A restoration project -- not COX related

andrew Fri Aug 19, 2022 11:41 pm

Bob (rsv1cox) is my hero when it comes to bringing the dead (engines, that is) back to life -- his work is stellar and I certainly fail to meet his standards. However, a friend brought a reloading press and powder measure by the other day and asked if I could do anything with them. Here is a quick picture essay, without comments, of the before and after.

RCBS Reloading Press Restore:

A restoration project -- not COX related Old_pr10

A restoration project -- not COX related Old_pr12

A restoration project -- not COX related Old_pr11

A restoration project -- not COX related Old_pr13

A restoration project -- not COX related New_pr12

A restoration project -- not COX related New_pr11

A restoration project -- not COX related New_pr10

A restoration project -- not COX related New_pr14

A restoration project -- not COX related New_pr13

RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure Restore -- this was tightly locked up:

A restoration project -- not COX related Old_me12

A restoration project -- not COX related Old_me11

A restoration project -- not COX related Old_me10

A restoration project -- not COX related New_me10

A restoration project -- not COX related New_me11

A restoration project -- not COX related New_me12

rsv1cox Sat Aug 20, 2022 8:28 am

A Porsche for Andrew too. Smile

I love it. I can always tell more from pictures than words. That 1000 words thing! Saves me time too. I'm on that slippery slope of old age. Smile

My life-long affection for all things firearms has never brought me to reloading though. I miss that.

Wonderful job Andrew. Porsche worthy!!

Marleysky Sat Aug 20, 2022 8:48 am

LooksGreat to me! Did you use anything special other than fine steel wool and elbow grease? They both look like new.

GallopingGhostler Sat Aug 20, 2022 9:02 am

Good restore on a quality made product, @andrew. Tells me of the high level of work that you do also on engines and aircraft repairs, too. Thumbs Up

andrew Sat Aug 20, 2022 9:47 am

Marleysky wrote:........Did you use anything special other than fine steel wool and elbow grease? They both look like new.

Quite sometime ago, I built an electrolysis tank for rust removal -- it's particularly good for removing rust from complex parts and from pitted metal. After disassembly, the press frame and large parts got a good cooking. Then, like Bob, it was steel wool, toothbrushes, brass brushes, fine sandpaper, and a fine wire wheel on a mandrel. The electrolysis took the press down to white metal; the powder measure body was just well cleaned. I reblued what was needed, repainted the press and reassembled.

GallopingGhostler Sat Aug 20, 2022 10:14 am

Haven't done electrolysis, but on a heavily rusted object, soaked a badly rusted steel motorcycle package rack in diluted muriatic acid (diluted hydrochloric acid used to balance swimming pool water pH and plumbing use). Worked like a charm, but would never try on aluminum or magnesium, too strong and reactive. It also etches the steel, so one can overdo it.

rdw777 Sat Aug 20, 2022 10:46 am

Nice job Andrew…. Finish looks perfect… I bet your friend was happy!! … I spent many hours with dad in his shop reloading shells…Don’t remember the rifle’s brand but the shotgun’s was Mec…. We could get about three rounds from them before the crimped ends stated getting weak…

andrew Sat Aug 20, 2022 11:10 am

GallopingGhostler wrote:.......Worked like a charm, but would never try on aluminum or magnesium, too strong and reactive. It also etches the steel, so one can overdo it......

The electrolysis will remove paint, but is pretty gentle on steel. However, you do need to keep an eye on it.

rdw777 wrote:..… I spent many hours with dad in his shop reloading shells…Don’t remember the rifle’s brand but the shotgun’s was Mec…. We could get about three rounds from them before the crimped ends stated getting weak…

I've also put a lot of rounds through a MEC -- I had my best reloads using Winchester hulls, but even they would fatigue after time. My father passed away 46 years ago -- growing up, we worked together everyday and I miss that. Most of what I know, outside of academics, I learned from him.

NEW222 Mon Aug 22, 2022 9:38 pm

A great job well done! Reloading had intrigued me many years ago, but never got into it as I had enough hobbies on teh go and did not need another. Good thing too as I now mainly shoot .22. The color is pretty darn close as well.

getback Tue Aug 23, 2022 6:50 am

Nice job on the reloader Andrew sounds like a lot of work but Looks great ! I have a vintage Hornady shotgun shell reloader That i can't find a pic of it in the shop has been for a while .. i really need to clean it want take much i think and store it or sell it LOL

Sponsored content

A restoration project -- not COX related

A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related

Re: A restoration project -- not COX related