RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit Review

A Close Look at the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit

For anyone serious about delving into the world of ammunition reloading, or looking to upgrade from a more rudimentary setup, the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit presents a compelling, all-encompassing solution. As an experienced gear specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments—from dusty workshops to precise laboratory settings and rugged field applications—I’ve developed a keen eye for equipment that not only performs but endures. My journey to this particular kit stemmed from a need to streamline my reloading process for increased efficiency and accuracy, particularly when dealing with a variety of calibers for both precision shooting and general recreational use. It was becoming evident that a piecemeal approach was costing me time and potentially compromising consistency. This comprehensive bundle promises to consolidate essential, high-quality components from a reputable manufacturer, and my initial impressions of its robust construction and thoughtful inclusion of key tools were promising. While I briefly considered building a similar kit piece by piece from various brands, the perceived value and convenience of a pre-packaged, synergistic system like this from RCBS were hard to overlook. The initial unboxing brought a sense of organized readiness, a feeling that the groundwork for countless successful reloading sessions had been laid.

Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing environment was my dedicated reloading bench in a climate-controlled workshop. Here, under consistent conditions, I began the process of familiarizing myself with each component. The Rebel Single Stage Press immediately stood out with its substantial heft and solid construction, providing a stable platform for case resizing and bullet seating. Spent primers were effectively channeled by the bottom of ram ejection system, a clean and straightforward design that minimizes mess on the bench. The Uniflow-III Powder Measure was mounted using the Advanced Powder Measure Stand, which elevated it to a convenient eye level, significantly improving ergonomics and reducing the need to bend over. Filling the hopper and dispensing charges felt smooth and consistent, even with finer extruded powders.

I tested the Pow’r Pull bullet puller on a few factory rounds that I suspected had inconsistent powder charges—a quick, sharp rap on a sturdy workbench surface was all it took to cleanly separate the bullet, case, and powder. The 1,500-grain digital pocket scale proved to be responsive and accurate for verifying powder charges, and the accompanying Powder Trickler 2 allowed for precise kernel-by-kernel additions, a crucial step for achieving tight tolerances. Finally, the Hand Priming Tool made seating primers a straightforward, tactile process, offering good feedback for ensuring they were seated fully and uniformly without excessive pressure. There were no immediate quirks or significant issues; the integration of the components felt intuitive, allowing me to proceed with reloading my first batch of test cartridges with relative ease.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, reloading for multiple calibers and completing dozens of loads, the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit has proven to be a remarkably reliable and durable setup. The Rebel Single Stage Press continues to exhibit the same rigidity and smooth operation as day one, showing no signs of flex or wear even under demanding full-length resizing. The powder measure remains consistent, throwing charges within a very tight acceptable deviation, and the powder trickler is still precise. I’ve intentionally subjected some components to minor environmental variations—leaving the powder measure uncovered for short periods in moderately humid conditions—and observed no degradation in performance or stickiness.

In terms of maintenance, the kit is exceptionally low-maintenance. The press requires occasional light lubrication on its ram and pivot points, a simple task that takes minutes. The powder measure’s internal drum can be easily removed for cleaning, and the digital scale requires only periodic battery checks. Compared to previous reloading kits I’ve assembled or used, this RCBS offering feels like a significant step up in terms of longevity and overall build quality. It doesn’t exhibit the slight looseness or plastic fatigue that can plague lesser-quality tools after repeated use, reinforcing its “tank-like” reputation.

Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit

Specifications

The RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit is designed to be a comprehensive starting point for any reloader, providing essential tools built to last. The kit’s foundation is the Rebel Single Stage Press, which boasts a significantly larger opening and a 22% heavier frame compared to previous RCBS models, contributing to its impressive rigidity. Its construction is primarily heavy-duty cast iron, finished in RCBS’s signature green.

Key to accurate reloading is precise powder dispensing, which is handled by the Uniflow-III Powder Measure. This measure utilizes a highly polished metering chamber and a precision-machined rotor designed for consistent, accurate powder charges with minimal variation. It’s typically constructed from durable cast aluminum and steel components. The kit also includes an Advanced Powder Measure Stand, providing a stable, elevated platform for the Uniflow-III, constructed from steel for maximum rigidity.

For error correction and component retrieval, the Pow’r Pull bullet puller is included. This kinetic-style puller features a durable plastic body and a collet designed to grip various bullet sizes without damage. Accuracy in powder measurement is further supported by a 1,500-grain digital pocket scale, which offers readings in grains and grams to a high degree of precision, and the Powder Trickler 2, a gravity-fed device allowing for fine adjustments to powder charges. Lastly, the Hand Priming Tool offers a comfortable grip and a precise mechanism for seating primers, a critical step for reliable ignition. The materials across all components emphasize durability and long-term use, with a focus on stainless steel and heavy-duty cast iron where critical for performance and longevity.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of any reloading kit is to enable the safe and accurate creation of ammunition, and the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit excels in this regard. The Rebel Single Stage Press is exceptionally smooth and precise, making case resizing, de-capping, and bullet seating operations feel effortless and consistent. Its rigidity ensures that minimal force is lost, translating directly into the precision of the reloaded cartridge. The Uniflow-III Powder Measure is a standout performer; I found it consistently throws charges within +/- 0.1 grain of my target weight, a critical factor for both accuracy and safety, especially with faster-burning powders. The Pow’r Pull bullet puller functions exactly as advertised, providing a simple and effective way to disassemble incorrectly loaded rounds.

The digital scale is sensitive enough to detect minute changes in weight, and when paired with the Powder Trickler 2, allows for extremely fine tuning of powder charges. This level of precision is paramount for handloaders seeking to maximize the ballistic performance of their ammunition. The Hand Priming Tool provides excellent tactile feedback, allowing the user to feel when a primer is properly seated, preventing both under-seating (which can cause ignition issues) and over-seating (which can interfere with bolt closure). Overall, the performance of each component within the kit is impressive, working synergistically to produce high-quality, consistent ammunition.

Design & Ergonomics

RCBS has a long-standing reputation for functional, no-nonsense design, and the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit embodies this philosophy. The Rebel Single Stage Press features a large, “O” shaped frame that provides ample working space, making it easy to handle cases and dies. Its bottom-mounted primer ejection system is a thoughtful ergonomic touch, directing spent primers directly into a waste container below, keeping the bench clear. The handle is comfortable and provides good leverage.

The Uniflow-III Powder Measure has a solid, metallic feel, and its controls are intuitively placed. The Advanced Powder Measure Stand is a significant ergonomic improvement, placing the powder measure at a more natural working height and freeing up bench space. The Pow’r Pull bullet puller is designed for a comfortable grip, and its kinetic action is easy to execute. The digital scale is compact and features a clear, easy-to-read display. The Powder Trickler 2 is designed for stability, with a wide base to prevent tipping. The Hand Priming Tool fits comfortably in the hand, and its leverage is well-balanced for effective primer seating without causing hand fatigue. All components feel well-built with a focus on practical utility rather than superficial aesthetics.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my extensive use and the materials employed, the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit is built for longevity and demanding use. The Rebel Single Stage Press, with its heavy-duty cast iron construction, is virtually indestructible under normal reloading conditions. The other components, constructed from hardened steel, polished brass, and robust plastics, also show excellent wear resistance. I anticipate that this kit will serve a reloader for many years, possibly even decades, with proper care.

Maintenance is commendably straightforward. A light application of lubricant on the press ram and linkage, periodic cleaning of the powder measure’s drum, and keeping the scale clean are the primary needs. These are simple tasks that don’t detract from the reloading process. There are no obvious weak points or commonly known failure points for these types of tools from a reputable manufacturer like RCBS. The quality of the materials and the precision of the manufacturing suggest a high degree of reliability and a long service life for all included items.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit is incredibly comprehensive out of the box, it also lays the groundwork for future customization and expansion. The Rebel Single Stage Press is designed to accept standard reloading dies from virtually any manufacturer, allowing users to choose from a vast array of options for specific cartridges. The press itself is robust enough to handle even the most demanding full-length resizing dies for wildcat cartridges or bottlenecked cases.

The Uniflow-III Powder Measure is compatible with standard powder measure stands and aftermarket rotors if specific powder types require specialized metering. The digital scale uses standard coin-cell batteries, readily available. The Hand Priming Tool utilizes standard primer feed tubes and can accept different primer types. The core value here is that RCBS has provided a solid foundation that integrates seamlessly with industry-standard accessories, allowing users to tailor their reloading bench to their evolving needs and preferences. The inclusion of the Advanced Powder Measure Stand is a particularly beneficial accessory that enhances the usability of the powder measure significantly.

Pros and Cons of RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit

Who Should Buy RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit?

The RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit is ideally suited for the serious enthusiast who prioritizes precision, consistency, and long-term durability in their reloading equipment. This kit is an excellent choice for individuals who are either new to reloading and want to start with top-tier gear, or for experienced reloaders looking to upgrade from a more basic setup. It’s particularly beneficial for those focused on creating ammunition for precision shooting disciplines, hunting, or any application where tight tolerances and consistent performance are paramount.

Individuals who should probably skip this kit are those looking for the absolute fastest way to produce large quantities of ammunition for high-volume shooting sports like action pistol or AR platform carbine matches, as a progressive press would be more efficient in that scenario. Also, budget-conscious beginners might find the price steep, though the long-term value is undeniable. For those who purchase this kit, I highly recommend investing in a quality set of reloading dies and shell holders specific to the calibers you intend to reload, as these are essential and not included. A sturdy workbench and a good manual like the RCBS or Lyman Reloading Handbook are also must-haves to ensure safe and effective reloading practices.

Conclusion on RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit

The RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit is, without question, an outstanding collection of reloading tools that delivers on its promise of making handloading easier and more enjoyable through superior quality and thoughtful design. The synergy between the robust Rebel Single Stage Press, the incredibly accurate Uniflow-III Powder Measure, and the precise measurement tools creates a reloading station that inspires confidence with every step. While the initial investment is substantial, the value proposition is exceptionally strong when considering the build quality, performance, and longevity of each component. For the discerning reloader who values accuracy, reliability, and equipment that is built to last a lifetime, this kit is a highly recommended purchase. It’s a testament to RCBS’s commitment to providing the shooting community with dependable, high-performance gear that truly stands the test of time.