I own an RCBS press that I bought more than 20 years ago. It is very similar to (and may actually be) a Reloader Special press. The question is, can I reload rifle calibers such as .30-06 or .45-70 with this press, or do I need to move up to something bigger? I have a real desire to get into shooting larger bore rifles, maybe up to .458 Win or Lott. If my press won't work, it would be good to know sooner rather than later. Thanks very much! I really enjoy this forum.

The press you have will work just fine on the 30-06/45-70 length cases. Haven't tried to load a .458 Lott, but suspect it can be done as i've loaded .375H&H's on one (which is about the same case length as the .458 Lott). Bullet seating is a bit troublesome, but once you loearn to put the bullet INTO the seating die first, it works out.

One thing about it. If it is to short to load the .458 lott. All of the dies will work on another press. Go a head and use it for the other rounds buy the dies for the 458 if it works great. If not you can always get another press down the road.

With 2 presses set-up you have more options as to how you set things up. If room is limited then use the RCBS SP to get started on then up to a RCBS RC or any of the longer throw presses. You then can sell the SP and sense you bought it 20yrs ago you will probably make money off it. Used presses go for close to new price dependent on the condition.

If your press has the letters RS cast on it, sounds like the same press that I have. It's a good press when mounted on a solid sturdy bench and will reload both calibers you've listed. IMO, it's only drawback is it doesn't have compound leverage so useful when reloading the bigger cartridges. I once ran 500 once-fired military .308 through my press. My RS did the job but it also convinced my arm of the benefits of having a press with compound leverage. YMMV and other opinions welcomed.:)

Put a cheater bar on it and it will work just fine

If you put a cheater bar on it it will work just fine.

If your press has the letters RS cast on it, sounds like the same press that I have. It's a good press when mounted on a solid sturdy bench and will reload both calibers you've listed. IMO, it's only drawback is it doesn't have compound leverage so useful when reloading the bigger cartridges. I once ran 500 once-fired military .308 through my press. My RS did the job but it also convinced my arm of the benefits of having a press with compound leverage. YMMV and other opinions welcomed.:)

Thank you all for your replies! I have actually not even looked at this press in quite awhile, so I am not sure of some of the markings. I had my eloading bench set up at my Dad's house, and I am going to do a transplant here shortly!