Problems with RCBS products

M2HMGHB · July 27, 2002, 05:15 PM

it seems that every time i buy nad RCBS tool it breaks on me after short usage. The first was a universal decapping die that the rod broke on, and rather then paying 3 bucks less for a new rod i threw it out. About a month ago i got one of the RCBS strip primers and it worked great until i tried to change the primer seater, which broke inside the tool, so i have to send it back to Midway for a replacement. I just got a model 5-0-5 scale and it was 1.1 or so grains and it would screw up if i lifted the tray off then put it back down so i tried to do the level like they siad in the manual, well now the bar is hitting something and wont register. Any advice? Is this bad luck with RCBS or do they sell crappy products? thanks in advance

Scott

KP95DAO · July 27, 2002, 06:49 PM

If you have a problem with a RCBS product call their 1-800 number and you will find that they stand behind their products 200%. Even if you are the one who caused it to break.

sricciardelli · July 27, 2002, 07:08 PM

I have been using RCBS products, almost exclusively, since the early '60's. I have found them to be extremely durable and reliable.

A couple of months ago I needed some parts for an old Big Max press, and within 3 days the parts arrived in my mailbox...free of charge.

About two years ago I managed to get a case stuck in a 6mm resizing die (purchased in 1968), and not only did RCBS send me a new die, they sent me a completely new die set! Again, free of charge.

I have never had any problems with either of the RCBS scales I use (a 5-0-5 and a 10-10). Naturally, if they are not leveled, or if there is a breeze blowing across them, the readings are innacurate ... but that is not the scale's fault, it is the reloaders fault.

One more example of RCBS loyality to their customers, and honor of their warranty...

When I first purchased my RCBS handpriming tool I had 17 of the old style shell holders. These do not work on the hand tool, and RCBS sent me 17 new shell holders...free of charge, all I had to do was ship the old ones back to them.

Southla1 · July 27, 2002, 08:32 PM

I have to agree with Steve (sricciardelli). I have used RCBS exclusively (except for bullet casting items, for that I use Lyman)since about 1964 and have had very MINOR problems, if any problems at all, with RCBS. About 2 years ago the plastic hopper on my RCBS uniflow powder measure, which was purchased directly from RCBS while I was stationed at Beale AFB, CA in 65, became unusable from age, cracking and me dropping it on the concrete floor :O. A quick E-mail to Mr. Jay Postman with RCBS, and he informed me that the part is no longer made and the new design Uniflow plastic hopper will not fit the old style measure that I have, however it was no problem. RCBS took a new hopper and machined it to fit the old style measure and I had it in my mailbox vis USPS Priority Mail in 4 days at NO CHARGE!

I have one of the 10-10 scales and it is not the RCBS brand but Ohaus (who makes RCBS scales) and it has always agreed perfectly with an ancient Redding scale that I bought in 61. If it is wrong then both are worng and I should have blown my fool head off long ago

.

When they say their stuff is good they s*** you not.

When they say they stand behind what they sell they mean each and every word of it.

Try calling them or e-mailing them and I promise they will make it good.

WESHOOT2 · July 27, 2002, 09:08 PM

I use a 505 scale and the hand-priming tool (after I broke two LEE's the SAME day; kinda' busy day

).

They make real good stuff.

Do you have another experienced handloader who can physically inspect your process (is it you?)?
Not accusatory, just asking.

Holmes "Eliminate the possible....."

MADISON · July 27, 2002, 11:52 PM

RCBS has been extremely good to me!!!
I have some equipment that broke after 30 years and some that wore out in a short period of time.
Get on their 800 mumber Monday and tell "TECHNICAL SUPPORT" what is wrong. They will either tell you how to get it working or will send you replacement parts.
You can also do the above by going on line:
www.rcbs.com
E-Mail them your problem.

Andy Chadwick · July 28, 2002, 04:18 AM

I've used RCBS since the early '80s and have been very pleased with their products. They really stand behind their products, as the above posts assure you. For example, a few months ago I bent the decapping rod assembly on one of my competition dies. Found out the hard way that a case was Berdan primed.

They had a replacement part in my mail box in 3 days, all at no charge.

maxwayne · July 28, 2002, 08:28 AM

I don't think that I have ever dealt with a better company than RCBS. I once got a piece of 223 stuck in the die and they sent me a new die. When I have broke or needed something, they have usually sent it free.

Khornet · July 29, 2002, 05:59 AM

Has a pair of knife-edges riding in some kind of quartz-like notches, at the end near the pan. Check the edges and make sure the notches are free of debris.

It is zeroed by leveling with that little wheel, and if you bench is a little wobbly like mine then you can change the zero by jostling the bench and thus moving the scale. Even a small movement will change it, especially if the surface is uneven like the battered wood surface of my bench.

Pampers · July 29, 2002, 07:13 AM

Recently, I had the handle break off my RCBS Lubrisizer, and my RCBS Pro Melt lead pot quit heating. Both are between 15 and 20 years old (Memory fades!). RCBS sent a new handle gratis, and repaired the lead pot, also free.

Unkel Gilbey · July 30, 2002, 03:41 PM

As much as I'd dearly love to have one of those Rock Chucker presses, I told myself that I would only be able to upgrade once I wore out my old press.

Well, consider that I bought the press second hand in 1979, and have loaded up some ungodly amount of rounds in 9mm, 45 ACP, 44 Spl/Mag, 30-30, 30-06, etc. Add to this that I used RCBS's Primer pocket swager on about 15000 rounds of military brass, and this sunuvagoat press is still ticking like a Timex and is showing hardly any appreciable wear! I could probably load on this thing until my dying day - and then of course the offspring could take over.

Depriming pins will break, as will other bit/part/pieces. Ask the Dillon, Redding, Lee, Lyman users - they'll tell you the same. But I've had really good luck with them, and have absolutely no complaint with them. Also, RCBS has a wicked (meaning good) customer service department, right up there along with Ruger IMHO, and they'll bend over backwards to help you.

Can't go wrong with Green!

Unkel Gilbey

hps1 · July 30, 2002, 04:07 PM

Being a competitive rifle shooter, I load LOTS of ammo! Have used RCBS dies exclusively for years. I wore out a 30-06 sizing die (it started scratching case necks) and bought another set since I felt the old die owed me nothing.

A few years later, I figured out that I could reduce bullet runout by eliminating the expander ball in the sizing die and called RCBS customer service. Asked them if I sent the old, worn out die and some cases fired in my rifle, if they could open up the neck of that die to size correct neck diameter without the expander. I _stressed_ that the die simply wore out due to heavy useage over many years.

A week or two passed and I received a brand new _competiton_ die (the old die was a regular die), specially machined to my chamber.....no charge, ppd. NO one has any better customer service IMHO.

Regards,
hps

DD698 · August 4, 2002, 01:08 PM

My experience with RCBS has been very positive. Their products and technical assistance have been very good.

Johnny Guest · August 4, 2002, 02:12 PM

I am positivve RCBS will stnd behind all their products for you, just sa they have for me, for well over 30 years.

I have about as much brand enthusiasm for RCBS as for Dillon, and that's a lot! These are not the only good loading gear suppliers/manufacturers, but they are bench marks.

Best of luck--
Johnny Guest

Mylhouse · August 4, 2002, 02:36 PM

I would dare say that RCBS' customer service is *GASP* perhaps even better than Dillon's and they stand behind their products as much so or even more so. This coming from a guy that lives 15 miles from Dillon headquarters, owns Dillon stuff, and visits the facility at least 4 times a year.

Fred Hansen · August 4, 2002, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Problems with RCBS products

Hmmm...

I have used their stuff for 15+ years. I have bent a few decapping pins while trying to de-cap some Berdan primed cases, but that is about it. Dies work, scale works, measure works, press works, deburring gear works, press works...etc.......

July 27, 2002, 05:15 PM	#1
M2HMGHB Member Join Date: April 16, 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 90	Problems with RCBS products it seems that every time i buy nad RCBS tool it breaks on me after short usage. The first was a universal decapping die that the rod broke on, and rather then paying 3 bucks less for a new rod i threw it out. About a month ago i got one of the RCBS strip primers and it worked great until i tried to change the primer seater, which broke inside the tool, so i have to send it back to Midway for a replacement. I just got a model 5-0-5 scale and it was 1.1 or so grains and it would screw up if i lifted the tray off then put it back down so i tried to do the level like they siad in the manual, well now the bar is hitting something and wont register. Any advice? Is this bad luck with RCBS or do they sell crappy products? thanks in advance Scott

July 27, 2002, 07:08 PM	#3
sricciardelli Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2001 Location: Montana Posts: 489	I have been using RCBS products, almost exclusively, since the early '60's. I have found them to be extremely durable and reliable. A couple of months ago I needed some parts for an old Big Max press, and within 3 days the parts arrived in my mailbox...free of charge. About two years ago I managed to get a case stuck in a 6mm resizing die (purchased in 1968), and not only did RCBS send me a new die, they sent me a completely new die set! Again, free of charge. I have never had any problems with either of the RCBS scales I use (a 5-0-5 and a 10-10). Naturally, if they are not leveled, or if there is a breeze blowing across them, the readings are innacurate ... but that is not the scale's fault, it is the reloaders fault. One more example of RCBS loyality to their customers, and honor of their warranty... When I first purchased my RCBS handpriming tool I had 17 of the old style shell holders. These do not work on the hand tool, and RCBS sent me 17 new shell holders...free of charge, all I had to do was ship the old ones back to them. __________________ http://stevespages.com/page8.htm

July 27, 2002, 09:08 PM	#5
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	PRODUCTION CAPABLE I use a 505 scale and the hand-priming tool (after I broke two LEE's the SAME day; kinda' busy day ). They make real good stuff. Do you have another experienced handloader who can physically inspect your process (is it you?)? Not accusatory, just asking. Holmes "Eliminate the possible....." __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

July 27, 2002, 11:52 PM	#6
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	RCBS that seems to break RCBS has been extremely good to me!!! I have some equipment that broke after 30 years and some that wore out in a short period of time. Get on their 800 mumber Monday and tell "TECHNICAL SUPPORT" what is wrong. They will either tell you how to get it working or will send you replacement parts. You can also do the above by going on line: www.rcbs.com E-Mail them your problem.

July 29, 2002, 05:59 AM	#9
Khornet Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2001 Location: NH Posts: 585	The 505 scale Has a pair of knife-edges riding in some kind of quartz-like notches, at the end near the pan. Check the edges and make sure the notches are free of debris. It is zeroed by leveling with that little wheel, and if you bench is a little wobbly like mine then you can change the zero by jostling the bench and thus moving the scale. Even a small movement will change it, especially if the surface is uneven like the battered wood surface of my bench. __________________ The M1 does MY talking!

July 27, 2002, 06:49 PM	#2
KP95DAO Senior Member Join Date: December 30, 2000 Posts: 699	If you have a problem with a RCBS product call their 1-800 number and you will find that they stand behind their products 200%. Even if you are the one who caused it to break.

July 27, 2002, 08:32 PM	#4
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	I have to agree with Steve (sricciardelli). I have used RCBS exclusively (except for bullet casting items, for that I use Lyman)since about 1964 and have had very MINOR problems, if any problems at all, with RCBS. About 2 years ago the plastic hopper on my RCBS uniflow powder measure, which was purchased directly from RCBS while I was stationed at Beale AFB, CA in 65, became unusable from age, cracking and me dropping it on the concrete floor :O. A quick E-mail to Mr. Jay Postman with RCBS, and he informed me that the part is no longer made and the new design Uniflow plastic hopper will not fit the old style measure that I have, however it was no problem. RCBS took a new hopper and machined it to fit the old style measure and I had it in my mailbox vis USPS Priority Mail in 4 days at NO CHARGE! I have one of the 10-10 scales and it is not the RCBS brand but Ohaus (who makes RCBS scales) and it has always agreed perfectly with an ancient Redding scale that I bought in 61. If it is wrong then both are worng and I should have blown my fool head off long ago . When they say their stuff is good they s*** you not. When they say they stand behind what they sell they mean each and every word of it. Try calling them or e-mailing them and I promise they will make it good.

July 28, 2002, 04:18 AM	#7
Andy Chadwick Member Join Date: March 2, 2002 Posts: 33	I've used RCBS since the early '80s and have been very pleased with their products. They really stand behind their products, as the above posts assure you. For example, a few months ago I bent the decapping rod assembly on one of my competition dies. Found out the hard way that a case was Berdan primed. They had a replacement part in my mail box in 3 days, all at no charge.

July 28, 2002, 08:28 AM	#8
maxwayne Senior Member Join Date: March 10, 2001 Posts: 402	I don't think that I have ever dealt with a better company than RCBS. I once got a piece of 223 stuck in the die and they sent me a new die. When I have broke or needed something, they have usually sent it free.

July 29, 2002, 07:13 AM	#10
Pampers Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2000 Location: In the Lost State of Franklin Posts: 482	Problems? Recently, I had the handle break off my RCBS Lubrisizer, and my RCBS Pro Melt lead pot quit heating. Both are between 15 and 20 years old (Memory fades!). RCBS sent a new handle gratis, and repaired the lead pot, also free. __________________ Your Most Humble & Obedient Servant Fred J. Drumheller NRA Life NRA Golden Eagle

July 30, 2002, 03:41 PM	#11
Unkel Gilbey Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 1999 Location: Danby, Vermont Posts: 349	JR 2 press As much as I'd dearly love to have one of those Rock Chucker presses, I told myself that I would only be able to upgrade once I wore out my old press. Well, consider that I bought the press second hand in 1979, and have loaded up some ungodly amount of rounds in 9mm, 45 ACP, 44 Spl/Mag, 30-30, 30-06, etc. Add to this that I used RCBS's Primer pocket swager on about 15000 rounds of military brass, and this sunuvagoat press is still ticking like a Timex and is showing hardly any appreciable wear! I could probably load on this thing until my dying day - and then of course the offspring could take over. Depriming pins will break, as will other bit/part/pieces. Ask the Dillon, Redding, Lee, Lyman users - they'll tell you the same. But I've had really good luck with them, and have absolutely no complaint with them. Also, RCBS has a wicked (meaning good) customer service department, right up there along with Ruger IMHO, and they'll bend over backwards to help you. Can't go wrong with Green! Unkel Gilbey

July 30, 2002, 04:07 PM	#12
hps1 Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 425	Being a competitive rifle shooter, I load LOTS of ammo! Have used RCBS dies exclusively for years. I wore out a 30-06 sizing die (it started scratching case necks) and bought another set since I felt the old die owed me nothing. A few years later, I figured out that I could reduce bullet runout by eliminating the expander ball in the sizing die and called RCBS customer service. Asked them if I sent the old, worn out die and some cases fired in my rifle, if they could open up the neck of that die to size correct neck diameter without the expander. I _stressed_ that the die simply wore out due to heavy useage over many years. A week or two passed and I received a brand new _competiton_ die (the old die was a regular die), specially machined to my chamber.....no charge, ppd. NO one has any better customer service IMHO. Regards, hps

August 4, 2002, 01:08 PM	#13
DD698 Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2002 Location: Northern Mi. Posts: 153	RCBS Products My experience with RCBS has been very positive. Their products and technical assistance have been very good. __________________ DD698

August 4, 2002, 02:12 PM	#14
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	Sorry you had some problems, M2 . . . . I am positivve RCBS will stnd behind all their products for you, just sa they have for me, for well over 30 years. I have about as much brand enthusiasm for RCBS as for Dillon, and that's a lot! These are not the only good loading gear suppliers/manufacturers, but they are bench marks. Best of luck-- Johnny Guest

August 4, 2002, 02:36 PM	#15
Mylhouse Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 1999 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 446	I would dare say that RCBS' customer service is *GASP* perhaps even better than Dillon's and they stand behind their products as much so or even more so. This coming from a guy that lives 15 miles from Dillon headquarters, owns Dillon stuff, and visits the facility at least 4 times a year. __________________ "Trust me...I know what I'm doing..." Sledgehammer