Need some help with this old CH Press

Nabs

Nabs

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Hey Folks,

I just recently came into possession of this old, but still quite usable, C&H single stage press. It looks like it needs an adapter to be compatible with some modern slip in shell holders. I sent an e-mail to C&H to ask for some help but I am hoping someone here might be able to identify the part that this press is missing.

Thanks for any help you can provide :).

jsWydkp.jpg
 
Hey Diopter,

Looks like a good setup you have (I like the bungie cord :)). Are you running an adapter of some kind or a CH specific shell holder on your press ?
 
No, just a spring clip to keep the shell holder in. Above picture does not have it. May have a spare laying around.
Will post more recent picture later when I can.
 
Bungee cord keeps my shins from getting bruised!
Since bought a roller handle for an RCBS Junior handle from Inline Fabrication.
Dave at CH4d should have old spare parts.

This is the top of the ram with the clip to hold a regular shellholder.




 
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Not 100% yours is the same, but I had a CH press that looked like that. It used proprietary C&H shell holders OR you could get an adapter that would allow the use of regular (LEE, RCBS, etc) universal shell holders. The adaptor is shown in Diopter's photos.

It's also possible sometimes to find the old C&H proprietary shell holders on ebay but there is no reference chart to say which number is for what cartridge, and that makes it tough.

This looks like it could be the correct universal adaptor: here
 
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Hi Jet,

Thank you for the help and the info, that looks to be the same adapter I saw on C&H's website. I am waiting for hear back from C&H customer service on what they recommend so I don't order the wrong part. In the mean time, I will be cleaning up the press so it will be ready to reload :).
 
It almost looks like a caliber specific ram with the beveled top edge of the opening.

If a shell holder can slide in then it wouldn't be hard to cut a groove around it and a smaller key ring can be cut and used to lock the shell holder in place.

If not then you need another ram.
There are adapters for the old J-style shell holders but they will not fit on yours.

I have a ram for an older press here, don't know for what brand / model but if it would fit yours you can have it.
Its a bit rusty but that will clean up. Its never used actually.

 
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Hi everyone,

Thank you for the help so far, I really do appreciate it. Bertn, thank you for the offer, I will certainly keep it in mind :).

I watched the video that Diopter posted and it got me thinking; the ram looks to be about the size that would support a case. I grabbed one of the cases I had and it fit snug and perfectly. It also seems to work fine with the primer ram as well. I am use to using shell holders in the press that I didn't even think of using a case without one.

I am presently working on cleaning up the press, it looks like it sat around someone's garage for sometime. I can't wait to start using it :). On that note, is that you setup in the video, diopter ? If so, what stand are you using ? I am looking at options to mount mine that are sturdy but won't break the bank and be somewhat mobile or can be disassembled.

Here is a picture of a 270 Winchester case that I tested in the press:

bEFa2B3.jpg
 
At least you have a ram in it that fits a large number of different (and some very popular) calibers :)

Good luck on the cleanup.
 
My CH press is shown on a Lee Reloading stand. Don't bother with the Lee wooden blocks, they crack along the grain. Should have been decent grade plywood instead.
Get the steel plates and drill the holes you need. The plates are pre-drilled for LEE presses.



Other Setup is 2x4's with Simpsons Strong Tie Brackets to support an oak thread on top of a old steel Oliver Stringing machine, which was too wobbly by itself for FL Resizing rifle brass.

The Inline Fabrication mount is great for switching presses quickly.

Added leveling feet and lock nuts.


Hornady LNL AP and RCBS RC+ PiggyBack on Inline Fabrication 2 press dock
 
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Wow, quite the setup you have there :).

I just finished cleaning up the press, looks a bit cleaner and functions like new. The next step is building a reloading bench of some kind and hopefully hit the range soon.
 
Hey guys,

Thought I would make a quick update. I cleaned up the press and managed to reload some rounds yesterday with great success. Thanks for the help and thoughts on getting this press up and running again :).
 
Nabs Bertha is correct you have a cartridge specific ram in that press. CH will sell you a new ram ram that accepts the snap in shellholders. What you want is a CH part #412090. They run about $30. Hope that helps
 
diopter said:
So you're making 6.5x58 Portuguese out of 270Win?
Click to expand...

You guessed it. The brass is reformed 270 Winchester for 6.5x58 and they work beautifully.

rokoro said:
Nabs Bertha is correct you have a cartridge specific ram in that press. CH will sell you a new ram ram that accepts the snap in shellholders. What you want is a CH part #412090. They run about $30. Hope that helps
Click to expand...

Hi rokoro, thank you for the parts number, I was looking at that ram and I was wondering if I needed an adapter for that one to accept snap in shell holders. I think I will get that ram as I have some reloading ambitions for an 1886 Kropatschek :).

I thought I would share a picture of the Vergeuiro at the right, it is not a common sight, especially the 6.5 version. I only loaded 25 shots as primers are hard to get in my area but I am looking forward to going back soon for some more shooting.

E3DnnBl.jpg
 
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