The world of reloading presses is ever-expanding. From single-stage to turret to progressive, reloaders can find what they need now more than ever before. We are blessed to have a reloading marketplace fairly stuffed with choices. I have been into reloading now since 1978, and I’ve seen a lot of equipment come and go. I also cast bullets for many pistol loads, and I have seen progress in that area, as well. One press that has slipped under the radar of many reloaders is the RCBS Summit Single-Stage Reloading press. Although introduced more than 10 years ago (in July 2013), this press has earned a reputation as a go-to for heavy-duty loading. It is known to be tough as a tank with very little deflection, and it sports a tiny footprint.
RCBS Summit Single-Stage Reloading Press
Live Inventory Price Checker
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RCBS Summit Single-Stage Reloading Press - 9290 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 388.99 $ 318.99 |
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Summit Reloading Press - Summit Single Stage Reloading Press | Brownells.com | $ 299.99 |
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Summit Single Stage Reloading Press | RCBS | $ 299.99 |
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RCBS Cast Iron Single Stage Reloading Press, Green - 9353 | Palmetto State Armory | $ 286.99 $ 251.99 |
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What Is The Summit Press?
The RCBS Summit Single-Stage Reloading press is a different type of animal. When you pull the handle of most presses down, the part holding the case up raises into a die.
The Summit goes backwards. On a downward handle pull, it pulls the die down over the stationary case. The case doesn’t move, which allows a different, simpler type of linkage to be used.
Advantages Of The Summit Press
No Overhang. You can mount the Summit in the middle of your bench. Its design allows it to be made shorter, with no overhang needed. (You would need to buy the optional, $19 short handle for the press, shown here.) The press is also ambidextrous.
RCBS dies with the press. In the die box are shown the RCBS hex key set, case debur tool, case neck brush, and case lube (behind). Check out RCBS case processing tools here. (I will feature the Case Prep Kit, with the Brass Boss electric case processing system.
Do You Need One?
Only you can answer that, of course. I own seven presses at present, with single-stage, turret, and progressive modes represented. But… I like the Summit. It’s smaller, no part of it hangs below the bench, you can mount it anywhere, and it’s gorilla-strong. Its wide-open construction makes grabbing cases and dies easy, and the optional short handle makes the package even smaller.
You might consider adding it to your mix, as a dedicated case resizer or to perform another function. It will take some getting used to – it just plain works backwards to what you might be used to, but that’s OK. When you see how fast you can burn through your cases, you won’t mind. Plus, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg, as its full list price is $299.
On the downside, it has no provision for on-press priming, if that matters to you. That’s about the only ding I can give it. (RCBS has off-press priming covered, no doubt.)
I hope this quick peek at an innovative press was worth your time. If you want a different take on this press, check out this video. He’s got some good ideas.
Let’s hear from Summit owners… tell us how you use it below!
About Mike Hardesty
With experience spanning over 45 years, Mike Hardesty has long enjoyed shooting and reloading. An inveterate reloader, he casts bullets and reloads for a diverse array of firearms, each handled with long-practiced precision. Living in rural Indiana, his homestead boasts a personal 100-yard range where he shares his love for guns to his four sons, their wives, and eleven grandchildren. As a recognized author, his writings have been featured in notable platforms like Sniper Country, Bear Creek Arsenal Blog, Pew Pew Tactical, TTAG, Dillon Precision’s Blue Press, and Gun Made, revealing his ongoing passion for firearms.
No overhang that’s interesting
The press looks like it would be a good starter single stage press for a new reloader. I looked to see if it came as a kit but didn’t find any. My RCBS Rock chucker came as a kit (Early 80’s) with a Speer reloading book, powder scale, case loading block, case Lube pad, powder funnel, powder drop and impact bullet puller hammer. Still working to this day making pistol and rifle reloads.