Bought a used RCBS special 5 press. Today I got it mounted on my bench and found that the shell holder(#3 rcbs) won't fit in the ram, which is missing the retainer clip but it still should go. I tried tapping it with a hammer to get it in and it went about half way in and I decided to back it out because I didn't want to force it any further. But had to use the hammer and a screwdriver to tap it back out. What the heck is the matter? All I can figure is that the lip at the top of the ram is bent and won't allow the shell holder to slide in. I checked the groove the shell holder fits into and it doesnt' have anything in it to obstruct the shell holder. I am totally dumbfounded. Any thoughts?

I thought about calling RCBS and seeing if they would warranty the ram. I'm not the original owner, do you think they would still warranty it? I can't figure out what the guy could have pressed to get the lip of the ram to bend? Besides that is looks really pretty good. A couple of dings are evident on the top of the ram but other than that it looks fine. The rest of the press it in good shape. :confused:

Try posting a picture so we can figure out exactly what you are talking about.

RCBS probably will warranty it if it can't be easily repaired.

I'll try posting a pic. But I doubt it will shed any light on the situation.
Again, the shell holder won't slide into the slot. It has to be tapped(more like hammered) in using a flat head screw driver and hammer. But I haven't even tried to get it all the way in because I can't even get it to go half way. And like I said the slot isn't obstructed by anything it just seems too small of a slot. But I think it has to be that the rim of the ram is bent down making the slot smaller and therefore a ridiculously hard fit for the shell holder.
Any ideas would be appreciated. I guess I could go ahead and hammer the shell holder in but it will be **** getting it back out. Shell holders don't EVER go in that hard. :mad:

if it was me :

I would take the ram outta the press, and use a square and check to see what is out of kilter...if in fact it is the lips on the ram, you could heat them up a bit with a torch and ease them (it) back up....after things cool off completely, you would need to dress the top with a fine mill file, it needs to be flat and square...finish up with some 600 grit sandpaper wrapped around said file and you got it....

all the other suggestions will work fine, I'm just used to doing things for myself...... :)

Box it up and send it in to RCBS. They'll treat you right. Very likely to be "as new" when you get it back.

Cheezywan

At this point, DON'T force the shellholder into the slot. BTW, have you tried another shellholder? You just might have an out-of-spec shellholder. Obviously the problem lies with either the ram or the shellholder. Can save on shipping if you remove the ram, send it in to RCBS with the shellholder and a letter explaining the problem. Best wishes on getting this fixed.

A couple of dings don't sound good. I would ship it to RCBS.

estone,

Three steps to resolve your problem:

1) Try another shelholder, the fault may not be the ram

If there is still a problem:

2) Call RCBS and ask them about warrantee. If they will warrantee it they will send a ram to you.

If they will not warrantee, while still on the phone with them:

3) Order a replacement ram. These are all interchangeable parts, all you need to do is install it. There is absolutely no reason to send the press to them.

Don't forget to ask for a replacement clip either way. Chances are the clip will be free, even if you have to pay for the ram.

Simple, isn't it?

If you have any question about RCBS service read this post: http://www.shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=56060 This is quite typical of their customer service.

Thanks for the input.
I did check another shell holder. Same deal.
I hope they will warranty it. If not, I guess I learned a lesson about buying used equipment.
I just can't see how the lip of the ram would get bent. It seems pretty stout.
Anyway I'll call RCBS tomorrow.
Thanks!

Let us know how this plays out. Believe RCBS will do right by you.:)

Emailed RCBS today about the ram.
Response: "We will send out a replacement, have a great day." Didn't even ask me about it.
Wow. What service. That's a $30 part not including shipping.
Can't be happier!

See, they are worth every extra penny. I've never needed anything major, but all the small little things I've broken have been replaced within a week from the time I emailed them.

Emailed RCBS today about the ram.
Response: "We will send out a replacement, have a great day." Didn't even ask me about it.
Wow. What service. That's a $30 part not including shipping.
Can't be happier!
Told you RCBS will do right by you. I always follow up help like this with a "Thank you" email including names if I know them. Might help somebody keep their job.:D