RCBS SUMMIT press - thoughts?

[Deedle]

So I gave a lot of my reloading stuff away when I was out of the country for a bit, and I'm going to be needing a couple new presses soon. I'll most likely be getting a Dillon 650 for most of the heavy lifting but IME I've always needed a SS press for this and that.

I'm considering an RCBS Summit press, but I've never had one before, so - thoughts?

[kcstott]

Personally I’d get a rockchucker but yeah nothing really wrong with the summit.
It may not have the stroke for bigger cases but should be fine for most needs

[Deedle]

I like the above-the-benchness of it, and it looks typical RCBS, very sturdy. I had the rockchucker before, it's good but the thing always was hanging off the bench in the way. This looks like it might be tidy for something I just use infrequently.

I like the idea of the dies moving as well.

[TexasJackKin]

Interesting, it might be a great SS press, but it looks like a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. I'd go with a Rock Chucker as well. If you don't want it hanging over the edge of the bench, build or buy a riser of some sort.

[baih777]

I have one. I bought it to process my 300win brass. but found out I can process 300 win on my Hornaday single stage just fine.
its really compact and use it occasionally because its mounted on the bench already.

if I were to buy another single stage press.

https://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-presses/single-stage-presses/co-ax-reloading-press-prod38303.aspx

I don't care for C frame but this one looks nice and strong.

https://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/reloading-presses/single-stage-presses/sinclair-7-8-14-benchrest-press-prod33635.aspx

[stevebla]

I like the idea. Nice to get it out of the way.

[jimmythebrain]

They lack the strength of an O style press.
I would certainly get a Forster Co-Ax over the Summit press for accuracy.

Early production Summit presses would come apart- the ram would let loose from the base. they improved it but it ts still a design flaw.
For handgun loading, small rifle loading and neck sizing the Summit would be perfectly fine though. And it does have a very small footprint.

buy what you want, you do not need our permission.

[J-cat]

It’s a pos.

[tonyjr]

I would check about shell holders - like are they avalible
in your caliber ?
Order with the press , as for as I know Lee is the only company that gives shell holders with dies - so order
any caliber you might need when you order press .

[Deedle]

I would check about shell holders - like are they avalible
in your caliber ?
Order with the press , as for as I know Lee is the only company that gives shell holders with dies - so order
any caliber you might need when you order press .

AFAIK it uses RCBS shell holders.

[Deedle]

I have one. I bought it to process my 300win brass. but found out I can process 300 win on my Hornaday single stage just fine.

I don't see doing any reloading with it per se but I was looking to use it for swaging bullets and stuff like that.

[Lead Waster]

I don't have one, but from what I can see, I like the following;

- looks like you can switch which side the handle is on. I'd prefer it on the left (like in the photo) so you can use your right hand to handle cases and leave your hand on the handle for batch processes

- I like that there is clearance all around the shellplate, so you can see and manoeuvre your hands around the case without the frame getting in the way

- It mounts to the top of the bench so it seems like you have more mounting options

- Since it mounts to the top, you can sit at a workbench and use it. I can't sit in front of my presses typically because my legs or a chair get in the way of the handle. I can see this as a big advantage for seated reloading as you pull the handle towards you.



- however ... if your workbench is at 30-34 inches tall like most, will the handle being higher work for you if you are standing?

[Lead Waster]

Oh and by the way, consider getting a Hornady bushing conversion kit. You'll see the RCBS die holder has wrench flats ... you can actually unscrew the entire die holder and swap in the Hornady bushing, then buy bushings for your dies for quick change (twist and lift off, or push in and twist). I did that for my Rock Chucker.

[9mmepiphany]

I don't see doing any reloading with it per se but I was looking to use it for swaging bullets and stuff like that.

For that purpose, you'd be better off with the Lee Classic Cast Single Stage...there is even a modification to increase leverage for swaging bullets

[Deedle]

For that purpose, you'd be better off with the Lee Classic Cast Single Stage...there is even a modification to increase leverage for swaging bullets

I'll look into that, thanks for the tip.