rule in reloading, read and understand the process before you start. Part of that understanding should include never force anything.

          1. What a piece of kit!? I’m looking to buy a reloader what I have just seen has made my mind up. Hope it’s available in the UK

    2. My friend works for Alliant-Techsystems, and I often use his Pro2000 press for my 45 ACP loads.

      The tube priming system is actually slower. Slower to load, and slower to operate – it’s an antiquated design. The APS Strips can be had for fairly cheap, are a cheap replacement part – easy to stock up on them too.

      As noted, the APS Strip loading tool works quite well, but you have to be careful and methodical in how to load the strips – but it does work quite well.

      I think your biggest problem is lack of Case Inspection. When picking up range scrap, it’s incredibly important to inspect EVERY piece of brass you pick up… I bring my brass home, throw it in the tumbler, but then while it’s running I’ll manually pick out each and every piece one at a time – take a close look for signs of pressure problems, cracks, bulges, fatigue, and always check the primer-pocket for primer crimps too… You’d be surprised, but sometimes you’ll also find 45 ACP ammo loaded with SMALL pistol primers too. Have to watch out for these things.

      When sorting, I’ll put my ‘good’ brass into a specific bucket, and I’ll sort out the ‘Oddities’ or ‘Questionable’ brass into another container. When that container gets full, I’ll go back, reinspect every one, and throw out what’s garbage/unsafe brass.

      Even with the tube priming assembly, if you make a mistake with Case Inspection, and you accidentally run a bad case with a primer pocket crimp, or a small-pistol primer, you’re going to potentially damage your priming tools. Have to be careful about that, and keep spare parts on hand ahead of time.

      Hope you find a method that works best for you!
      Mathew

    3. I had similar problems, and was cussing the APS just like you.

      I eventually took it apart, found and cleaned out the bits of broken/crushed primers that were in it. I had no idea these bits were in there.

      Now it runs great.

      Good luck.

    4. Chad and Others: I just purchased a PRO 2000 (7/2011). I am a very detailed individual (structural engineer), thus my habits are READ EVERYTHING twice and then read it again, PRIOR to doing anything. I did just that. During my reading moments, it was mentioned more than once in some of the direction sheets, to be sure to clean all the parts that you have just received PRIOR to assembly (in particular, the Powder Feeder). So, I did this to everything that was in all the packages, including the dies. Subsequently, I also purchased the Auto Index system. I cleaned it thoroughly PRIOR to installing it. Success has been the result throughout my experience. Admittedly, I have watched (probably a dozen times) Gavin’s reloading video’s using RCBS equipment. Reading the Speer manual and watching the video’s has been a great help. DON’T give up. Just clean and re do your efforts; it will come together. GOOD LUCK

  6. Gostaria de saber o valor e se voces enviam para o brasil e qual o custo do para enviarem tambem os adaptadores para calibre .380 , .40 , 38 e 22.
    se possivel enviar valor de tudo mais frete.

    1. Cristiano- here’s a Bing.com translation of your question:
      ——–
      I would like to know the value and if you send to Brazil and what the cost to send also all adapters for caliber 380, 40, 38, and 22.
      If possible send freight value of everything else.

      ——–
      Sorry- I’m not sure about Brazil- You may want to try http://www.MidwayUSA.com and see if they have a Brazilian site (they have sites in other countries).

      Good luck!

  7. Hi,

    I am looking at buying a press and the RCBS Pro 2000 has been brought to my attention. The calibers I will most likely be wanting to load in the beginning are, 357 Sig, 40 S&W and 30-06. Would you say this would work well for 357 Sig? Possible vid of 357 Sig?

    Thanks!
    Rod

    1. Should work great with the 357 Sig – that would use a #27 Pro-2000 shellplate. I’ve loaded 22-250, .223, 357 Mag, and 45 ACP on the press, and it’s worked well with all. Note that there’s no case feeder, but it’s the only press that uses the APS primer strips, and is cast iron as well (other progressives are aluminum).

  8. I haven’t yet purchased a system and after some research have concluded that I could put together one of two different system melding options to achieve a progressive reloading system that I could easily work with. I would like to run these two possible systems by you folks to see what you think.

    I have partial paralysis resulting from nerve damage in my left arm and hand that greatly limits my dexterity. As such efficient reloading by hand insertion of either the case and/or bullet efficiently is out of the question. I need a system that will both automatically feed cases and bullets.

    System 1)
    RCBS Pro 2000
    RCBS Bullet Feeder
    Dillon Case Feeder (and associated parts, could cost as much as $300.00)
    Could this system even be put together? No dies need to be discarded and replaced in this system.

    System 2)
    Dillon XL650 (with case feeder)
    RCBS Bullet Feeder
    RCBS Bullet Set/Taper Crimp combination die (around $24.00)
    In this system the Dillon bullet set die and the Dillon bullet crimp die would both be discarded and replaced by the single set and crimp RCBS die.

  9. Pingback: RCBS Pro 2000???
  10. I have watched many of your videos and really enjoy them.

    I have a very straightforward question for you, sir. Which press? RCBS Pro 2000 or Dillon 550? Your videos give great instruction and detail but I have yet to detect a preference from you one way or the other.

    I suspect you will not answer this as you probably get things sent to you for free to demo and do reviews. If these companies lobbying you prevents you from giving objective preferences, I understand. I ask you this because I don’t know that there is anyone else I could ask that has extensive time in using both machines.

    Thanks! Todd.

    1. Every brand has it’s good and bad points.They are all good machines though, there is no perfect answer. It’s up to you to decide what color you want on your bench. Watch vids, get on discussion forums and fb reloading pages and watch the debates. It can be quite entertaining. Find somebody that has a progressive and will let you set in on a loading session, and possibly let you run the machine (make sure you’re supervised for safety reasons). I looked at a Pro2000, 650 and the lnlap. I ended up with the Hornady because I live 90 miles from the plant and get to Grand Island several times a week trucking, it’s easy to get parts that way. Price had a lot to do with it too.

  11. I have read some reviews where people have implied that the strong detent while indexing sometimes causes powder to slosh out of the casing. Has anyone experienced this? I suspect this is due to too much tension on the ball by the shell plate and could be eliminated by relaxing the tension. Anyone?

  12. RCBS=R,EPLACING C,USTOMERS B,ROKEN S,TUFF
    Worst customer service ever
    I purchased a RCBS impact hammer
    Broke after couple hits contacted RCBS but never heard back .
    Never buy rcbs again

    1. If you use this or any brand on concrete, they BREAK. READ the instructions and do not abuse the tools or you get to buy alot of replacements. Ihave one that is 20+ years old and still wrorks just fine.

  13. Hey Gavin,
    Just found your site and thanks for all the great videos and info! I whish i knew more people that reloaded to talk about this stuff with and the family fun Shooting really is. I started reloading on a Rock Chucker 44 Mag with my Dad when I was about 9 and have always loved RCBS. My Dad and I are those guys that pick a brand and stay with it. I finally have a place to reload and make my own bench (love yours), and wanted to get a Pro 2000 but after seeing how nice the Hornady worked for you and how it really was a “Ammo Factory” it made the Pro look lacking. I know the Pro is cast but is there any other positives on the Pro over the others that would make me stick with my first love?
    Thanks,

  14. I’ve had my RCBS 2000 Pro AutoIndex for almost a year. The demand was so great when I got it, that their QA was lacking–lucky for me. It wouldn’t even index. That forced me to take it apart and learn how it works. I’ve seen some absolute no-nos above including breaking an APS in two and pulling it out (implies pulling half backwards which will likely break plastic feeder pawls) and leaving the shellplate “elevated” which led to breaking the indexing pawl. My advice about the pawl is after spreading a very thin layer of grease on the back of the shellplate, start screwing down the greased center bolt while slowly working the press lever. Eventually, it will start indexing, but continue to cycle the handle until the bolt is tight and torqued. This process ensures that the pawl will not damage the shellplate or the shellplate damage the indexing pawl. Of course, the spring and indexing ball must be in place (do not grease the spring and ball or it won’t work fast enough to properly index the press), and the cartridge ejector rod must properly set for the shell size being processed. In addition to very careful inspection of brass and swaging out any primer crimps in the cases (military ammo), make certain you are using the correct primer pin (small and large are supplied for all boxer primer sizes), the main thing to prevent problems is to slowly approach the priming cycle with the press handle and carefully “feel” the primer starting into the pocket. If the resistance is wrong, or occurrs with the press higher than normal, find the problem before damaging something. Then, when you are certain the primer is started, ram it home with considerable force, but only after setting the stop bolt opposite the priming station. WARNING: if you tinker with one position (station) of the press to “fix a problem,” remember that the powder measure may be cycled more than once into the same case, or not at all. There’s an easy fix for that with pistol cartridges (a lockout dye in station 4 works great, but it won’t work with long or small-caliber rifle cartridges). Just slow down and think about what is happening at every station in the press while troubleshooting or fixing a problem. The next most common problem is forgetting to put in another APS strip until the tail end is no longer visible (it may be best to pull out the old strip, connect it to a new strip, and reinsert them both at once, one primer hole short of the next new primer if the press is operated so it indexes before the primer part of the cycle). I can’t tell you how to remember–just do it! I have loaded about 7,450 rounds (I keep very precise reloading information, and even give every separate proven load a unique name like “Tim’s 223 plinker” so I can quickly go back to it. I have enough die plates to never have to unload one. I’ve reloaded 223 Rem, 22-250, 30 Carbine, 308 NATO, 308 Win, 30-06 for Garrand, 30-06 Springfield, 300 Win Mag, 45-70 Govt, 32 ACP, 38 Spec, 357 Mag, 9mm, 40 S&W (many thousands-even kids and grandkids have one), 45 ACP, 45 Colt legacy and 45 Colt Ruger, T/C. I load Match rounds tested with a chronograph, and plinkers. I have a range behind the shop, complete with steel targets, and I love the sport. I also have other home defence firearms, so don’t consider “borrowing” anything.

  15. Here’s another good practice: don’t try to set land speed records with your RCBS 2000 Pro AutoIndex press. You can do a relaxed 300 to 400 an hour. Then take a long break. Most mistakes are costly in terms of time, and even possibly parts. Yes, it will do 600 pistol rounds an hour, but you can be sure that you won’t make it an hour before the powder you are sling out affects the indexing, or you forget an APS primer strip. I’m quite content with 300 perfect rounds, every inspected primer closely inspected, no glitches or breakdowns, no lost time, no broken parts. All I need is to take a walk and enjoy nature, and then load another 300 perfect rounds. Now what is wrong with that? Here’s my guarantee, it you just keep pushing yourself, your system will fall apart in the second 300 — guaranteed. I’ve seen it over and over (it only took once to convince me, but my sons are “tougher” than me, and end up loading about 150-200 rounds an hour, average, because of not stopping at 300. It’s really a simple choice. I buy primers 5000 of a type at a time, and re-use APS strips (I’m cheap). Just inspect old strips for defects–“this ain’t horseshoes or hand grenades: close don’t count.”

  16. Can anyone tell me if its possible to use the Hornady bullet feeder system on the RCBS Pro 2000?
    Looks as tho just a small modification and your done.

  17. As a long term review of the Pro 2000, I have owned a manual version of the machine since they first hit the market and have loaded many,many thousands of rounds with it. A few of observations. It is a very well built heavy machine using a lot of steel and iron in it’s construction. The APS priming system can be a bit stubborn to learn to use correctly. If the strips and the chute they go into on the machine are kept reasonably clean you will have no problems. I have never had to replace a part including the small plastic ratchet teeth in the priming system. The number one thing that I found when the priming system was acting up is that a primer had shifted in the APS strip causing drag and the APS strip to hang up. Attention to detail is the key to success with this machine or any other progressive loader. RCBS customer service has always been top notch for me. They are helpful and prompt in service. To the people that are thinking of this machine for short handgun ammo my personal preference is to use a Piggyback 2 setup on a Rockchucker press, but that is just my opinion as I find it a bit handier. I tried a few different progressive presses over the years from all the big manufacturers and have owned a couple of real dogs (RCBS Auto 4×4 & a very problematic Lock and Load)and can say without hesitation that the PRO 2000 is every bit as good or better than the Hornady or Dillon 550/650. A couple of things I would like to see changed are add a good roller handle to the machine(I put a Dillon handle on my Pro 2000) and add a larger surface to the end of the indexing star as it gets a bit rough on the finger tip on a long loading session.

  18. I purchased an RCBS Pro 2000 with Auto Index a little over a year ago. I have loaded approximately 6000 rounds so far and am now looking to get the bullet feeder. I was initially very frustrated with the Pro 2000 but it was my first progressive press. There were times early on when I felt like boxing the whole thing up and sending it back. But after spending time to fine adjust everything the process became smooth and I have not had to make any adjustments after that initial period. While I have used the tool to load APS strips and they work fine I really prefer to spend the extra half cent per primer and buy primers already on the strips. I have seen many negative reviews on the Pro 2000 but have found the machine to be very reliable. I also see negative reviews for the bullet feeder but will see for myself how it performs.

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