RCBS is a familiar name, if not the most reliable name, in the history of reloading. While the products and standard, straightforward, and predictably reliable there are some newer presses that are beginning to take center stage. One such press is the Summit Single Stage Reloading Press. Not ubiquitous of the historic RCBS designs, the Summit Press has some inherent benefits that are undeniable.
The Summit Press is much smaller than alternative progressive presses but can still utilize the accessory mounting plate.
The Press Itself:
Being a single stage press, Summit doesn’t have many frills or accessories that anyone is rushing out to buy just to make the Summit usable. In fact, as it comes dies and shell holders are the only necessary addition to start reloading. The distinguishing characteristic is the movement of the die onto the case itself, as opposed to pushing the case into the die. While this is not a new idea, RCBS has built this ground-up with exceptional build quality and boasting a massive 2-inch center ram shaft built to hand the most difficult cases, crimps, or odd projectile sizes. This also allows for a generous and unobstructed 4.5-inch frontal opening.
There are two built in bushings for various size dies depending on need and use unlike progressive alternatives.
Manufactured from quality cast iron in a ‘C’ style frame, it incorporates steel linkage which do not protrude below the bench. This means the press can be added to any edge of a bench for constant consistency and quality ammunition production.
The Summit is overbuilt with grease gun injection on the main column.
Mounting:
Adding the Summit to your bench is a straightforward process and like the Lube-A-Matic. Two side bolts are all that’s necessary to mount this to any bench of your choosing. However, I had opted to utilize the universal mounting plate. This mounting plate is built to accommodate all RCBS products in one space and easily swap them out. The Rock Chucker and other presses, as well as many case conditioning tools, will mount to a single mounting plate.
This affords the ability to mount case conditioning tools, progressive presses, lubricators, or any variety of single stage presses. These can be taken down and stored without compromising or taking up valuable bench space. Having a mounting plate like this can provide a lot of versatility to a small space reloader.
Mounting via the two included bolts is simple and effective.
Use and Features:
RCBS’s Summit Single Stage Press not only is compact, but with the handle and linkage being forward and above the bench edge there is no risk of unintentional injury or impact when mounted. Even a full downward stroke provides ample space for momentum and leverage when dealing with hard to size brass or caliber conversions.
What really sets the Summit Single Stage apart is the die threading. Coming standard, a bushing provides threads for 7/8”-14 threaded dies; this is the industry standard across all manufacturers. This bushing can be removed and 1-¼”-12 threads are available. This thread size and pitch is perfect for cowboy action and shotgun reloading that may be necessary on a single stage; i.e. brass hulls.
Removal of the bushing insert for standard dies can be removed making room for cowboy action or extra-large base dies.
In Practice:
Preparing and mounting the Summit Single Stage press is a straightforward operation. There is no guesswork, and the optional plate makes mounting very easy with minimal tools required. It’s unclear what material the accessory base plate is manufactured from – I lean towards aluminum – it holds well with the included screws. Personally, the amount of stress added to an aluminum plate matched with steel screws may be hinder long-term durability. That said, the price point is sub-$50 USD and a low price for ease of use.
A Cowboy Action die for brass hull 12 gauge is possible with the Summit Single Stage Reloading Press.
Preparing dies for use in the Summit Press is standard. There is no special mounting system, like other presses which incorporate die position reloading. In fact, the movable die mount makes it easy and simple to set die placement exactly where it’s needed. Having the large forward opening also allows for quick visual confirmation of proper die seating and powder charge without looking through or past reinforcements.
When utilizing the press as intended, the large 2-inch ram provides exceptional support and leverage in both left and right handle orientation. It was an ingenious idea to remove all supports and build off a single, stationary support made from superior steels while keeping cast iron as the other core components. The support, while exposed to potential debris, can easily be oiled and maintained providing easy and smooth operation. With minimal flex possible, accurate and consistent loads are more easily possible.
The downward pressure and weight of the upper section of the press make cartridge conversions simple and effortless.
What Can It Do?
Because of my own limitations on available brass, I was not able to try every caliber length for fit. However, 30/06 and .380 were able to be set up within the press. This means that nearly any caliber, short of .50 BMG, should be easily accommodated. It also means that rough crimping, like those necessary for pure copper projectiles, can be performed. With the rugged center support provided and double linkage actuation, leverage applied to the press is quickly transferred to the die instead of the body of the press itself.
What Can’t It Do?
This is a base that doesn’t offer a lot of accessories for fast or quick reloading. After all, the dingle stage design itself mandates bare requirements which assists in the most accurate load production. It also doesn’t allow for unique aftermarket additions like lights due to the tight clearances when the ram plate moves towards the baseplate. To add anything would require unique adjustments to the die settings.
There are a lot of additional accessories available for the Summit Single Stage Reloading Press keeping it pristine and ready for action.
Final Thoughts:
RCBS’s Summit Single Stage is a great option for the user who values accuracy above all else. While it’s not the only press to offer a moving die for reloading, it is the only one to be this overbuilt and rigid. The price point isn’t for the casual reloader, either. With an MSRP of $299, there are much more affordable options for those just needing a basic reloading press without a name or heritage to support.
The Summit Single Stage is a champion among all the others. An overbuilt design and ergonomic package are the core in all of Summit’s versatility. Without any hesitation, it’s easy to say that the Summit Single Stage Reloading Press is at the top of its field.
