RCBS A Series Presses

M

MOpresses

New Member
Through a lot of luck I now have all but 2 of the A series presses. I am still missing the 1948-1951 Pre-A series press and the later version A2 that was made of cast iron and had no bushing. I believe I have the hardest or near impossible presses found though.
Shown in this picture from left to right is the welded pre-A, 1951-1956 Pre-A, A, 2A, Cast Steel A2, A3, A4 (Technically much later and not really an A series), and B.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2011.jpg
    IMG_2011.jpg
    634.8 KB · Views: 40
RicinYakima

RicinYakima

High Steppes of Eastern Washington
How do you tell the difference between steel and cast iron?


Just touch the drill to the surface in an inconspicuous spot and push down for a second or two. If it's cast steel it will have course chips and shavings that kind of stay in tact, and if it's cast iron it will have very fine powder like shavings. Oct 15, 2008

How to tell the difference between Cast Iron/Cast Steel?​

1702593268835.png
American Welding Society
https://app.aws.org › forum › topic_show
 
Pressman

Pressman

Active Member
Alstep said:
How do you tell the difference between cast iron & steel?

Very nice collection.
Click to expand...
For the A2 it's visible. The cast iron model has no bushing and the upper frame "O" is redesigned. Also, it's mentioned in the catalog for 1967 that it's made of ferrous alloy. IE: cast iron.
 
M

MOpresses

New Member
Pressman said:
Nice collection, the cast iron A 2 should be easy enough to find, the 1st pre-A may take some patience.
Click to expand...
I agree on all accounts. That early Pre-a is not to common, but the hunt is part of the fun! I really enjoy collecting and learning more about these old tools. I’m definitely in aww of what I’ve read of your collection.
 
seagiant1

seagiant1

Active Member
MOpresses said:
Nice presses Seagiant! I don’t have any tasks requiring steel, but I sure like the added strength. Having 2 littles is eating into my reloading time, I hope to get into swaging next.
Click to expand...
Hi,
I just sold about 12 presses, I had collected over the years...

My understanding is the RCBS A2 Presses were originally made to swag and make .22 varmit bullets...

Of course Pressman would be the authority on that, but what I heard.

I don't swag, but always liked the bigger presses for their smooth actions.

oooo2.jpg
 
seagiant1

seagiant1

Active Member
richhodg66 said:
I have a bunch of presses, no A2 yet. Probably will someday.

Seagiant, how dies that C&H Champion stack up against the A2 as a press?
Click to expand...
Hi,
Well. the A2 is no slouch, but the Champion is a stronger Press to my mind.

Both were made to do some light swaging and neither are cheap to buy.

I looked years for both at a good price and finally found them.

The bottom line is I sold the A2 and kept the Champion, but that is me...

No doubt others would of done the opposite, both fantastic Presses!

yyy1.jpg
 
M

MOpresses

New Member
Wow Seagiant, that Bair Kodiak 150 is clean! That or its twin the Pacific Deluxe Pro are on my want list. I’ve seen a few for sale but went to rich for my blood. I love their unique side priming mechanism.
 
Last edited:
seagiant1

seagiant1

Active Member
MOpresses said:
Wow Seagiant, that Bair Kodiak 150 is clean! That or its twin the Pacific Deluxe Pro are on my want list. I’ve seen a few for sale but went to rich for my blood. I love their unique side priming mechanism.
Click to expand...
Hi,
I just sold it for a pretty penny.

Did not look that good when I got it, so refurbed it.

Cool factor is off the charts, but not as stout as the A2 and Champion!

kkkkk1.jpgrr2.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.