Which single stage press is best for 223 rem

[k&j 223]

I would like to ask the pro's, which single stage press is best for 223 rem? I have an old rockchucker I bought in 1970 & have loaded a ton of bullets , different calibers on it - mostly 38 & 45acp. Quite a few rifle rds.as well. Now I'm having a real hard time in priming 223 cases , they are very hard to go in & catch , they make a snapping sound when they do go in after I keep playing with rotating the rd or keep making an attempt to prime the rd, if I wiggle the primer arm sometimes I get lucky. I'm afraid that I might set off a primer & get either myself hurt or my grandson's , or my wife. Yes she does help once in a while. I figure a new press is the very best bet, & certainly the safe way to go. I have been out of reloading for several yrs,& haven't kept up with the changing times, WOW!!! Everthing is so diff. I ckd & they don't make the old style rockchucker anymore, I read that the new rcbs is made in china. I'd say NO to that, what a shame!!! I only want made in the U.S.A. THANKS A LOT, Ken

 

[Randy1911]

Question? Are your primer pockets crimped? That's all I can think of off hand.

That press shouldn't be a problem. I have one and like it a lot better then the new ones. If all else fails, call RCBS @ 1-800-553-5000. They have great customer service and your press has a lifetime waranty.

 

[Sport45]

Your press will work fine. I think Randy1911 has identified the problem. Ream or swage the crimped primer pockets and you'll be back in business.

 

[k&j 223]

Answer to RCBS rockchucker, with problem to prime.

Yes, I have the dillon super swage & I'm pretty sure I have it adjusted right. Some primers go in ok & most won't . I have also chamfered the primer pocket as well. Very flustrated!!!!! These are fc once fired 223 rem shells. I have cleaned & polished & lubed with dillon lube. The primers are cci 400. I do have to say my wife tells me I used to have the same problem,but ignored it. Since I have had my heart surgery I have a hard time remembering things, doc says it will get better , here's hoping. Anyway guys , any ideas? Thanks , Ken

 

[lgbloader]

Mr. Whitebread, That press will load 223 REM just fine.

LGB

 

[Shimitup]

Your Rockchucker is a fine press, I've loaded many rifle calibers in mine, a couple more things to check, be sure you haven't forgotten to put the small primer plunger on your arm and make sure the groove in the shell holder is clean, a little debris in the back if the groove will keep the case from centering over the hole.

Good luck.

P.S.
Sounds like you're a veteran loader, so I suspect you've already done it, I just thought I'd mention it any way.

 

[k&j 223]

Guys, Thanks very much .Your very kind to answer my post. Good shooting to you all... Ken

 

[Doug b]

Best single stage press

Forster co-ax

 

[k&j 223]

Thank you Doug B, I'll look into a forster co ax. Ken

 

[ranger335v]

The Co-Ax is a fine press but I doubt your .223 brass will notice any difference.

 

[SASS#23149]

the press u have is more than enogh for what you are doing,I"m pretty sure the crimp rings are your problem,check the pockets by eye and see if some of them aren't still in there.another press won't solve that problem,if that is indeed the problem.

 

[243winxb]

No expert here, but, make sure you have the correct shell holder installed. And the primer arm contains the small priming unit. Clean the hole in the shell holder. Look for burrs on the priming unit. Then i would try a different brand of primer. I dont think a new press will help.

 

[k&j 223]

Rockchucker , Press problem, Primer seating uneven

Thank you, sass#23149-243winxb-ranger335v & the rest who answered my post, I really appreciate your input. I called RCBS today & to my shock the service rep said that they still make parts for the old rockchuckers all of them & he thinks its my primer arm causing the problem. if the parts he sends me dosen't fix the problem then he wants me to ship unit back to them for proper repair. WOW!!! What a co. only after 37 yrs.of use, its still under warranty. Its really hard to believe . He thinks the primer punch is bent a little causing the primer to tilt & catch @ the edge of the shell holder. Heres hoping this will repair it. They are sure nice people @ RCBS. He said they haven't made this unit for apx 20 or so years, but still matain all parts for them, my hat's off to RCBS. WOW!!! Thanks to you all... A great bunch of guys , Ken -P. S. Yes I did double check the crimp ring ,I was having the same problem with commercial ww brass ,also my pistol brass as well.

 

[bigb00mer]

I use an old herters with the rcbs shell holder adapter. The best tool I found to de-crimp 223's is the one we all use to chamfer and deburr out brass with, a cpl twist in primer pocket and crimps are gone

 

[Eb1]

My Lee Challenger makes really good .223 ammo. It isn't fast, but it works nicely. Single stage presses are not fast. The Lee Challenger will do rifle cases just fine.