RCBS Green Machine - Inline Progressive Press

[drkphibr]

Ever since I first saw one of these inline progressive presses by RCBS fondly called the Green Machine, I knew I wanted one. By all financial/sales measures, they were a failure and only lasted about 4 years in the early 1980's. However, from an engineering (as well as mechanical cool factor), perspective, I think these little gems were amazing.

Their limitations included:

1. Dedicated to a single (and limited) caliber
2. Unreliable priming solution
3. Challenging powder drop (on/off, not case activated)

and were not well suited for the beginner or casual reloader IMO. You had to know what/how things operated to be successful with a Green Machine.

I finally found one locally (and am SO smitten by it and the reconditioning/restoring process that I have 3 more in the works) and completely disassembled, cleaned/polished everything and then reassembled it. Started a video series on the process as I have more things planned for it/them.

These are the first two videos...

Here's the press after picking it up: https://youtu.be/56iVakjSAhI

Here it is after it's deep cleaning: https://youtu.be/on0VIgzm8TA

Amazing how smooth the machine (handle, ram/guide rods) operate with minimal leverage/pressure (as compared to my Hornady or Dillon progressives).

A very cool piece of history for sure!

['ol shooter]

I guess you could store it in the garage in the trunk of your Yugo...about the same in reliability.

Meanwhile, my 1978 Rock Chucker just keeps rollin' along.

[sigstroker]

I knew a guy that had a Star inline machine about the same vintage. Real expensive, about like a used car. Way before Dillon or any other cheap progressives.

[eaglemike]

I knew a guy that had a Star inline machine about the same vintage. Real expensive, about like a used car. Way before Dillon or any other cheap progressives.

The Star inline was extremely rare. Super super rare. Most people don't even know about Star reloaders..
I worked there for a while in the 70's and 80's.

[jtv3062]

That's a cool press. I'm always on the look out for old reloading equipment.

[anyracoon]

Had one in 9mm in the early 90's.

[divingin]

The Star inline was extremely rare. Super super rare. Most people don't even know about Star reloaders..
I worked there for a while in the 70's and 80's.

Always wanted a Star in the 80's but could never get up the money.

[sigstroker]

The Star inline was extremely rare. Super super rare. Most people don't even know about Star reloaders..
I worked there for a while in the 70's and 80's.

Yeah, that guy was pretty serious. Met him at a combat match, he was my mentor, and taught me how crappy AR-15's were.

[BigBronco]

Those in line presses were way cool. I have a couple C&H Auto Champion presses. One for rimmed and one for rimless cartridges. Way easier to caliber convert.

[Che762x39]

OP, that was good. Thank you for sharing.