gws
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Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Apr 13, 2018 21:10:49 GMT -5
It's here......building.....no it not as easy as I thought.....I'm getting old I guess.
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bob
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I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457 
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Apr 13, 2018 22:38:17 GMT -5
I know you enjoy the challenge though! Hope you're healing well.
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poohzilla
Member
Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
Posts: 1,050
Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Apr 14, 2018 10:01:00 GMT -5
Greg, the clip illustrated the operation of the press better than any I'd seen before. Being that I'm a stranger to such things, I assume the problem is that at the last station the fist case hasn't ejected. Have you pinpointed the cause ?
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Apr 14, 2018 23:42:23 GMT -5
Good eye! I have no idea how to take a perfect video.....I always have a detail I didn't think of. In this case I forgot to set the eject spring to eject. Thats a matter of tightening the stupid set screw under the plate at the proper angle! I'll try another one tomorrow.....been playing with the case pusher....modifying the shape. You might also have noticed that the operation was on the slow side. RCBS just used a stupid simple "V" block to push! Any faster and the cases just toppled. At a good speed that design is good for 9mm and .45acp shorties and that's about all. I can do better.....I'll try to show you tomorrow.
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bob
Member
I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Apr 15, 2018 11:05:22 GMT -5
Noticed that as well but pooh gets the credit, he published his findings first!
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poohzilla
Member
Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
Posts: 1,050
Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Apr 15, 2018 16:12:16 GMT -5
Noticed that as well but pooh gets the credit, he published his findings first! Bob, you mean "ran his mouth", don't you ?  Greg, I guess it didn't look slow to me, but when I watch it, I can see a little lateral movement of the cases. Are you considering a pair of rails or something to guide them ? |
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bob
Member
I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Apr 15, 2018 18:27:46 GMT -5
Credit where credit is due!  |
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gws
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Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Apr 18, 2018 17:32:12 GMT -5
The only thing I do well, it seems, is double posting....  |
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Apr 18, 2018 17:44:33 GMT -5
Bob, you mean "ran his mouth", don't you ? Greg, I guess it didn't look slow to me, but when I watch it, I can see a little lateral movement of the cases. Are you considering a pair of rails or something to guide them ? No, nothing extravagant, just a Dremel and a file. Done. Here's a couple of videos feeding the hard tall skittish ones, with the "modified" pusher at a decent speed! As you can see, .223 is a lot more skiddish than .308. The stock parts just threw the .223's across shell plate, on the bench and on the floor......something had to be done..........I don't do progressive THAT slow. Too little time left.  |
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bob
Member
I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Apr 18, 2018 18:31:58 GMT -5
Good job as usual.
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dangun
Member
I love the smell of burnt gun powder.
Posts: 517
Location: SW Florida
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Post by dangun on Apr 28, 2018 23:08:56 GMT -5
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Apr 28, 2018 23:45:30 GMT -5
That's okay, welcome to my nightmare, dangun!  The hardest part of it is waiting for parts. Since RCBS had a false start with these new Pro Chuckers, most of the suppliers dumped the line......like Cabelas for example.....and even Grafs show most of it out of stock. and it was all over the stupid primer system........should stayed with the APS strips they already knew. But they thought that route limited sales....and maybe they are right. They finally have the primer system working.....pretty darn smooth in fact....and I don't see any of the Dillon 650 spillage problems..... Above, I said I ordered a 7 from Midway while on sale. That was a joke. First I had to backorder them.....with expected arrival a month away....then they dropped the sale......so I stopped the order and got it another way.........today they finally have one.....and now they start up the sale again....but die plates are still out of stock! What I did was buy a Pro Chucker 5 for $400! (Amazon) Then a 5 station to 7 station upgrade for $268.50! Total $668.50......cheaper than Midway's sale price for a 7. Plus I get an extra free Uniflow P.M.! Great except for the catch.... The upgrade kit was damaged and incomplete.....RCBS is making good, but that's a two week wait.....parts should be here next week. (Ordering from Amazon isn't always without problems....but a reasonable risk knowing RCBS backs you.) What's still missing is the primer system parts, case retaining ring, and the p.m. cylinder..... (arriving next week) Can't complain though, as it as allowed me time to doctor a few parts to my liking.  Pleased so far. More to come. Still back-ordered stuff from Midway is the Die Plates for other caliber setups.....which you can finally get without the expensive powder measures you don't need! Powder dies without the P.M. ........finally.....are in stock. |
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dangun
Member
I love the smell of burnt gun powder.
Posts: 517
Location: SW Florida
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Post by dangun on Apr 29, 2018 0:16:29 GMT -5
Sounds like fun! I still using the same ole equipment I've had for years! I'll wear them out someday!
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Jul 23, 2018 22:34:19 GMT -5
Welllllllll, I'm all healed up now, so I have no excuses except laziness.................maybe that's a side effect of age! Anyway, I'm sure you all have been waiting on pins and needles for this project to launch. (yeah right)
Finally, I'm finding out what this new press can do. For example, is there really a use for 7 stations loading .308 rifle? Seems a bit much right? I'm finding it's easy to fill them stations up........
On order is a little bore scope endoscopic camera.....a cheapy that cost $21. I'm going to use it on the new press......I think.....if all goes as planned. picture below:  The probe is 10mm in diameter.....too big for sticking down a rifle barrel smaller than .50 cal. but just right to replace a powder cop station.
And my latest goodie that came in is a new RCBS product just made for progressives.....a tube RIFLE! bullet feeder. (on sale at Midway for $114) Picture below:
Notice it uses TWO stations?  !!!!! Oh, wait, I have seven stations. The die on top is a "M" style expander die placed after a bushing sizer and before the powder measure. Then the tube bullet feed die feeds bullets almost exactly like a Mr. Bullet Feeder.....and just as 100% effective.
So! Station one: Bushing Sizer....no more pulled, skewed, or stretched off concentric ball expander. Station two: "M" die neck expander that puts a little step in the neck that the bullet can rest in vertically and not fall over when rotating it to the Seater.
Station three: Powder measure (or powder funnel for weighed charges) take your pick. Station four: Powder camera, cop, or even a mirror. Safety feature to prevent squibs, or double loads.
Station five: Tube bullet Feeder Station six: Seater Station seven: Crimp
That's the plan.........I'll let you know how it turns out. Pictures coming. It's a test on the hard side.....machine gunned but blinged 7.62 LC brass. Nosler 165gn Ballistic Tips. IMR 4895. CCI primers.
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bob
Member
I'm too old to be nice but never too old to learn!
Posts: 1,457
Location: Northern California
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Post by bob on Jul 23, 2018 22:53:34 GMT -5
Sounds good,I hope it works as advertised. Actually seeing your past performance I have no doubts.
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Jul 23, 2018 23:09:18 GMT -5
Sounds good,I hope it works as advertised. Actually seeing your past performance I have no doubts. Kind words Bob! Thankyou. But Murphy is my middle name......I have no such illusions. We will see ... a miracle or two would be nice. I think the press has a huge potential, whether I'm the person that can demonstrate it is another thing.......but I'd be happy enough if I can inspire someone more talented to give this press a shot. IMO it deserves that. |
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poohzilla
Member
Give me a place to stand and a long-enough lever, and I will invariably break the lever.
Posts: 1,050
Location: New Hamster
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Post by poohzilla on Jul 24, 2018 8:10:38 GMT -5
Ever hear of Rube Goldburg ? Looks like a neat setup. Video coming ?
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Jul 24, 2018 12:47:28 GMT -5
Ever hear of Rube Goldburg ? Looks like a neat setup. Video coming ? Rube? Sure....second cousin on my Mom's side. Been accused of being related to him more than once.....but I'm not worthy to tie his shoes.
Video? Maybe, if I get that far.......like I said.....miracles would help. I'll try out loading a few tonight....video only if it works as expected. I don't have the little bore camera yet.....waiting on a boat from China....but I made a mirror that will work for now.....yes, cousin Rube inspired.
I'm actually at work this morning.....putting out fires....greasing wheels....and otherwise making a nuisance of myself. I think I'm not the only one looking forward to my retirement.  |
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Post by hacker54 on Jul 24, 2018 17:54:02 GMT -5
Greg,
If RCBS happens to come up with a nine station press you be the man that would be able to optimize each and every one.
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Jul 24, 2018 23:35:27 GMT -5
Hacker, I'd like to think I know when to quit.....7 stations is my limit unless they figure out how to prep (clean, trim, deburr,etc.) in 2 more stations.......and that's doubtful! I didn't have as much time as I needed tonight (I know, excuses) but I did finish the stop gap "mirror inspection" station #4. Pictures and real short vid below. Rube-ish or rubbish.....take your pick. (if I like how it works, I will grind it pretty and paint it black. 1/2" CPVC, clear tube inside with a "V" cut, mirror from Hobby Lobby, and epoxy putty stuffed behind it inside the clear tube's 'V". I used PVC cleaner to soften the coupler, then I just force-screwed it into a die plate hole and let it dry.....resulting "threads" are laughable, but way good enough. Yes screwing a 7/8-14 die would be wonderful....don't happen to have one....expensive too. Ugly, but it works....below is a .308 case.....got it focused but in a poor position. Next picture...no focus but better picture of what one really sees. Just a BTW....Notice the hex-head bolt with an O ring glued on the head. I HATE the stupid set screws that came with the press....you don't tighten them anyway so why not turn them into thumb screws....all they are for is to be snugged into die plate recesses to prevent sideways movement. Much faster to deal with.
 The point is to be able to prevent no powder or double powder......I think that'll work as good as a powder cop. Now keep in mind I usually sit when I reload, if you stand, you may not need anything in station 4 as the case will come poking up through the hole......but considering that some like their presses up on a high stand.....then you can forget looking in direct. The other option I think I'll like is the bore scope camera (on its way). I have a "big" 5" screen a foot away from my face To show it on......the million dollar question is whether the resolution is good enough....if not I'm out $20. Tomorrow I hope to set the powder measure then try loading a few......if I get time. Even as poor and shaky as the following one-handed video of station 4 is, it still shows way better how and why the mirror was worth making..... If you've ever had a squib or worse you will appreciate this. Progressives just aren't safe unless you can see each and every case's powder level. See the flash hole in the pictures? Keep in mind that you are looking inside a deep .308 case, not a pistol case! Tumbling cases with a wet tumbler and stainless steel media, is what makes that possible.
The second video (bullet feeder) I made a month or so ago, testing it on my Rock Chucker. Previously the case was "expanded" with the "M" style die in station 2 of the progressive. Notice the bullet is only dropped into a step that holds it fast until it rotates under the seater.......the case/bullet you see in the video is not seated yet.
Makes a huge difference if you will Click the center expand symbol in lower right hand corners to see the videos full screen. (escape Key to return)
Picture of the populated press with bullet feeder, minus the tube full of bullets. Closest die is the RCBS .308 Gold Medal Seater die with it's drop-in window that won't be used. To the right of it is the Tube Rifle Bullet Feeder......the tube of bullets drops into the clear plastic piece. What a mess.....got to clear my bench before I load anything....that's next.
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gws
Member
Posts: 969
Location: NW New Mexico
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Post by gws on Aug 20, 2018 20:01:55 GMT -5
Picture below was the final mirror version of a powder check station. Look at the multiple image! Weird! Must be reflections off the satin black sides....maybe dead flat on the inside is the answer. I desided to cut the tube so I can see the case.....just wondered why not....little rough on the cut...but it'll do.
Anyway, it's usable, but it's not quite "in your face" as you stroke, so I think the direct video to my 5" screen is superior. Tried to show that project today but the software choked on it......and maybe it will on this post as well. All I can do is try that post again....nuts.
The lighting is sure simpler on the video version ..... LED lights are built-n to the camera. This mirror version will be a backup.
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Greg, I guess it didn't look slow to me, but when I watch it, I can see a little lateral movement of the cases. Are you considering a pair of rails or something to guide them ? 
!!!!! Oh, wait, I have seven stations. The die on top is a "M" style expander die placed after a bushing sizer and before the powder measure. Then the tube bullet feed die feeds bullets almost exactly like a Mr. Bullet Feeder.....and just as 100% effective. 
My daughter came from Missouri, my son and grand son, my wife and I had a nice dinner of grilled "porter house" pork chops, corn on the cobb, my son, G'son and I share 10/5. G'son is 4 minutes early though @ 10/4.
Oct 5, 2024 10:16:00 GMT -5
My daughter came from Missouri, my son and grand son, my wife and I had a nice dinner of grilled "porter house" pork chops, corn on the cobb, my son, G'son and I share 10/5. G'son is 4 minutes early though @ 10/4.
Oct 5, 2024 10:16:00 GMT -5
Oct 31, 2024 7:23:05 GMT -5
Oct 31, 2024 7:23:05 GMT -5
Pooh I hope you find to right house . 
Pooh I hope you find to right house . 
Oct 31, 2024 8:44:20 GMT -5
Nov 5, 2024 10:37:49 GMT -5
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While we're at it, let us not for get to Thank a Veteran tomorrow, Veterans Day.
Nov 10, 2024 17:31:14 GMT -5
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While we're at it, let us not for get to Thank a Veteran tomorrow, Veterans Day.
Nov 10, 2024 17:31:14 GMT -5
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