[skmarsh77]

Ok so here is a question I just don't know the answer to. I'm look to get started in reloading and am going to buy a single stage press kit. I have narrowed it down to either the rock chucker master kit or the hornady lock n load. They both cost pretty much the same. the rcbs has a 50 dollar rebate and the hornady has a 500 free bullet promotion going on now. the hornady is definately the better deal but is the rcbs better than the hornady? I figured someone here will have the answer.

 

[whitecloud]

Both are good units. I have had the RCBS for about 15 years, and it's worked very well. I have heard a lot of good about it but the problem is, I'm partial.
Does the Hornady allow quick change of calibers? That might make a difference if you're loading more than one caliber.

Either way, you're gonna have a lot of fun with your new hobby.
Tim

 

[M700]

Darned if I know which one is better. I've had my Rockchucker for at least 25 years, and it's going strong, despite rolling out thousands of rounds... Never used a Hornady press.

Guy

 

[Fuzzball]

Both are fine, no functional difference, IMHO. My RC II is some 22 years old and in perfect shape but IF I had to replace it next week I'd get a Lee Classic Cast; it's bigger, stronger, much better user features and the spent primer catcher works!

 

[janott]

I have two RCBS Rockchuckers and use the heck out of them, I started with RCBS in the mid 70's and have added and taken away from it but have stuck with the RC presses for a long time and you don't see many used one's out there. I have tried Lee, Lyman and also have a Herters press and it is like the RC only much older and it also still works.

 

[Charlie98]

I have a smaller RCBS (RS5) that I started loading on in 1987, and I bought the predecessor to the newer designed Hornady (in a kit, just like you are looking at) for my brother. It's a fine press. I have the Hornady ProJector, the predecessor to the new L-N-L progressive, I love it.

The new presses all have the quick-change bushings, my only complaint on that would be it's just another component you have to buy. All our presses are old-style, and they don't slow me down in the least. I wouldn't make that the pivot in your buying decision. (What I did buy is the Hornady lock rings and the wrench that goes with them. The rings have machined flats on opposite sides, and you can spin them into the press and quickly snug them down with the wrench. Very handy...)

The one thing I would also say to watch is the scale. The Hornday kit used to come with a cheap digital scale, not a balance beam scale, but I think they changed it. No matter what, I would get an RCBS 5-0-5 scale, the RCBS kit comes with one already.

I believe the RCBS is a cast iron press (not sure on that) but the Hornady is alloy (which surprised me... my ProJector weighs a ton!) They are both burly presses and I don't think it matters which one you get... you ain't breaking them!

 

[biggog]

I have an RCBS rockchucker that I bought used. It must be 20 yrs. old and works flawlessly. Bought a bench mounted priming tool on ebay that RCBS quit making 5 years ago and it was missing one of the priming rods. I called RCBS and they sent me both rods for free. It's hard to beat a company like that.