Hi!,
I'm pretty new to re-loading, and a friend gave me an old RCBS JR3 press. I want to re-load 6.5 X 55 and 6.5 X 54 cases. Is there any reason why this press won't do the trick? I'm wondering why they stopped making them. I would very much appreciate your comments and guidance. Thanks! Al

The RCBS Jr will load any cartridge that fits into the "O" frame. I started with a Jr, quite a few years ago! Not made antmore, due to design upgrades, that's all. Nothing wrong with the press, just flashier equipment sells better.

Bought my RCBS Jr. in 1968 or 9, and I'm still using it. It's a little short for full length magnums, but fine for .30-06 length cartridges. If you lube the ram & links up good, the handle will fall under it's own weight. Make a counter-weight. Find a 1 lb. lead ingot from a Lyman-RCBS-Saeco-Lee ingot mould, drill a 1/2" hole in it as close to one end as you can, and bolt it to the back of the pivot block with a 2" 1/2-20 bolt. Primers tend to bounce out of the primer catcher. Put your finger on the frame just in front of the ram and they'll land in the primer catcher most of the time.

The Jr. doesn't have the leverage of the Rockchucker or most other newer presses. Don't skimp on the case lube.

Have fun
Jack

I use a Jr3 for all my rifle loading, even my 458 Win mag. I use a dillon 550b for my handgun reloading. I use the RCBS because I have one and I like to weigh each powder charge when approaching max loads in magnum rifles.
As far as leverage goes, I have pulled the rims off cases when I didn't have enough lube on them. More leverage would only make this easier.
I even used it to form brass for the 350 Rem mag when it was impossible to get. Brought it all the way down from 300 Win mag, though I prefferred 338 Win mag.
PS I also have a Lyman and an old Herter's, Ijust prefer the RCBS.