Where to buy RCBS Summit press

While 95% of my reloading kit is RCBS, and their customer service is second to none in my opinion, I just can't see how anyone could look at a press like that and think it's something I'd like to try.

The offset between the linkage and the die is such a fundamentally bad mechanical design. I can't see how it would be good for much more than seating bullets.

That said, best of luck to you.
 
I’d like to know why it’s a fundamentally bad design. I did some research on it and it seems to make very good sized and loaded brass. Is the rock chucker or crusher (?) a better design. My partner press is 30 yrs old and won’t resize right anymore so I need a new press. The Forster coax seems out of my budget. I need something that will go another 30 years. LOL
 
I’d like to know why it’s a fundamentally bad design. I did some research on it and it seems to make very good sized and loaded brass. Is the rock chucker or crusher (?) a better design. My partner press is 30 yrs old and won’t resize right anymore so I need a new press. The Forster coax seems out of my budget. I need something that will go another 30 years. LOL

The issue is that the force down from the linkage is applied to the die plate on a different plane than the force from the resistance of the cartridge in the die up. This results in lateral force which is both inefficient, and will over time result in wear between the die plate and the support column. This will result in an angle in the shell plate over time.

For light duty work, it may be ok, but anything that requires much force will be a problem. If you look at the less stellar reviews on it, people mention these issues along with others.

If you want an open face to the press, I'd go with a Forster or a Redding Ultramag, otherwise I'd go with a conventional O press. Good luck with your decision.
 
The issue is that the force down from the linkage is applied to the die plate on a different plane than the force from the resistance of the cartridge in the die up. This results in lateral force which is both inefficient, and will over time result in wear between the die plate and the support column. This will result in an angle in the shell plate over time.

For light duty work, it may be ok, but anything that requires much force will be a problem. If you look at the less stellar reviews on it, people mention these issues along with others.

If you want an open face to the press, I'd go with a Forster or a Redding Ultramag, otherwise I'd go with a conventional O press. Good luck with your decision.

I'd suggest you actually touch one before speaking of applied force. With the toolhead moving up and down on a solid 3" piece of bar stock, there is absolutely zero lateral movement of the toolhead. I would suggest having some experience with products you are going to slag before you speak.
 
I'd suggest you actually touch one before speaking of applied force. With the toolhead moving up and down on a solid 3" piece of bar stock, there is absolutely zero lateral movement of the toolhead. I would suggest having some experience with products you are going to slag before you speak.

Bar sock? Looks more like a casting to me. Any one with high school physics can see that the offset between the die and the linkage pivot will cause a twisting force in the plate. I like RCBS, I don’t like that press design.
 
Supreme Press

I just ordered on on Amazon. $350 plus tax but if you have Prime its free 2 day shipping. Xreload in Quebec has them for less but with shipping and taxes it ended up going to cost more.
Hope that helps, Stephen
 
I've been using one for probably 3 years now with ZERO issues, I size on this press with redding bushing neck sizing dies, do the odd bit of bullet seating with it as well, I also bought the shorter handle, which is a nice addition. The mechanics of the press suck in such that when full length sizing brass there is no mechanical advantage where you need it, right as the expander ball comes through the neck, so it's a tug of war to do such on this thing, however I don't full length size much anymore so it's not an issue I run into.
I size on this press and seat bullets on another press that is located beside my powder measure
 
Bar sock? Looks more like a casting to me. Any one with high school physics can see that the offset between the die and the linkage pivot will cause a twisting force in the plate. I like RCBS, I don’t like that press design.

Again because you have never actually looked at one. The toolhead rides straight up and down on a huge piece of bar stock. It doesn't move anywhere but directly up or down. Go find one to actually look at before you profess expertise on the workings of it. You don't have a clue.
 
Again because you have never actually looked at one. The toolhead rides straight up and down on a huge piece of bar stock. It doesn't move anywhere but directly up or down. Go find one to actually look at before you profess expertise on the workings of it. You don't have a clue.

Yes, the support column is round bar stock, you originally referred to the die plate as a 3" piece of bar stock, when in fact it is a casting. That said, the fundamental flaw in this press, is not the materials used to build it, it is the physical design that introduces a horizontal offset between the die and the linkage. This results in a horizontal component in the transfer of force to the cartridge. This means that you need to apply more force than a traditional press to get the same result.


That is not good, it's inefficient and will cause greater wear between the die plate and the support column. That's why they put a Zerk fitting on it so you could minimize the friction and wear with grease. Your emotional investment in the press, does not negate the fundamental laws of mechanics (Google "Force Vector" if you like). I have actually looked at one and found the design to be wanting.

In the Summit, RCBS resurrected an old design that had rightfully gone the way of the Dodo. If you're happy with it, more power to you, I prefer my RCII and my Utramag, for obvious reasons (Superior design and construction).
 
Yes, the support column is round bar stock, you originally referred to the die plate as a 3" piece of bar stock, when in fact it is a casting. That said, the fundamental flaw in this press, is not the materials used to build it, it is the physical design that introduces a horizontal offset between the die and the linkage. This results in a horizontal component in the transfer of force to the cartridge. This means that you need to apply more force than a traditional press to get the same result.


That is not good, it's inefficient and will cause greater wear between the die plate and the support column. That's why they put a Zerk fitting on it so you could minimize the friction and wear with grease. Your emotional investment in the press, does not negate the fundamental laws of mechanics (Google "Force Vector" if you like). I have actually looked at one and found the design to be wanting.

In the Summit, RCBS resurrected an old design that had rightfully gone the way of the Dodo. If you're happy with it, more power to you, I prefer my RCII and my Utramag, for obvious reasons (Superior design and construction).

Sorry, where did I refer to a "die plate". Again you are mistaken about any lateral or horizontal force. You really, really don't know what you are talking about. By all means show us something that backs your statement. If you are going to try to convince us that the RC2 (which is a great press) has less lateral or horizontal movement between the tool head and the shell carrier than the Summit you are on crack dude.

editted to add: does the Co-ax have these same issues? Are you going to convince us that the RC2 is superior to the Co-ax as well?
 
With this gnat picking is why I prefer my RCBS Rock Chucker...
With a name like Rock Chucker you know it has to be good.
Like the manual transmission of yore...the Muncie rock Crusher 4spd.
So, where does one locate in Canada the RCBS Summit press?
That question needs to be answered.
Rob
 
I ordered one through the LGS. Bowmack had it in stock. This was about three years back, when they first came out. It seemed to have a bit of sideways slop, but maybe that was part of the design to let things float to their natural centres. Like the Forster, but different. I sold it because it required a high reach that was hard on my arthritic shoulder. I then bought the Forster and seemed to be easier on my shoulder, although it requires a higher reach that conventional presses. Go figure.
 
Sorry, where did I refer to a "die plate". Again you are mistaken about any lateral or horizontal force. You really, really don't know what you are talking about. By all means show us something that backs your statement. If you are going to try to convince us that the RC2 (which is a great press) has less lateral or horizontal movement between the tool head and the shell carrier than the Summit you are on crack dude.

editted to add: does the Co-ax have these same issues? Are you going to convince us that the RC2 is superior to the Co-ax as well?

LOL, It’s pretty much an accepted fact that O presses are the strongest design. C presses provide better access to the cartridge but give up some strength in doing so. Both the Forster and the Ultramag offer greater support of the die than the Summit. This is obvious to anyone who cares to look at the linkage of the press in relation to the die.

In one online review of the Summit, the Coax and the RC, the author states that under high force load, the Summit’s die plate tilts upwards. If all you do is light work with your press, the Summit may suffice, but why would you spend more money on something less capable. RC is cheaper and stronger. Coax and Ultramag cost more and are worth every penny. You are clearly too invested in your purchase to see the obvious shortcomings of its design. Hopefully I’ve helped the OP avoid the same mistake.
 
Buddy, you are delusional. The toolhead of the Summit moves up and down. It does not go sideways, it does not tilt or twist or whatever else you want to say. You keep talking about the linkage, which is simply a mechanism to move the toolhead up and down.

Either way, I bought mine from Ellwood Epps last all for $219. Which is apparently more expensive than the RC.
 
Why not take it to private messaging guys.
Tossing insults at one another doesn’t help the guy trying to figure something out.
What ever the something is he is looking for .
Best Regards,
Rob
 
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