Rockchucker Priming Arm

[Whiterook808]

I have a vintage Rockchucker, A1 casting and I have decided to try priming on the press. Since the original priming arm is long gone, I purchased a new universal priming arm II. I tried it this past weekend using a Lee shell holder. I am priming as a separate operation, so there was no die in the press. I had such a hard time with this that after about 10 rounds and several ruined primers I gave up and used an old ram prime I had laying around. I was thinking of using this and the automatic primer feeder instead of buying a bench priming system. Do you think it might be the Lee shell holder? Is it designed to only work will with the sizing die holding the case? I already have a Lee Ergo Prime, so please don't go there!

Any insights will be greatly appreciated. By the way, I have been lurking on this forum for the last year and you guys have taught me a lot. Thanks!

 

[Blue68f100]

I have seen that different shell holders have a different inside diameter for their primer setup. On my Redding if I use a RCBS shell holder it wants to hang up on the edge. Using the Redding it works smooth, with no hangups. It's kind of a combination of thing that need to be matched for it to run smooth. The sleeve on the primer punch anvil need to closely fit the hole in the shell holder for optimum alignment. I have learned over the years if it doesn't feel quite right when you start up give the cartridge a twist will normally align it if under light pressure.

 

[billybob44]

For me..I would buy the RCBS shell holder for your caliber first..If it does not fix your problem, you will still use it down the road..Bill.

 

[dgod]

I tried the RCBS Rockchucker priming years ago, it didn't take me long to change to a Hand Held Priming system. The RCBS Universal is the latest from RCBS and I have had very good luck with it. I'm sure there are others that work well also.

Good Luck

dg

 

[ReloaderFred]

Call RCBS and they'll send you the priming arm for your press. They don't care how long you've owned it, or if you're the first owner.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[USSR]

Gave up priming using a press about 40 years ago. The RCBS hand held primer tool is clearly superior, as it allows you to feel the primer being seated properly.

Don

 

[Whiterook808]

I didn't think to call RCBS, given the age of the equipment, but that is a great idea! They should be able to steer me in the right direction and if the shell holder is the key. I have been using their products since the early 1980's and this will be my first call to them.

Thanks, All!

 

[farm23]

I have a very old RCBS RS single stage press and the priming tube works well with a RCBS shell holder. The one thing I would like to learn is how to remove the primer tube with primers in it and not spill any primers. I find RCBS customer service excellent.

 

[Whiterook808]

I ran into that when I decided to call it quits. I wound up removing the automatic priming unit from the press so that I could invert it before removing tube. It is just the two set screws and I would think that shouldn't need to be done that often. It appears that Lyman uses a similar system on their Crusher II, so one or the other thought the system good enough to copy.

 

[FROGO207]

The vintage Rock Chucker I have has the priming arm with the single primer holder. That is what it came with.

 

[Whiterook808]

The automatic primer feed is an RCBS add-on unit and uses the standard priming arm.

http://rcbs.com/Products/Accessorie...arts/Priming/Automatic-Primer-Feed-Combo.aspx

I don't believe it is related to my problem because I tried priming without it and got the same results.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

The one thing I would like to learn is how to remove the primer tube with primers in it and not spill any primers. I find RCBS customer service excellent.

What I have done is use a small allen wrench and pushed the primers up , then put the 'HAIR CLIP " back in. Pull tube out, now one end is closed, it is now up to you...

 

[BiknSwans]

I agree with BillyBob44. I was using a Lee shell holder in my RCBS turret and had lots of primer alignment problems. I switched to the RCBS shell holder and have loaded over 17,000 rounds with zero primers misaligned sideways or flipped over. Crimped primers are still a hassle.

 

[Whiterook808]

RCBS is awesome! They are sending me a shell holder and a new primer punch pin. I have heard they were good, but that is outstanding. Thanks for all your help, gentlemen.

 

[hdbiker]

I've has issues with Lee shell holders, buy a dedicated RCBS shell holder and don't look back. hdbiker

 

[farm23]

1976B.L. thanks for the tip. That sound like it will work.