After 42 years...
I'm still using my RCBS Rockchucker press. Got it in 1976. No idea how many thousands of rounds I have loaded on this thing. No, I have no interest in getting a progressive press. I don't shoot enough to justify the expense. I just turn on the stereo to the classic rock station and do 'em one at a time. Don't even have a real bench, just that portable thing I got when I lived in a tiny house and storage space was scarce. Now I'm just used to it and can't imagine changing at this point.
PS: I was surprised at how many die sets I have. All RCBS save one oddball caliber for which RCBS didn't make dies.
PS: I was surprised at how many die sets I have. All RCBS save one oddball caliber for which RCBS didn't make dies.
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me too though i have not reloaded for some time last bunch was 357 spirepoint for 2 single shot rifle 0 -
Grandpa bought the Rockchucker I use, years ago, and it's the one I learned to reload on. Dad has used it a lot too. Like you, I can't imagine the number of rounds it has processed over the years. Still my favorite, even though I now have an RCBS A2, and a Lyman All-American turret press. 0 -
Not quntity but quality that counts, 0 -
I have worn 2 rock chuckers out over the years.
Certainly the RC is a great press, but IMHO they have a design flaw. The flaw is in the primer removal arena. When spent primers are removed anvils often separate and the debris slides down the ram and lodges between the ram and the frame. I have even had the ram bind and lock up when a piece of an anvil lodged between the ram and frame.
Over time, the frame wears out from the sandpaper effect of the debris deposited on the ram from spent primers. If you process range brass of milsurp brass, you can add in sand which lodges in the primer pocket and ends up between the ram and the frame wearing parts out at a much faster rate.
Basically you have a ram with considerable end play as much as 3/32 at the top stroke. This is not good.
Yes, you pay $35 to ship the press to RCBS and they will make repairs and send back to you.
However, IMHO, you are better off with a Redding, Lee or other press that punches the primers out thru the center of the ram and you don't have to sweep primers up that often fail to stay in the tray.0 -
I am still using my RCBS A-2 that I purchased in 1965. Still performs as flawlessly as when I first got it. 0 -
Doc - Is that book end part of your class room training exhibits ?
I have always loaded off a single stage press.0 -
I still have my old RCBS Rockchucker press too along with all of the RCBS reloading accessories of the day and probably as many die sets as you have. I used to reload for all of my old Winchesters, Colts, and S&Ws; including many oddball calibers.
I haven't reloaded in years and the stuff is stored in the original boxes and just collecting dust on a shelf in the garage.
I did sell all of my Lyman bullet casting stuff at the Fall TGCA show last weekend; guess I need to take all of the RCBS stuff to the next show.0 -
Can't imagine wearing out TWO of these. Lordy you must load a hell of a lot more than me. Yes, spent primers do come apart pretty often but I have never had debris get caught in the ram as you describe. They won't fit. Not enough clearance to allow then to get in there. I have primers fall into the toggle out front but most times they fall right back out with the next movement of the handle.
I have had zero problems with my press and RCBS customer service on other issues has always been top drawer.0 -
I have been rolling my own for over 50 years using the same RCBS Rockchucker press and use only RCBS dies and ancillary products...RCBS customer service is the best. 0 -
My dad bought me my RCBS Rock chucker, in 1977, I still use it today. I want a dillon 650XL, but really don't need it. The rcbs does everything I want and works great. I had on problem with the primer feeder tube, the plastic tip fell off, and rcbs sent me two, to replace it. Awesome job rcbs. Oak 0
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