Installing an RCBS Reloading Press: Step-by-Step Setup Guide

You have a new RCBS press sitting in the box, or an old one waiting for a new home, and you need to know exactly how to bolt it down so it stays square and solid. This page gives you the mounting steps, tool list, and error checks to get it installed right the first time.

What you need to mount the press

Before you start, verify the hardware included with your specific press. RCBS manuals list the exact bolt sizes required, and you must check the maker’s current spec sheet for your model, as older manuals may differ from modern stock. Do not use generic hardware from a hardware store, as thread pitches often do not match. For the detail, see our notes on nosler reloading guide.

• RCBS Press: Ensure the body is clean and undamaged. Check the baseplate for rust or debris.
• Drill and Bits: A variable speed drill with masonry bits (for concrete) or wood bits (for bench).
• Washers and Nuts: Use the included RCBS hardware to sandwich the baseplate securely.
• Drill Guide Template: Often included, or found in the manual for older models like the RC IV.
• Level: A straightedge or spirit level to check squareness vertically and horizontally.
• Allen Wrenches: Most RCBS presses require hex keys to adjust the turret or single die; have them ready.
• Case Prep Vise: Optional, but helpful for trimming cases later.

If you are upgrading from a single-stage to a turret, ensure your bench has enough clearance for the handle rotation. You need at least 12 inches of open space behind the press body to swing the handle without hitting the wall.

Prep the bench surface

A wobbly bench ruins your reloads. If your bench has a top thickness under two inches, or uses particle board, you must add a solid wood sub-mount. This prevents the press base from cracking the bench top over time. The force generated when seating a bullet is high, and repeated shock on a thin surface causes movement. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at rcbs rock chucker 100.

1. Clear the bench area completely. Remove mats, clamps, or other tools.
2. If necessary, bolt a 12-by-18 inch piece of 3/4-inch hardwood to the bench. Use screws that are at least 2 inches long to anchor into the sub-frame.
3. Center the piece where you plan to place the press. Ensure the sub-mount is flat against the bench surface.
4. Place the press on the sub-mount and mark the approximate center. This is your working zone.

For those using a dedicated press stand, ensure the stand itself is level on the floor. A stand that rocks will transfer that instability to the press. You can use a spirit level on the top plate of the stand before bolting the press to it.

Drill and install the mounting hardware

This is the step where most people make errors. You must drill through the press base and the bench at the same time, or use the included drill guide. Never guess the hole location. Misaligned holes force you to chase the bolt, which widens the hole and weakens the mount.

1. Place the press where you want it permanently. Consider your reach; you should be able to pull the handle comfortably.
2. Use the holes in the press base as guides. If your press does not have pre-drilled holes, place the drill guide template over the base.
3. Drill pilot holes through the baseplate and into the bench. Use a bit slightly smaller than the bolt diameter.
4. Slide the provided washers onto the bolts. Large flange washers are often required for heavier models like the RC IV.
5. Insert the bolts through the baseplate and tighten the nuts from the bottom. Do not fully tighten yet.

If mounting to a concrete floor or wall, use masonry anchors that match the bolt diameter. The anchors must expand fully within the material to hold the weight. Check the RCBS manual for the recommended anchor size for your specific model. We cover verifying instrument size in a guide of its own.

Check squareness and tighten

A press that leans will cause you to lean, leading to shoulder pain and inconsistent seating. You must verify the press is plumb relative to the bench surface. Use a level on the top of the body while you tighten the hardware.

For turret models, ensure the handle does not hit the bench or wall at the end of the rotation.

1. Place a level on top of the press body. Check both vertical and horizontal axes.
2. Loosen the hardware slightly if the bubble is off-center. You may need to lift one side of the press slightly.
3. Adjust the press position or add shims if needed. Shims made of steel plate work well under the baseplate.
4. Tighten the nuts fully, one turn at a time, keeping the level on top. This prevents the press from shifting as the bolts engage.
5. Finally, test the handle rotation. It should move freely without rubbing against the bench or the press body.

For the RCBS Rebel and Rock Chucker series, the baseplate is relatively flat. For the RC IV, the base is more robust, but the alignment principles remain the same. Ensure the lock ring is accessible for die changes.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Drilling too big a hole: If the hole is larger than the bolt, the press will wobble. Measure the bolt diameter before drilling. Use a pilot bit one size down.
• Forgetting the bottom nut: The nut under the bench clamps the base. Without it, the bolts pull up and strip the wood. Always use two washers and a nut on the bottom side.
• Ignoring the manual: Some RCBS models use different base patterns. Always read the paper included with your specific press. The RC IV uses a different pattern than the older Rebel.
• Mounting on a flexible stand: Portable stands like folding tables flex. Always mount to a fixed bench or a dedicated steel riser. Flex leads to case damage.
• Not securing the turret lock: On turret presses, ensure the turret is locked correctly after installation. A loose turret can shift during operation.

Take a photo of your setup. It helps when you need to move the press back into storage and reinstall it later. Note which bolts went where if you are using mixed hardware.

The bottom line

Frequently asked questions