RCBS Turret Press Review: Real Pros, Flaws & Tips
By Amis Thains Updated 5 min read
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You are looking at the RCBS turret press to decide if it is worth your money. This review breaks down what you get, where it lets you down, and how to set it up right.
In short: The RCBS 6-Station Turret Press is a heavy-duty, solid cast-iron press that earns its reputation through precision and durability. It handles full-length resizing well, but users should plan around its manual turret indexing and lower-grade primer catcher components. We cover measuring powder accurately for reloading in a guide of its own.
Quick picks
Our shortlist for this job · tap one to see today's price
Heavy cast-iron frame and 6-die turret give you a stable platform that will last for decades.
Fits the RCBS turret and delivers precise, consistent sizing for high-volume rifle cartridges.
Who it is for (and who should skip it)
This press is built for the reloader who wants one setup to handle multiple calibers without swapping out every single die. The other half of this decision is buying rebel press.
Because of its six stations, you can store one complete die set for a specific cartridge at a time. It works best if you shoot a smaller variety of cartridges or if you want to swap complete turret heads between calibers.
Skip this press if: you want automatic indexing. The turret on this model must be rotated by hand every time you change operations, which limits your top-end speed compared to fully automatic progressive presses.
- Best fit: Single-cartridge specialists who want a premium build.
- Great for: Multiple calibers using swappable turret heads.
- Not a fit: High-volume production lines where speed is the only priority.
Pro tip: If you plan to run multiple calibers, check the RCBS support site to confirm which turret heads are compatible with this specific press body before you buy.
The core 6-station setup is where this press really shines for dedicated hand-loaders.
- Run it one case at a time or keep dies set up on the turret.
- Heavy frame and turret head stay solid under load.
What stands out in real-world use
The first thing you will notice is the weight. The cast-iron frame and turret head keep the press absolutely planted on your bench.
This stability directly improves consistency. You will feel the ram glide smoothly, and the die alignment stays positive so your cases are sized uniformly.
Key standout features:
- Solid Cast Iron: The frame is heavily built and rust-resistant, holding alignment for a long time.
- Full-Length Sizing: The compound linkage gives you the mechanical advantage needed to size stubborn rifle cases in one stroke.
- Ambidextrous Layout: The handle and primer components can be moved to either side, making it easy to use for right- or left-handed users.
- On-Press Priming: You can deprime, clean, and prime without taking the case off the shell holder.
Pro tip: Check the maker's manual for the recommended torque on the frame bolts to ensure it is fully secured to your reloading table. For the detail, see our notes on redding t-7 press performance.
The drawbacks you should know before you buy
No press is perfect, and this one has a few specific gripes that come up often in owner reviews.
Manual Turret Indexing
The turret locks into place with a detent, but you have to physically spin it. This creates a hard ceiling on your reloading speed.
Primer Catcher Build
The standard spent primer catcher is made of thin material. Owners report that it can crack or split down the middle after heavy use.
Primer Feeder Rust
The primer feeder tube can rust over time, especially in high humidity. It is a cosmetic issue, but it is something to keep an eye on.
Toggle Cleaning
The spring-loaded toggles that channel spent primers get caked with burnt powder and case lube. If you do not clean them regularly, they will seize and stop moving.
Changing Heads
Swapping a complete turret head to a new cartridge is doable, but the bolt must be accessed through the indexing lever, which can be a minor hassle during a changeover. For the detail, see our notes on comparing turret capacity limits.
Safety first: Always inspect your primers before they go into the hopper. A single live or defective primer can cause a dangerous in-press explosion.
Many users replace the factory metal catcher with a heavier-duty plastic or aftermarket version to avoid it cracking.
- Thousands of spent primers funneled with ZERO issues
- Keeps spent primers and their debris AWAY from the press, live primers and powder
Setup and use tips to get the most out of it
A few minor adjustments at the start will make this press a much better experience.
- Set Your Zero: Start by adjusting the upper die so it is just shy of touching the lower die before you even start loading cases.
- Use the Right Lube: Use a high-quality case lube. Too much lube will get on the toggles and mess up the primer catcher; too little will stick your cases.
- Add a Roller Handle: The standard handle is fine, but an aftermarket roller handle makes full-length sizing much easier on your wrist and forearm.
Putting the press on a solid riser system keeps the ram closer to your eye level, reducing back strain.
- *** This mount is for The RCBS Rebel Press and will ONLY work with that specific
- Lifts your press up 9-3/4" above the work surface and gets the shellplate closer to eye
Alternatives worth a look
If the manual indexing or price point of the RCBS hurts, these are the logical steps in the other direction.
Lee Precision Turret: This is a popular alternative that features a built-in auto-indexing system. It is generally lighter and more budget-friendly, but it lacks the heavy, cast-iron permanence of the RCBS.
Frankford Arsenal Turret: A modern option that focuses on extreme precision, smooth operation, and a very modern look. It is built more for speed and clean cycling.
The bottom line is that the RCBS is the heavy tank. You buy it for stability and long-term durability. You buy the Lee for built-in auto-rotation at a lower cost. The other half of this decision is frankford arsenal m-press review.
The bottom line
Buy the RCBS Turret Press if you want a bulletproof, heavy-duty press that will stay square on your bench for a lifetime. You are paying a premium for the cast-iron frame and precision. Your next step is to verify your die threads match the standard sizing before you start reloading.
- Run it one case at a time or keep dies set up on the turret.
- Heavy frame and turret head stay solid under load.
Frequently asked questions
How many rounds per hour can the RCBS turret press handle?
For most experienced users, the manual indexing ceiling sits around 60 to 80 rounds per hour. You can push it to 120 if you are working very fast and have all your primers and cases pre-staged, but it is a demanding pace.
Can I use non-RCBS dies in this press?
Yes. As long as your dies have the standard 7/8-14 thread sizing, they will fit into the RCBS turret head. Just keep in mind that heavy, long dies might limit the total depth of the turret stack.
How does this press compare to a Lee auto-indexing turret?
The Lee auto-indexes automatically as you pull the handle, which saves a step and speeds up production. The RCBS, however, has a much heavier cast-iron build. It feels more solid and is less likely to flex under a full-length sizing ram stroke.
How do I clean the primer toggles without taking them apart?
A quick blast of compressed air and a brush dipped in mild solvent will remove most of the case lube and burnt powder. Make sure to let the primer hopper area dry completely before you put new primers back in.