Let’s Talk About Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher might seem like a small, insignificant part of the reloading process, but it’s one of those things that, once you have it, you wonder how you ever lived without it. Redding Reloading, a name synonymous with precision and quality in the reloading world, offers this simple yet effective solution to a common problem: spent primers scattering all over your reloading bench. This little device promises to keep your workspace cleaner and your reloading process more efficient.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and the bane of my existence has always been those pesky spent primers bouncing around. It’s a constant battle against gravity and chaos. I was constantly sweeping them up, finding them in every nook and cranny, and occasionally stepping on them – not a pleasant experience!
Upon unboxing the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher, my initial impression was positive. The molded plastic felt sturdy enough to handle the constant barrage of spent primers, and the design seemed straightforward. The inclusion of a screw, cam pin, and washer, along with a snap-in hose end, gave me confidence that installation would be relatively painless.
Compared to the DIY primer catching systems I’ve seen others cobble together (think plastic bottles taped to presses), the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher looked like a professional, purpose-built solution. I’d also considered a competitor’s universal primer catcher, but the Redding specifically designed for the Boss and Boss Pro X presses seemed a safer bet for a snug and reliable fit. My initial excitement stemmed from the promise of a tidier reloading bench and less time spent cleaning up after each session.
Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher was during a reloading session for .308 Winchester rounds, a cartridge I load frequently for my precision rifle. I was working in my garage, which can get quite dusty, so keeping things clean is crucial. Installation was easy, taking only a few minutes with the provided hardware.
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher performed admirably. The primers consistently fed into the catcher without issue. There were no jams or misdirections. I was impressed with how effectively it contained the spent primers, significantly reducing the mess compared to my previous setup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher has proven to be a reliable addition to my reloading bench. It has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or wear despite the constant vibration and impact from the press. Cleaning is simple. I just empty the catcher periodically and wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Compared to my earlier days of haphazard primer collection, the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher has vastly improved my reloading experience. It saves me time, keeps my workspace cleaner, and reduces frustration. This small investment has paid dividends in terms of convenience and efficiency.
Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher
Specifications
- Specifically Designed for Redding Boss and Boss Pro X Presses: This ensures a snug and reliable fit. The dedicated design minimizes the chance of primers escaping or the unit vibrating loose during operation.
- Molded Cylinder: The heavy-duty plastic construction provides durability and longevity. It withstands the constant impacts of spent primers.
- Moly-Coated Web Belt: This internal belt helps guide primers smoothly into the catcher. The coating reduces friction and prevents jamming.
- Set Screw & Bushing: These components securely lock the catcher into place. This prevents movement or dislodgement during reloading.
- Snap-In Hose End: Allows for easy connection to a hose for remote primer collection (if desired). This is a convenient feature for those who prefer to collect primers in a larger container.
Performance & Functionality
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher performs its primary function – catching spent primers – extremely well. It effectively directs primers into the collection cylinder, minimizing spills and keeping the reloading bench tidy. The moly-coated web belt ensures smooth and consistent primer flow.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and reliability, but the limited capacity of the cylinder is a minor weakness. It requires emptying after a couple of hundred rounds, depending on the cartridge being loaded. Overall, it exceeds expectations for a simple device designed to solve a common problem.
Design & Ergonomics
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher features a simple, functional design. The black plastic blends seamlessly with the Redding Boss press. The molded cylinder is lightweight yet sturdy, and the installation process is straightforward, requiring minimal effort.
The design is user-friendly with no learning curve. Emptying the primer catcher is also very easy. The unit is a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest designs are the most effective.
Durability & Maintenance
Made from heavy-duty plastic, the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher is built to withstand the rigors of reloading. Its construction is robust enough to handle the constant impact of spent primers. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning and inspection for wear and tear.
With proper care, the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher should last for many years. This ensures it remains a valuable part of a reloader’s setup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher comes with the necessary hardware for installation, including a screw, cam pin, and washer. The snap-in hose end provides a customization option for remote primer collection. While there are no readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher, its compatibility with the Redding Boss and Boss Pro X presses ensures it will integrate seamlessly with other Redding reloading equipment.
Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher
Pros
- Specifically designed for Redding Boss and Boss Pro X presses, ensuring a perfect fit. This eliminates compatibility issues and guarantees optimal performance.
- Significantly reduces mess and cleanup time during reloading. This allows reloaders to focus on the task at hand rather than constantly cleaning up spent primers.
- Easy to install and maintain. This minimizes downtime and ensures the primer catcher remains a user-friendly addition to the reloading bench.
- Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. The heavy-duty plastic can withstand years of use.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to reloaders of all levels. The minimal investment more than pays for itself through time saved and frustration reduced.
Cons
- Limited capacity requires frequent emptying during high-volume reloading sessions. This could become tedious during extended reloading.
- Plastic construction, while durable, may be susceptible to cracking under extreme stress or impact. Handling the unit with care can prevent this.
Who Should Buy Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher?
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher is perfect for any reloader using a Redding Boss or Boss Pro X press who values a clean and efficient workspace. It’s also ideal for those who are tired of spending excessive time cleaning up spent primers after each reloading session. This is a must-have for anyone seeking to streamline their reloading process and maintain a tidy bench.
Those who might want to skip this product are reloaders using presses from other manufacturers (unless they are willing to modify the catcher for compatibility) or those who don’t mind the mess associated with spent primers. A must-have accessory to go with the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher is a small vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean the press area of any stray powder or debris.
Conclusion on Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher is a simple yet highly effective tool that significantly improves the reloading experience. It keeps your workspace clean, saves you time, and reduces frustration. The price of $13.99 is more than justified by the convenience and efficiency it provides.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher to any reloader using a Redding Boss or Boss Pro X press. Stop chasing spent primers and start enjoying a cleaner, more efficient reloading process. Invest in the Redding Reloading BIG Boss & Boss Press Primer Catcher today and experience the difference!