Redding Big Boss II vs RCBS Rockchucker

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dcbridgwater

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Hello,

If you were looking to get a good single stage press would you get the Redding Big Boss II or the RCBS Rock Chucker™ Supreme? I am sure they are both good but I have heard that the RCBS quality has suffered since they are made in China. Thanks for any comments on these 2 presses.

Dale
 
I have a rockchucker suprime . If i was only buying the press and not the kit . I would consider a Lee classic cast
 
"If i was only buying the press and not the kit. I would consider a Lee classic cast"

I have an RC. If I were getting a new press tomorrow, it would BE the Classic Cast!
 
Forster Coax!
I had a RCBS Rock Chucker, got the Coax, never looked back. I know you did not ask about the Forster, but at least give it a look before you commit to the others.

Jimmy K
 
I used a Rockchucker for 20+ years and loved it. Got a Big Boss II a few years ago and love it even more than the Rockchucker, mostly for one reason: the hole in the ram that lets the spent primers drop out the bottom of the ram, rather than falling out the front of the ram into a catch tray (hopefully).

It's unbelievable how much cleaner the Redding method keep sthe press and reloading area. All that nasty primer soot and ash goes out the bottom of the ram, rather than falling allover the press frame and outside of the ram. Primers get neatly collected in the primer drop tube beneath the ram rather than bouncing all over the press and floor.
 
The Lee Classic Cast is what I would buy. That press is a bargain and a half. I've owned 2 RCBS presses which are excellent presses. The Lee is as good or better of a press and it keeps control of spent primers sending them down the hole in the ram. The Lee is much less money than any of the others in the same class. The Lee is also made in the U.S.A.
 
It's unbelievable how much cleaner the Redding method keeps the press and reloading area. All that nasty primer soot and ash goes out the bottom of the ram, rather than falling all over the press frame and outside of the ram.
Click to expand...

That's the type performance information that becomes REALLY valuable 1 month AFTER you purchase.
 
The Big Boss is a supremely made press. The only one stronger and with more leverage is Reddings own UltraMag.

The Co-ax is a great press as well. I have used a friends many times over. Quick die changes make it comparable to a turret press.

The best value is the Lee Classic Cast by far though. You do get what you pay for in the end. But you get a little bit more for your money right now with the Classic Cast.
 
Well... Since I have a Lee classic cast and a RC, I would get a Redding Big Boss II.

LGB
 
+2 for the Lee Classic Cast.

It is hell for stout, it has the same hollow ram primer drop as the Redding BB II. And like the Redding, it will take the 1 1/4 x 12 dies with the removal of a bushing. I don't use the big 50 BMG dies but I have replaced the bushing with a Hornady LnL conversion bushing so I can use the same dies w/LnL quick change bushings on the Lee and the LnL AP.

The really great feature of the Lee versus the Redding is that it costs about half as much - $86 vs. $175 at Midway.
 
Coax has a Plastic jar to catch primers, no residue, no primers on floor, universal shell holder, the perfect way to set primer, floating die so no alignment-concentric problems, forces are contain within the press-so very little force on table-bench, heavy duty cast head-base, ground steel guide arms, heavy duty handle and linkage, and the best press sold today. Like I said give it a look if you'd like to buy "ONE" press that will last you forever and you won't want to trade up later. Do yourself a favor and Google the Forster Co-ax press and do a search on the THR, read what folks say.

Jimmy K
 
Hey Dale,

I have had the same RCBS RockChucker for over 40 years (and two RCBS Juniors), and it is the classic single stage press to measure all others by. Having said that, I would choose the Redding Big Boss II. It measures up to the RockChucker quite well. I don't know that it is any stronger, but it is certainly as beefy as the RockChucker. To me, the one overwhelming difference between the two is the spent primer collection system. I don't know why RCBS does not make a retrofit ram to do the same thing.

As far as Lee and the Classic Cast, I don't think it is in the same league as the Redding and the RCBS. Apparently Lee doesn't either. Lee offers a two year warranty while Redding and RCBS keep going with the lifetime warranty.

Enjoy your machine.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile
 
"I have had the same RCBS RockChucker for over 40 years (and two RCBS Juniors), and it is the classic single stage press to measure all others by."

That's true enough. It was the first press with an "O" frame and compound lever links. But that was in the early 60's so it's not unique any more and hasn't been for decades!
 
If you are willing to pay Redding money, I would go with the CH if you ever want to get into swaging later on down the road.
 
Just curious are you loading pistol or rifle?
Click to expand...

Both pistol and rifle, looking for a good single stage press for the special loads that I don't want to run through Dillon RL550. I guess I did it backwards I got my progressive press first and now finding for some things a single stage press is better.

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions so far!
 
If you are willing to pay Redding money, I would go with the CH if you ever want to get into swaging later on down the road.
Click to expand...

Any idea where one would find info on the CH searched some but did not come up with much.

Thanks!
 
Redding and CH4D

Redding is 100% made in America on American made machine tools. Might cost more but I'm helping fellow Americans feed their families. Not that I'm against Asian made goods - they make very good products, It's just I think we ought to walk the talk and BUY AMERICAN MADE FIRST!

CH4D - Just had opportunity to work with CH4D for some custom trim tooling. Talked with the owner and a couple of shop guys. I would not hesitate to work with these folks and, at least my custom order, is also made in America.

Thanks,
Scott
 
When I gave my dad back his Rockchucker press, I happened on a article, I think Handloader, RCBS now casts its Rockchucker press frames in China. I then decided on the Big Boss at that time. Its a great press. I would also consider the Lee Classic Cast press if I were in the market for another single stage.
 
Hey folks,

I know a lot of folks have Lee presses and sing their praises, but I also see a lot of folks complaining that some part or another on their press breaks. I know Lee is cheap to buy, but I would hate to be replacing a press because something broke after the two year warranty is up.

At least Redding and RCBS offer lifetime warranties. Then again, I have had several RCBS presses (one over 50 years, and two others over 40 years), and I have never had anything break on any of them.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile
 
I have owned a lee cheep-0 a herters. a redding boss, and a rock chucker that was ruined from rust. My experience after 40 years is with equipment I have owned is this.
Herters press was great brother now owns it. Lee good starter press. Redding boss not up to standards. I called and told redding this press was brand new and it was looser than a two dollar whore on fifth street. I gave it to a friend along with a redding trimmer.

Sometimes you don't get what you pay for,but my redding scale and powder measure and dies are excellent. RCBS flat out backs up it's products no question. Go with the rock chucker and don't look back at least for a lifetime. Rcbs refirbished my rockchucker to like new for the cost of shipping. Ya gotta love the big green.
 
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