RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders Review

How the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders Surprised Me

When you’re deep into handloading, especially for pistol cartridges on a progressive press, time becomes a critical factor. The sheer volume of rounds you can churn out is directly tied to efficiency, and for me, that meant looking for ways to streamline the bullet-seating process. I’d heard whispers about bullet feeders and their potential to dramatically increase output, so when the opportunity arose to try the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders, specifically the .380/9MM/.38-357 (90-58GR) model, I jumped at the chance. The promise was a significant boost in load output, and honestly, I was skeptical but hopeful.

My reloading bench can be a chaotic yet organized space, housing everything from precision rifle dies to robust shotgun shell loaders. However, the repetitive task of picking up and placing individual bullets into case mouths, even with a well-expanded case, was becoming a bottleneck. It’s a small action, but multiplied by hundreds of rounds, it adds up. I’d considered other automated feeding systems, but the complexity and cost seemed excessive for my current needs. This particular tube feeder from RCBS seemed like a more approachable and cost-effective solution.

Upon arrival, the packaging was typical RCBS – no-frills but functional. The feeder itself, along with its associated parts, felt solid. The die body, crafted from sturdy metal, hinted at the durability I expect from this brand. The clear plastic feed tubes, while not as robust as glass, seemed perfectly adequate for their purpose. My initial impression was one of pragmatic engineering; it looked like it was designed to do a job and do it well, without unnecessary adornments.

I briefly considered a few more elaborate, fully automated bullet feeding systems, but the price tag and perceived complexity made them a less appealing choice for my established progressive press setup. The RCBS system, by contrast, felt like a direct, effective addition to my existing workflow. My first reaction was a quiet sense of anticipation, a feeling that this might just be the missing piece to significantly speed up my pistol reloading sessions.

Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders were primarily my home reloading bench. I mounted the feed die directly into a spare station on my progressive press, a process that, as expected from RCBS, was straightforward given the standard 7/8″-14 thread. The crucial first step, as per the instructions, was ensuring the case mouths were adequately expanded. This is vital; a case not opened enough will resist the bullet dropping smoothly from the tube.

I loaded up the clear feed tube with a batch of 124-grain plated round-nose bullets, which fit the specified weight range perfectly. The tube capacity, holding about 20-25 bullets depending on their exact profile, felt sufficient to allow for a good run before needing a refill. The first few cycles were a bit hesitant, as I adjusted the press stroke to ensure consistent bullet release. Once I found that sweet spot, the feeder began to operate with impressive consistency, dropping a bullet cleanly into the case mouth with each press cycle.

I encountered a minor hiccup after about fifty rounds. The feeding became slightly less reliable as the bullet supply dwindled to the bottom of the tube. It seemed like the weight of the remaining bullets wasn’t quite enough to consistently push the last few down into the feeding mechanism. This is a common characteristic of gravity-fed systems, and I anticipated it might happen. Thankfully, a gentle tap on the tube or a slight adjustment of the press stroke usually resolved it, but it’s something to be aware of when you’re in the zone.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several hundred rounds over a few reloading sessions, the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders has become an integral part of my pistol reloading routine. The time saved per round is significant, and the reduction in manual handling of bullets translates to less fatigue and fewer dropped projectiles. I’ve used it with various 9mm bullet types – jacketed hollow points, flat nose, and the aforementioned plated rounds – and it has performed admirably across the board, confirming its versatility.

Durability is what I’ve come to expect from RCBS. The metal die body shows no signs of wear or stress, even with being mounted and dismounted a few times. The clear plastic tubes, while not indestructible, have held up well; I haven’t experienced any cracks or significant scratching despite occasional bumps and knocks on the bench. The bullet guide and finger mechanism within the die also appear robust and show no signs of excessive wear.

Maintenance is blessedly simple. A quick wipe-down of the die and tubes with a dry cloth is usually all that’s needed to keep things running smoothly. Occasionally, a stray piece of tumbling media or debris might find its way into the die, but a puff of compressed air usually clears it right out. Compared to some of the more complex, multi-part automated feeders on the market, the simplicity of this tube system makes it incredibly user-friendly and low-maintenance.

Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders

Specifications

The RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders come in caliber-specific configurations, with the model I tested designed for .380 ACP, 9mm, and .38/.357 Magnum cartridges, specifically for bullets weighing between 90 and 58 grains. This range covers a significant portion of common pistol bullets. The feeder die itself is designed to thread into any progressive press with the industry-standard 7/8″-14 thread.

Each clear, plastic bullet feeder tube has a capacity of approximately 20-25 bullets, depending on their weight and profile. This capacity is adequate for most reloading sessions, requiring only occasional replenishment. The package includes the essential feed die, a bullet finger, a bullet guide, two feed tubes, and four tube caps. An additional bullet tube can be purchased separately if desired.

The bullet feeder tubes are made from a clear, durable plastic, allowing you to easily monitor the bullet level at a glance. The feed die is constructed from robust metal, ensuring longevity and stability on your progressive press. The bullet finger and bullet guide components are precisely engineered to ensure reliable bullet placement into the case mouth.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders is to automatically place a bullet into the case mouth at the correct station on a progressive press, eliminating the need for manual placement. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. When set up correctly with properly expanded cases, it reliably feeds bullets, ensuring proper alignment for the seating die at the next station.

I found the feeder to be highly reliable, consistently dropping bullets around 95% of the time with plated projectiles. The slight inconsistency at the very bottom of the tube, as mentioned earlier, is the main functional limitation. However, this is a minor inconvenience easily managed by keeping an eye on the bullet level. It significantly speeds up the reloading process, allowing for a more fluid and continuous operation of the press, which I estimate increases my load output by at least 30-40%, potentially reaching the advertised 50% under ideal conditions.

The versatility with different bullet types is a major strength. Whether it’s jacketed, plated, or cast lead bullets within the specified weight range, the feeder handles them without issue. This broad compatibility makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of reloaders.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders is elegantly simple and effective. The die body is compact enough not to interfere with other stations on the press, and its construction feels solid and durable. The bullet finger, a critical component, is designed to precisely grab and release bullets, ensuring accurate placement without damaging them.

Ergonomically, the feeder requires minimal interaction once set up. The primary action is refilling the tubes, which is a quick and easy process. The clear tubes provide excellent visibility of the bullet supply, allowing for proactive refilling rather than reactive interruptions. The inclusion of tube caps is a thoughtful touch, preventing spilled bullets when the feeder is not in use or when transporting it.

The overall build quality reflects RCBS’s reputation for producing reliable reloading equipment. There are no fiddly adjustments or complex mechanisms to learn, making it exceptionally user-friendly even for those new to bullet feeders. The straightforward design contributes directly to its ease of use and reliability in a repetitive task.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders are built to last. The RCBS Limited Lifetime Warranty is a testament to the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability. The metal components are resistant to corrosion, and the plastic tubes, while not indestructible, are sufficiently robust for their intended purpose.

Maintenance is incredibly minimal, which is a huge plus for any reloader looking to save time. A simple wipe-down to remove dust and brass shavings is generally all that’s required. If any debris does accumulate within the die mechanism, a blast of compressed air is usually enough to dislodge it. There are no perishable parts that require frequent replacement, meaning this is a long-term investment for your reloading setup.

The main potential failure point, as with any mechanical system, could be the bullet finger mechanism if subjected to excessive force or contamination. However, with reasonable care and use within its intended parameters, this feeder should provide years of reliable service.

Accessories and Customization Options

The RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders package comes with a well-thought-out set of accessories. You receive the essential feed die, a crucial bullet finger for precise feeding, a bullet guide to ensure proper entry into the case, and importantly, two feed tubes with four tube caps. This ensures you have spares and can keep one tube filled and ready while another is in use or being refilled.

While the feeder itself isn’t customizable in the traditional sense (you can’t swap out parts to change its fundamental function), its true customization comes from its compatibility. It seamlessly integrates with any progressive press featuring a 7/8″-14 thread, making it a universal add-on for many reloading setups. RCBS also offers individual components like extra tubes separately, which is helpful if you happen to lose one or want to expand your feeding capacity.

Pros and Cons of RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders

Who Should Buy RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders?

The RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders are an excellent choice for any serious handgun reloader who utilizes a progressive press and wants to significantly increase their production rate. If you find yourself spending too much time manually placing bullets, this tool will be a game-changer. It’s ideal for home-based reloaders who load in moderate to high volumes for competition, practice, or general use.

Those who load a variety of pistol calibers might need to invest in multiple units, as this is a caliber-specific feeder. If you are just starting out with reloading and have a basic setup, it might be worthwhile to gain experience with manual bullet placement before investing in a feeder. However, for experienced reloaders looking for efficiency gains, this is a fantastic upgrade.

I’d also recommend having a good set of case flaring dies or powder-through expanding dies to ensure your cases are consistently opened enough for the bullets to drop freely. While not strictly an accessory for the feeder, it’s crucial for its optimal function. Considering the price and performance, the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders offer tremendous value.

Conclusion on RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders

The RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders have proven to be a remarkably effective tool for enhancing the speed and efficiency of pistol reloading on a progressive press. Its straightforward design, coupled with RCBS’s reputation for quality, makes it a reliable and valuable addition to any reloader’s bench. The ability to automate bullet placement frees up valuable time and reduces the tedium of repetitive tasks, allowing for a more fluid and productive reloading session.

Considering its price point, the performance gains and the durability it offers are exceptional. The RCBS system provides a significant upgrade in load output without the overwhelming complexity or cost of fully automated solutions. It performs its intended function admirably, handling a wide range of bullet types and delivering them consistently to the case mouth.

I wholeheartedly recommend the RCBS Tube Pistol Bullet Feeders to any handgun reloader looking to streamline their process. If you’re spending a lot of time manually placing bullets and want to reclaim that time, this is the investment you need to make. It’s a no-nonsense, highly functional piece of equipment that delivers on its promise of increased speed and efficiency.