RCBS Rock Chucker, which one?

[dbshabo]

I want to get a Rock Chucker for loading .308 match ammo. Is the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit worth the $$. Do you need all the stuff that comes with this kit? If I was to buy the basic Rock Chucker machine then what I need, minus dies, powder, brass, bullets, ect., could I save some $$ or is the Supreme Master Kit a good deal? Thanks for any help.

Shabo

 

[Clark]

I broke my Rockchucker press and sent it back, and they sent me a new one.
I see within a year, they changed the design and added the "Supreme" suffix.
Right where I broke mine, the new design is now beefier.
http://www.rcbs.com/default.asp?menu=1&s1=4&s2=2&s3=6

Here is how I broke a basic Rockchucker:
1) Screw in Lee Collet neck die.
2) Adjust the die so that the die is squeezing the neck hard just at the press goes over top dead center.
3) Screw the die is a little further and lean on the handle.
4) Bang, it's broken!
5) The mechanical advantage goes to infinity [if there were no friction] as the press goes over top dead center.
The forces inside the press at that point are = [Handle force] [mechanical advantage] = too much for cast iron to bear


What?
That doen't answer the question?
OK, No, don't buy the kit.
The press is great, the 505 scale is great, the Uniflow powder measure is great, everything else I have replaced with something better.

--
A society that teaches evolution as fact will breed a generation of atheists that will destroy the society. It is Darwinian.

 

[ocabj]

Rockchuckers breaking isn't a common event. Clark may have just had bad luck or gotten a rare lemon.

Lots of people (including myself) will attest to the RCBS Rockchucker's quality and durabilty, and RCBS's great customer service.

I have a RCBS Rockchucker. I think it's a generation or two older than the current one out. I load 9mm, .45ACP, .223, .308, and 8mm Mauser on it. No problems with it at all.

As far as the kit, I don't see why you shouldn't get it. It has the press, 5-0-5 scale, hand priming tool, uniflow powder measure, Speer #13 manual, case loading block, lube kit, primer tray, powder funnel, and deburring tool. I don't think you need to replace any of those items, and would rather just add to it. Well, actually, I'd skip the RCBS lube kit all together. For my .308 (I load for a Savage 10FP) brass, I use Imperial Die Wax. It's a lot less messier than the RCBS lube and lube tray. Imperial Die Wax goes for $2-$3 and lasts a long time. You apply it with your finger(s), resize, and wipe it off (and tumble if you desire).

Stuff to add to the kit:

- steel dial caliper
- case trimmer (Wilson recommended)
- primer pocket brush
- primer pocket uniformer
- flash hole deburring/uniformer tool
- tumbler (optional)

You don't really need a tumbler for .308 if that's all you're loading. Some people just use 0000 steel wool to polish the neck and inside the case.

 

[Uncle Don]

If your sure you want a Rockchucker, go ahead. However, many people have gone to the new Lee Classic Cast press which is also Cast Iron. It has a ram that is 1 1/8" and it has slightly over 4" of clearance. It was designed to handle 50 BMG by removing the top bushing. I haven't seen a bad review yet. I love mine and the primer catch is 100% and the best part is that they are under $60.00 from Midway.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've had my Rock Chucker nearly thirty years. If it ever wears out, I'll buy another.

 

[Cortland]

The Lee Classic Cast is larger than the Rock Chucker in every conceivable dimension (press opening, ram diameter, yoke pin diameter, etc.), but it still cannot load .50 BMG (they're just too long). The larger die threads can still be used for a Lock-N-Load conversion bushing, or some exotic calibers that use the larger dies.

 

[racenutz]

If you look at the way the ram is made on the Classic Cast the entire top 3" or so is screwed onto the lower portion of the ram. The ram wouldn't have much spare travel but if Lee made a shorter top for 50BMG it just might have enough clearance. Also, with the adjustable handle repositioning it for the shorter stroke wouldn't be a problem.

 

[stellarpod]

Cortland mentions an accessory that I believe makes a huge difference:

The Hornady Lock-N-Load conversion bushing kit.

These allow you to easily change dies without disturbing their setting. I promise it will save you a lot of time and frustration. I've installed them on my Rockchucker Supreme and I've never looked back.

stellarpod