If you reload for multiple cartridges, chances are you’ll be removing and replacing shellplates quite often. I’ve discovered a fast way to perform shellplate changeovers on the RCBS Pro-2000 and wanted to share with you a QuickTip that will help you speed up shellplate changes.
This tip is a simple one- in order to speed up the bolt removal/replacement process, use a 3/8″ drive socket adapter and a 3/8″ drive 8mm allen key. You just crack the torque on the bolt with the factory-supplied 8mm allen key, then use this 3/8″ drive tool combination as a “handwheel” to quickly spin the bolt on and off.
And here’s a video showing the improvised tool in action: (click on gear to change to HD playback)
I don’t show the entire shellplate process in the video, but it’s easy- after getting the center bolt out, you loosen the ejection wire set screw, lift off the ejection wire, and then lift off the shellplate. Installation is reverse of removal.
Oh, and what do you all think of the new Ultimate Reloader theme music and into/outtro?
There you go! Hope these resources prove helpful. Have additional resources to share? Please leave a comment. It’s time to build some tack-driving rifle ammunition (will also need to go to the range)!
Now that we’ve covered the precision loading process for the AR-308 project, it’s time now to move on to progressive reloading. This will enable us to load ammunition very quickly. If we select the right equipment, and are careful and strategic to setup this equipment, we can also attain very high consistency for the ammo that we reload on this type of progressive equipment.
During the AR-MPR (AR-15 build and loading) project, I covered the 22 caliber version of the RCBS Rifle Bullet Feeder also on the RCBS Pro-2000 press. Here are some of the relevant posts:
The 30 caliber version of this bullet feeder is essentially the same, but with parts modified to work with .308″ diameter bullets instead of .224″ diameter bullets.
Some pictures of the RCBS Pro-2000 and RCBS Rifle Bullet Feeder:
One of the things that makes loading rifle ammunition on a progressive reloading press difficult is the force required for full length sizing. For this video, I used pre-sized brass. For this reason, I did not include a sizing die in this setup. This translated to the smoothest reloading of rifle ammo on a progressive press that I’ve experienced. Lubing, sizing, and cleaning/prepping prior to progressive loading (for rifle ammunition) is a great way to go.
And here’s a video showing the loading process with this setup:
Overall this setup worked well. Due to the excessive clearance in the drop tube I did have some bullets get stuck (Hornady A-Max with polymer tip and boat tail base). The Speer deep-curl flat base bullets worked perfect. I’ll be contacting RCBS to find out if they have a solution for the “wedged bullets” for the boat tail bullets. The uniflow powder measure does a great job with the Benchmark powder – very consistent results. (+/- 0.2 grains on 40 grains charge, that’s 0.5% variance). The Hornady concentricity tool also had good things to say about this setup. Overall bullet runout holding in the .001″ total variance range for most loaded cartridges.
Do you guys have progressive precision loading tips/experiences for rifle ammo you want to share? Please leave a comment!
Hello all- In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Colt 1911 pistol, I thought I would put together a post that showcases various progressive reloading presses cranking out 45 ACP ammo! This caliber is very versatile, and continues to be a favorite for both target shooters, law enforcement, and self defense. There are plenty more resources related to 45 ACP here on UltimateReloader, but this will give you a taste of loading this great cartridge on popular equipment!
Loading 45 ACP on the Hornady Lock-N-Load with the Hornady Bullet Feeder
Loading 45 ACP on the RCBS Pro-2000 with the RCBS bullet feeder
Loading 45 ACP on the Dillon XL-650
Loading 45 ACP on the Lee Loadmaster
Here, we see everything from a 4-station steup with hardcast lead bullets on the Lee Loadmaster, to loading jacketed bullets on progressive reloaders with bullet feeder attachments. There’s definately more than one way to load 45 ACP ammo, and each system has its strengths and weaknesses! (just like any type of machinery). Got a favorite 45ACP loading setup that you’d like to share? Please post a comment!
If you have an AR-15, you know that they tend to chew through ammo very quickly. It’s a lot of fun, but it also gets expensive really quickly, especially if you are requiring match-grade ammunition. The solution is to load .223/5.56 on a progressive reloading press. If you really want to crank it up, you can also add a case feeder, a bullet feeder, or both.
In this video, I’ll cover reloading .223/5.56 ammunition on the RCBS Pro-2000 5-station progressive reloading press with the RCBS .22 cal rifle bullet feed kit.
Here’s a quick overview of the die stations utilized in this video:
Sizing/De-priming
Empty (die)/Priming
Powder charge
RCBS rifle bullet feed die
Redding Competition Seating Die (.223)
The result is very efficient loading with excellent COL consistency and bullet concentricity.
More .223/5.56 progressive reloading action to come, so stay tuned!
