With the promise of increasing your loading rate by at least 50% on most progressive presses, RCBS has introduced a new electric bullet feeder.
The feeder fits most progressive presses that use 7/8″-14 threaded dies, including the RCBS Pro 2000.
Designed to work with jacketed pistol bullets only (no lead), the feeder ships with adapter plates for the most common handgun rounds: .355-357″ (9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum), .400″ (10mm and .40 S&W) and .451 (.45 ACP). The feeder holds about 200 bullets in the hopper. Â According to RCBS, you should not use this feeder with cast or swaged lead bullets. Â While technically not jacketed, I imagine plated bullets like those from Berry’s are probably good to go.
The feeder runs on 110v AC, and features a two-year warranty. MSRP is $495.95.
2013 Update
The shipping version of the bullet feeder comes with a country adaptable plug to handle 120 – 240v AC. Â This means non-US residents can also use this with their reloading press.
The RCBS bullet feeder kit for progressive reloading presses now carries a MSRP of $541.95. Â Compare that to the MSRP of the Hornady Lock-n-Load bullet feeder which is $363.52. Â Like the RCBS bullet feeder, the Hornady feeder is designed to work with any press using 7/8″-14 threads. Â while I like RCBS products, I don’t know what their bullet feeder is offering for your extra $200.
Here is a video of the RCBS bullet feeder being used on a Dillon XL-650 press. Â The Dillon press is one of the better/faster progressive presses. Â There are a number of professional loaders using this press. Â Hooking up the RCBS bullet feeder can increase the output speed by a huge amount. Â Check out the video:
As you can see, having a bullet feeder attached gives the loader a huge increase in efficiency. Â If I had to guess, I’d say that you can double the output of your loading efforts. Â This tool is a very impressive addition to your reloading set up. Â Definitely take a look at the RCBS bullet feeder for your progressive press.