ECHO single stage press ? ( Pics added )

[stimpylu32]

I picked up an older ECHO single stage  C - style press for next to nothing , what I need to know is , does anyone know were to get shell holders for this press ? 

It came with #s 1 & 2 , the #2 fits the 38 / 357 size cases , not sure about the #1 yet  , they are the screw on style holders , I'll get some Pics up when Mama gets home from work with the Digi. Cam.

I've done a little looking on the net and have not found much , I suspect that it was made for ECHO by someone else and they just put their name on it .

Any help would be great at this point . going cross-eyed looking . 

stimpy

[Blackhawk44]

Go here http://www.ch4d.com/.  Then look under PRESSES then the subheading Universal C Press Ram or maybe Universal H Press Ram.  I think that by changing your ram shaft to one that accepts standard shell holders you will be far ahead of the game.  If still no luck, call them.  Nice folks.  Despite their lack of advertising, they may well have the widest selection of loading dies and equipment available anywhere, especially out-of-the-ordinary items. 

To the best of my memory, Echo was a manufacturer, not just a re-labeled marketer.

[stimpylu32]

Blackhawk44

Thanks , I'll give them a call . Anyone else got any ideas ?

stimpy

[OR-E-Gun Bill]

That's one mighty meaty shellholder!



If you can't locate anymore shellholders, check with your machinist friends and see if they will fabricate a threaded adaptor that will accept a universal shellholder. Or take one of those you do have and modify it to accept a universal shellholder.

Might check with some of the antique reloading websites as well.

Good luck

Bill

[stimpylu32]

Up date

I switched out the ram with an older one from a broken Lee press that I had laying around , the problem is that the Lee ram is over 1" longer with out the shell holder .

What I think is going to happen is that I'm take the old ram over to my smith as he has a complete machine shop and have him cut the threaded end off and them mill a new slot into the ram that will hold the new style shell holders .

That should give me just about the same amount of ram travel , maybe lose 1/4" .

stimpy

[Bill,SC]

From the picture, the shell holder looks a little like the old Herter's shell holder.  If you decide you want to try to find holders to fit,  I have two or three from an old Herter's press.

Bill

[stimpylu32]

Thanks Bill , what we have decided to do is to cut down the Lee ram , then just mill in the slot were the linkage goes , that way we are sure the standard shell holders will work properly and I still have the factory ram if needed .

From what the smith tells me its about 1/2 hour job , start to finish -- longer if I help . 

stimpy