Should I upgrade my RCBS press?

[186thFCo]

Hello everyone, I’m getting into PRS comps and I’m changing calibers to 6GT. My question is would it be a good idea to upgrade my reloading press as well? Currently I have my old RCBS, RC IV single stage press. I’m looking at ordering the new SAC Nexus press. Assuming my case prep process doesn’t cause any inconsistencies would getting that SAC press improve the quality of my rounds.

I should note that my current press is not super consistent when it comes to bumping shoulder back. I try to get a .002” bump but I’ll get several that are +/-.001 and even a few that will bump .004”. Not sure if that variation will affect accuracy but like a lot of you I’m a bit OCD with case prep.

Thanks in advance

 

[Marine52]

Hello everyone, I’m getting into PRS comps and I’m changing calibers to 6GT. My question is would it be a good idea to upgrade my reloading press as well? Currently I have my old RCBS, RC IV single stage press. I’m looking at ordering the new SAC Nexus press. Assuming my case prep process doesn’t cause any inconsistencies would getting that SAC press improve the quality of my rounds.

I should note that my current press is not super consistent when it comes to bumping shoulder back. I try to get a .002” bump but I’ll get several that are +/-.001 and even a few that will bump .004”. Not sure if that variation will affect accuracy but like a lot of you I’m a bit OCD with case prep.

Thanks in advance

The press you have is a good one but if it has a lot of flex in the linkages that will result in inconsistent shoulder bump as you are experiencing, assuming your other loading steps are consistent. For example, consistent lube on case. A new press is nice and the Nexus should give you much better consistency in shoulder bump. However, experienced shooters work around this issue with a hard contact between SH and die or solid “cam over“ and the use of the comp shell holders that allow this hard contact in graduated steps of bump.

Do you need this level of precision for PRS? Maybe not, but that’s up to you. If you are OCD with case prep as you say, it may be worth it to step up to a premium press.

 

[straightshooter1]

Hello everyone, I’m getting into PRS comps and I’m changing calibers to 6GT. My question is would it be a good idea to upgrade my reloading press as well? Currently I have my old RCBS, RC IV single stage press. I’m looking at ordering the new SAC Nexus press. Assuming my case prep process doesn’t cause any inconsistencies would getting that SAC press improve the quality of my rounds.

I should note that my current press is not super consistent when it comes to bumping shoulder back. I try to get a .002” bump but I’ll get several that are +/-.001 and even a few that will bump .004”. Not sure if that variation will affect accuracy but like a lot of you I’m a bit OCD with case prep.

Thanks in advance

Save yourself some $$$ and get a Forster Co-Ax. You won't be disappointed.

 

[misser]

IMHO if ya only have one press you things to learn.I do believe there is a need to have a good accurately made press for sizing .then move over to an arbor to use LE Wilson dies to seat bullets .

 

[Maurygold]

If you arent using alpha or lapua brass, then - definitely not.

If you are, then - probably not.

Upgrading that press won’t change that headspacing that much or really improve your reloads unless you’re at a super low sd (under 7-8 avg) and looking to go lower.

If you are using hornady or some other mediocre brass you can’t spend enough money to get past that.

 

[MarshallDodge]

There are several reasons for inconsistent shoulder bump. The press could be the issue especially if the shellholder is not contacting the base of the die. You can buy various thickness shellholders to remove the gap.

Lube thickness on shoulder- Clean the inside of the die before you start. Try not to get lube on the case shoulder.

Consistency when you pull the handle. Some come up immediately, while others count to 3 or 5 before raising the handle.

Brass hardness causing springback- Everytime you shoot a piece of brass, it gets harder. Annealing solves this.