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Posted: 7/16/2008 4:14:57 PM EDT
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I’m getting back into reloading. I’ve had Mec progressive shotshell reloaders, and I’ve handloaded rifle and pistol rounds (with adult supervision), but this will be my first time to equip myself to work up my own rifle loads (initially, .204 and .243). So with all that in mind, is there anything wrong with starting out with an RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme reloading kit? Scouting through old posts, it’s clear that some folks have problems with RCBS stuff, especially their dies. Then again, some folks don’t like vanilla ice cream.  Is there a better (more cost-effective) solution than the Rock Chucker kit? I’m not looking to throw cubic dollars at this but I don’t plan to cheap out either. |
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The Rockchucker is a good press, especially for rifle cartridges.. A lot of us started with one, but it isn't a starter press. I still have mine in spite of also having a Dillon Square Deal for pistols and a 550 for .223 and other stuff. I use my 'Chucker for low volumn loading and/or more precise loads. Get one. You will never get rid of it. Jim |
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I started with mine in 1982. I still have it. I still use it. It will outlast me. You can not beat RCBS customer service. I lost a drop nozzle and they shipped me a new one after I told them how old the press was. I tried to pay but they wouldn't have any of it. As far as a better single stage press? I couldn't say. I've never had a problem with mine up to 300 win mag with small base die. Ok well, a couple of stuck cases which the RCBS stuck case remover took care of handily. I've never had a problem with their dies either, but I'm using old fangled stuff that was made before people invented cures for problems that don't exist. It all works. I will admit to some blue lust for production, but what I have produces accurate ammunition and it's paid for. The Dillon Super swage reigns supreme for swaging primer pockets. |
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Nothing wrong with the Rockchucker, I've used one a time or two. The only real drawback to the press is that it "cams over" on the end of the stroke. This is both good and bad, good in that it gives you more leverage, bad in that it sacrifices feel. Get a hand priming tool and you will be good to go. Also, it's worth looking at the new Lee "Classic" cast press, it's a massive press that can load up to 50 BMG, but is reasonably priced. |
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I started out with a Lee kit, and have over the years replaced everything in it with pretty much everything that is included in the RCBS starter kit. The only items I still use from the Lee kit are powder measure, powder funnel, and priming tool. So save some money and get the RCBS kit from the get go and then the only things you will need to buy in the future are dies, shell holders, and a progressive press if needed. I have been reloading off and on for the last 12 years and I still have no desire to get a progressive press, but then I also have a pretty decent stash of ammo for blasting such that I only reload for accuracy, not volume. |
+1 That's the bottom line. |
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IF you're looking for a good deal and don't have much $$$. IMHO buy USED. I can usually find a good Rock Chucker at the fun shows. The prices are way better than buying NEW. And, that way I can mix and match the other needed items for re-loading. Make out your own shopping list. Catered to the way YOU like to do things. Remember to get a good re-loading manual. There is NO HARM in drinking the other flavors of Kool Aid (besides BLUE, if you know what I mean). Aloha, Mark |
all for 50 bucks.. it has the compound leverage that I LOVE. and does very accurate reloads. I think you'd do very well to get a chucker
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I'm in pretty much the same boat. I finally decided to start reloading and just bought a Rockchucker Supreme kit. Seems like a great set of gear. I've already bought RCBS dies for two calibers so this is somewhat academic, but what are you hearing negative about RCBS dies? BTW, I went ahead and got the Hornady Lock-and-load conversion for the Rockchucker. Seems like not having to reset dies is good thing . . . |
Bladeswitcher, it was just a scattering of quibbles with no clear focus. And I'll have to look into the Lock and load conversion. |
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I started reloading about 12 years ago on a Rock Chucker. It's a great single stage press. I've since graduated to a Dillon RL 550B for reloading 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .223 etc. BUT, I still use the Rock Chucker for reloading for my hunting rifles, .338 Win Mag, 30-06. etc. To answer you question, RCBS Rock chuckers are good presses to start with, use and keep using through years. Just my humbele .02 cents worth!! |
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Well, I worked up my grocery list and gave it to my LGS/smith. It included the Rock Chucker kit, brass, bullets, powders, primers, ... and some good to have stuff that's not in the Rock Chucker kit, like a caliper, a bullet puller and a tumbler. Well, he's an old friend of the family and not particularly shy about speaking up if he thinks he knows a better way. So he looks at my list and, right away, he said I wanted to upgrade to a digital scale. Then he tells me he's going to do some checking to see if it makes more sense to "plus up" the kit on my grocery list or start out buying a better kit. So today he tells me he'll make me an RCBS Pro 2000 Deluxe Reloading Kit for $780. It's $1100 retail and online prices are $850-860. So I decided to come back and ask my advisers. If it were your money, would you bite the bullet and start out with the progressive kit? |
I'm a beginner so I know nothing. But, I figure the progressive press can come later. I plan on learning on a single stage and a low volume rifle caliber. If and when I'm ready to start cranking out thousands of rounds, then I'll look at a progressive. |
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I have a Pro 2000. The learning curve is longer than a single stage, but if you're accustomed to setting machinery up you would probably do okay. This is a very good press. If you are impatient, I say hold off and get the Rockchucker first to learn the fundmentals, or plan on spending more time to work out the process until its second nature. The auto progressive feature on this press is new this year and I have not seen one so I can't comment on its function. A conversion kit is available and you might want to wait and get the manual progressive version first, then upgrade later. And here's the thing - an auto progressive press without a case feeder is barely faster than a manual progressive because the case and bullet must be handled at each handle pull. The only difference is the time to manually move the shell holder to next position; not much. |
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I realize rifle reloading is a bit more complex than shotsells but I have done progressive shotshell reloading so that aspect won't be completely alien. My concern is that buying the Pro 2000 kit as a starter outfit marries me to a whole lotta RCBS all at once. I figure starting with the simpler "Chucker" kit would better allow my setup to evolve in whatever direction my interests and preferences might take it without the risk of banishing so much reloading hardware to the attic. If no one's eyes are popping out of their heads over that price, I'm thinking I should stick with the Rock Chucker. |
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