The RCBS Turret Press is a 6-station cast iron press with on-press priming. Interested to see the press in action? That’s what we’ll cover in this story!
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About the RCBS Turret Press
From the Product Page:
The RCBS Turret Press offers simple operation—no complex or automated processes. Reloaders have complete control over every step, and the press may be operated in progressive or single-stage mode. In progressive mode, output can be increased from 50 to 200 rounds per hour. It features a rugged, cast iron frame, toggle block and turret head. The press’ heavy-duty construction minimizes springing and detent on the turret head ensures positive alignment. Note: RCBS highly recommends the optional Uniflow Powder Measure with Case Activated Linkage Kit for use on the Turret Press (sold separately).
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- Six-station turret head allows many combinations in the mounting sequence of dies
- May be operated in progressive or single-stage mode; in progressive mode, output can be increased from 50 to 200 rounds per hour
- Rugged, cast iron frame, toggle block and turret head
- Standard 7/8 inch-14 threads
- The turret head is held in place by one bolt for quick, easy changeovers
- Turret Pin Assembly and Ball Handle Assembly may be positioned for right- or left-hand use
- Standard Shell Holders slip into press ram and are securely held in place by a clip spring
- Primer Plugs and Sleeves are supplied for seating large and small primers
- Primers are seated away from stacked primers
- Safety tube included
- Primer Catcher keeps spent primers from falling on the floor
- Baked epoxy finish is chip- and fade-resistant and allows for quick, easy cleaning
- 4.75 inch window, 4.5 inch stroke
What’s in the Box
Here’s what you’ll find in the RCBS Turret box, all packed neatly with heavy-duty cardboard doubled-up packing:
- Turret Press
- Press Handle
- Primer Catcher
- Indexing Handle
- Allen Keys
- Primer Slider Block Assembly (with large and small primer cups/punches)
- Primer Block Hardware
- Primer Feed Tubes (large and small)
- Primer Pickup Tubes (large and small)
- Explosion shield
- Instructions
Mounting the Press
For press mounting, there are a few different options that are straightforward to use:
- Bolt your press directly to your bench
- Use the RCBS Accessory Base Plate
- Inline Fabrication Ultramount: Dedicated Ultramount, or Quick Change Ultramount
As you can see above, I use the Quick Change Ultramount system at Ultimate Reloader, and in this case I ordered a #11 quick change top plate, and was off and running!
Assembling the Press
The press comes with the Turret Head already installed. There are only a few easy steps for press assembly:
- Install the primer slider assembly on the press (two screws)
- Install the primer drop tube and explosion shield
- Clip in the primer catcher
- Screw in the press handle (left or right handed option)
Above: mounting the primer slider assembly.
Above: 223 Shellholder snapped into place
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Above: RCBS 223 Small Base sizer and RCBS 223 seater dies installed.
Conducting a .223 Functionality Test
For my initial testing with the RCBS Turret Press, I performed the following operations:
- Small-base sizing and de-priming once-fired 223 case
- Priming 223 case
- Seating bullets in 223 case
The press operated well, and I really liked the feel of the on-press priming. This setup used two out of six total stations. This means you can have three rifle setups like this on a single turret head.
I should note, RCBS offers separate turret heads that can be swapped in about 1-2 minutes. This means you can have as many dedicated reloading setups as needed, and can quickly change between setups in separate turret heads.
Get the Gear
- RCBS Turret Press
- RCBS Turret Press Spare Turret Head
- RCBS 223 Dies
- Inline Fabrication Quick Change Mount
- #11 quick change top plate
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Thanks,
Gavin Gear
