[miatakix]

Hmm, if I were getting into reloading today I'd take a hard look at this sale:

http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=RC09357

Throw in a set of RCBS dies and it looks like one would be able to take advantage of that $50 rebate, on top of that.

No affliliation yada yada ya I have a Lee single stage and a Lyman turret press. I do like my RCBS stuff, though.

 

[Pard]

The scale is their walmart low end one.
My Bud who works at Cabella's wont sell that press any more. It seems the duel socket for left and right handle placement is prone to breaking between the holes, the casting seems to be weak.

 

[miatakix]

Ah, strange, I didn't know about that, Pard, I'd always just heard that the Rockchucker was a good press. Thanks for the warning.

Yeah, I have the Lee Classic Cast single stage press, and an old Lyman identical to the RCBS 10-10...great stuff.

 

[subvet653]

I've had the same Rockchucker single stage press for over 20 years and it keeps working just fine. I don't load more than 100 or so rounds at a time, so a single stage press is fine, but not over stressed. I also use the Uniflow powder measure and it always throws within 0.1 grains of where I set it. I check every 10th round charge on the scale. I use both the 5-0-5 scale and a Cabelas digital scale, both work fine for me. Having said all that, I think the price for the set listed at Natches seems too high for what you get. You can pick up everything listed in the link second hand for under $100.

 

[Pard]

The older Rockchuckers are the best presses ever made. Mine was made in the 60s.
They only had right hand bungs so the metal does not have the problem of the newer ones.

Old press:

New press:

See the difference?

 

[janott]

If it isn't broke don't fix it. : RCBS does make a good press. Don't know why they would have made any changes and they do look about the same. The only real difference that you cannot see is the material that they are cast from, and that could be the problem. The priming system is different and that is another thing that did not need improved. The two Rockchucker presses that I have were made at different times, one in the 70's and the other in the 80's and both are very well made with no problems.

 

[bigjeepman]

No facts to back me up right now, but I remember reading somewhere that the newest of the RCBS Rockchucker presses were now made in China. I'll see if I can find some info on it.

My Rockchucker has the right/left hand holes and is about 11-12 years old. I've never had a problem with it and have used it both right and left handed.

Note: I googled "RCBS made in China" and you can find many forums having discussed this topic. I found no proof yet.


bjm

 

[janott]

I have no complaints but have not read or hear of anything bad as of yet. The only difference between my two presses is the older one is only marked RC and the newer one is marked RC-II, the finish on the newer of the two is better but both still work like they are new.

 

[T REX]

I thought I'd jump in here with my .02, I've been using a RCBS press since the early 80's, I bought a starter kit, press,scale,funnel,lube and lube pad,shell holder tray,primer tray, and a Speer manual, for $85.00, and never looked back. As any reloader, I've added a lot of stuff since, everything RCBS, except some 270 and 7MM08 dies by Lee, and have had great service from all of it. And the desired end result, some "great" shooting boolits!!!!!! T REX

 

[janott]

Looks like an easy fix or change of design for RCBS to just go back to the old design and extend it out to both sides to be used on right or left. That being extended out in front of the cam could create more pressure especially if the press is not secured on the bench good and tight.

 

[riflerick]

Started reloading in the early 70s with a Lyman All American turret, given to me by my wifes Grandfather. Added a Bonanza press for priming. Last year bought a box full of RCBS reloading equipment for $20, included was a new Rockchucker press. So far no problems.

riflerick

 

[dodgestdshift]

Is the Rock Chucker Supreme Press, the new one that has more clearance to handle the new super long cartridges?