RCBS Partner Press, Compact Reloading Press for Beginners and Reloaders with Limited Space

This press fits my needs perfectly. My reloading system is based on small batch, precision loads using quality components. The RCBS Partner press is the center piece in my system. I mounted it to a simple steel base plate that I clamp onto my desk in my office. It’s small enough that it doesn’t get in the way, and it’s precise enough that I can make consistently excellent loads. Using a simple 2-die full length resizing and seating process, this press provides absolute repeatability, and seats bullets with no more than .0015” total runout. For someone looking for a super simple, excellent press, this is the ticket.

Great press for various functions. I purchased this press to accompany my Dillon SDB and XL650. I use it for sizing/de-priming prior to cleaning (helps with dirty primer pockets) and with the RCBS bullet puller. I have it set up on the same bench and for the price I might just get another because they are so convenient and efficient.Sturdy, easy to mount. Only complaint that is not worth demoting a star is the spent primer catcher is totally random. Sometimes the spent primer goes flying out of the cup or misses the cup...keeps me on my toes. It is plastic and clips on the yoke arm.I have never loaded single stage, straight to progressive but would imagine it would also be great for a beginner.

I purchased the Partner press to supplement my RCBS Rockchucker press for general work that helps to avoid some of the die changes that slow down production with the main press. I mounted the Partner on a base that I clamp to the bench top and so far I have used it to deprime fired cases, full-size fired PPC cases and expand new case necks for neck turning. Because of its light weight, compact size and portability, the Partner is an excellent choice to take to the range for resizing while developing loads. Especially because of its price point, the Partner is a "best buy" for new reloaders as well as experienced reloaders with a need for a second press, but I gave it four stars instead of five because I have trouble with the spent primer catcher. It works, if it stays in place, but is easily dislodged, causing the primers to fall to the floor. I gave up and put a bucket on the floor under the press to catch the primers. That works.

My dad now owns 2 of these and I have 1. I have used Lee presses, a very old Texan press, and now these presses. I like them all but this press seems to have the best combination of attributes. My dad's rock chucker is nice, but it is best suited for the heavy duty resizing. This press has a nice compact movement, its light weight, and there is virtually no play in the movements. The only negative is the decapping. I hate the little press fit primer collection cups and the primers sometimes don't fall where you want them to. The best depriming I have seen is on presses where the main shaft has a hole that goes the full length so it drops down a tube and into a trash can. Everything else ends up needing a detail cleaning job. I am working on making an aftermarket catch tray but for now I just rig my factory one up with rubber bands to hold it in place.

Works excellent !

Easy installation, sufficient strength and quality. The .45 Colt bullets reload goes easy ... of course, provided you get Large Pistol Primers in this country.It's a good reloading press for a friendly price.

Love this little press. Works great for my pistol, 45-70, and 223 reloading and has plenty of leverage left over. I'll have to try it on some larger rifle (270 or 30-06) to see how it does but haven't tried it yet. The primer catcher leaves some to be desired unfortunately as many primers miss the bin and you end up playing 520 pickup. Also works great with the RCBS mounting plate as you press mounts right next to your powder measure making it very convenient. I'm not sure what the reviewers are saying about a plastic handle as mine is steel and pretty hefty. The ball on the end of the handle is plastic (maybe that is what they are referring to) but it is a heavy plastic like the other RCBS presses and unless you are using it to drive nails I cant foresee any breakage problems. Even if it does break its not an issue anyway, its lifetime warranty anyway and RCBS has good customer service. If something does break give RCBS a call and they will have replacement on the way in no time.

I can't say enough about RCBS customer service, so I received my press and couldn't wait to set it up and get going in partnership with my Rockchucker. So I get it set up and my 6 yrs. old is chopping at the bit to help out with reloading, so I mount it and tried to install a shell holder and it will not load into press. I couldn't understand what was going on, so I reached out to RCBS on Sunday in email and got a response by Tuesday that week. By Friday I am received a new press waiting at my front door with return shipping label for the old one. Thank you John Thor of RCBS and RCBS customer service and products! Great Company!! And local to CA in Oroville!