Setting up a new reloading press is an exciting moment. It’s the first step toward crafting precise, consistent ammunition tailored to your specific firearm. The RCBS Rebel press is a robust single-stage workhorse, known for its strength and smooth operation right out of the box. A proper setup is the foundation for everything that follows.
This guide walks you through the entire process, from unboxing to your first loaded round. We’ll cover the critical steps to ensure your press is safe, stable, and ready for years of reliable service. For this project, having a clean, organized workspace is half the battle. Many professionals recommend using a dedicated case prep center like the Frankford Arsenal Platinum to handle trimming, chamfering, and priming off-press, which streamlines your workflow significantly.
Unboxing and Parts Identification
Open the box carefully and lay out all components. The RCBS Rebel reloading press is substantial. You should find the main press frame, the handle, the Ram, the priming arm assembly, a large spent Primer Catcher tube, and various bolts and washers. Compare everything against the parts list in your RCBS Rebel manual. This initial inspection ensures nothing is missing or damaged from shipping.
Familiarize yourself with the key parts. The Compound Linkage is the heart of the press’s mechanical advantagethose pivoting arms that make sizing brass feel effortless. The ram is the vertical shaft that holds the shell plate. Take a moment to appreciate the build quality. It sets the tone for your entire reloading bench setup.
What You’ll Need From Your Toolkit
- Wrenches (typically 1/2″, 9/16″, and 3/4″)
- A sturdy bench or stand (like this dedicated rcbs press stand)
- Machine oil or dedicated press lubricant
- A level
- Lag bolts or heavy-duty carriage bolts
Bench Mounting and Stability
This is the most critical physical step. A wobbly press leads to inconsistent ammunition and immense frustration. Your bench must be rigid. If you’re using a standard wood bench, aim for at least 1.5 inches of solid hardwood or laminated top material. The mounting footprint of the Rebel is generous, providing excellent stability.
How to Mount an RCBS Rebel Press to a Bench
- Positioning: Place the press so the handle has full, unobstructed swing. Consider your dominant hand and standing/sitting position.
- Mark and Drill: Use the press base as a template to mark your bolt holes. Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your lag bolts.
- Secure: Use large washers under the bolt heads. Tighten the bolts sequentially and firmly. The press should not rock, twist, or flex under pressure.
A rock-solid mount is non-negotiable for precision. It affects every stage of the single stage press setup. Once mounted, give the handle a few full strokes. Feel the smoothness. That’s the compound linkage at work.
Installing Dies and Shell Holders
Now for the fun part: integrating your tools. The Rebel uses a standard 7/8″-14 threaded press head, compatible with virtually all reloading dies on the market. This is where your reloading press assembly becomes a functional tool.
Shell Holder Installation
The Shell Holder slides onto the top of the ram and is secured by a spring-loaded ball detent. Simply pull the ram to its highest position, align the shell holder’s groove with the detent, and push it on until it clicks. It should seat firmly without play. This is a quick-change system, allowing you to switch calibers in seconds.
RCBS Rebel Press Die Setup for 9mm
Let’s use a common caliber as an example. The process is universal.
- Clean and Lube: Clean your new dies with solvent to remove factory preservative. Lightly lubricate the threads.
- Initial Threading: Screw your first die (usually the resizing/decapping die) into the press head by hand until it makes contact with the ram at its highest point.
- The “Kiss” Method: Place a lubricated case in the shell holder. Raise the ram fully. Now, screw the die down until it firmly contacts the case mouth. Lower the ram.
- Final Adjustment: Turn the die an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn further down and lock it in place with the die’s Lock Ring. This slight cam-over ensures full resizing.
Repeat for your seating and crimping dies, using a sized case and bullet for adjustment. Always follow the specific die manufacturer’s rebel press instructions. This meticulous approach defines a proper reloading press setup.
Adjusting the Primer System
The Rebel features an excellent on-press priming system. It’s sensitive but highly reliable once set correctly. The system uses a sliding primer arm that feeds primers from a tray to the ram’s primer cup.
Setup and Fine-Tuning
- Install the primer arm by sliding it into its slot beneath the press head. It should move smoothly.
- Insert the appropriate primer cup (large or small) into the slot on the ram’s side.
- The critical adjustment is the primer punch depth. Use the hex key to adjust the punch so it protrudes just enough to fully seat a primer slightly below flush with the case head.
Test with spent primers or dummy cases first. The feel should be a firm, positive seat. If you encounter an RCBS Rebel press troubleshooting primer feed issue, it’s almost always one of three things: debris in the primer arm track, a misaligned primer cup, or an under-adjusted primer punch. Cleanliness is paramount here.
Final Checks and First Use
You’re almost ready to make ammunition. But don’t rush. A final systems check prevents headaches and promotes safety.
| Component | Check For |
|---|---|
| Ram & Linkage | Smooth, full-range motion without binding. |
| Primer Catcher | Secure attachment. Tube should direct spent primers into a container. |
| All Bolts & Lock Rings | Confirm they are tight and secure. |
| Die Alignment | Case should enter die straight without excessive force. |
Safety & Maintenance Procedures
Reloading demands respect. Always wear safety glasses. Never prime on-press near live powder. Keep your workspace clean and organized. As for the best way to lubricate RCBS Rebel press, focus on the pivot points of the compound linkage and the ram. A drop of high-quality machine oil on each pivot pin during your cleaning session is sufficient. Wipe away excess and grime regularly.
Your first session should be deliberate. Process a few pieces of brass through each stage without powder or primers. Get a feel for the handle’s leverage and each die’s operation. This “dry run” builds muscle memory and confidence. For a deeper dive into the press’s capabilities and long-term performance, our full RCBS Rebel review covers advanced use and durability.
Moving Forward With Confidence
You’ve now transformed a collection of parts into a precision reloading instrument. The RCBS Rebel is built to last generations, and your careful setup honors that engineering. The process we’ve outlinedfrom a stable mount to a calibrated dieis the blueprint for consistency.
Start with a simple, familiar caliber. Document your settings. Pay attention to the feedback the press gives you through the handle. Each smooth, effortless stroke is a testament to your setup work. Remember, reloading is a craft. The press is your primary tool. Set it up right, maintain it well, and it will reward you with exceptional results for decades. Now, go make some great ammunition.