Hi,
As far as I know, I have one of the last versions of the Rock Chucker definitely made in the US. Possibly the last one before the Supreme? I dunno for sure... I bought it used but in "looks like the previous owner only loaded about one box of shells" condition right after the Supreme came out.
Differences I can see that might affect operation are that the Supreme can handle slightly longer cartridges (.30-06, my longest, slips right in the older one), and the handle can be switched for right or left handed operation. Beyond that, there may be changes that didn't catch my eye. I never used the primer "tools" that came attached to any of my presses, preferring either a hand primer, or a ram primer for on press use, so can't compare what used to be with what is today.
Are the Supremes "Made in USA" in the sense of American casting, American machining, American assembly? I have heard over and over they've got some Asian blood in 'em today, though how much is arguable. I've seen posts where folks say they've contacted RCBS on this issue, and seem to get a consistent "No comment" type answer. It's been my experience that people who ARE building their products here in the U.S. are generally proud of the fact and advertise it. So who knows???
Since numerous folks have reported loading a quarter to half million rounds on a Rock Chucker, I'm guessing it would be work to wear out even a Chinese one if RCBS holds 'em to the quality we've become used to from the company. A buddy got a Rock Chucker Supreme kit a few months ago, and so far, there have been no complaints. It's still iron, still built like a tank, still tosses spent primers all over the place (Forster and Redding have both solved that problem and Lee has borrowed Redding's solution: c'mon, RCBS, catch up!) and still offers a lifetime warranty with "industry best" level customer service.
For decades the Rock Chucker has been pretty much the benchmark in single stage presses for most of us. Truth be told, though, things change, and today I think the all U.S. made Lee Classic cast iron press offers a couple of engineering advantages, and arguably the best dollar for dollar "value" for most loaders, while the Redding line, though a bit pricier than RCBS, also has some engineering advances and is proudly advertised as all U.S. made, with no hemming or hawing about the issue. I'd look long and hard at both those makes if I really thought I needed a new single stage press. Remember, though, none of the big names puts out a bad press, and the differences, like so many things in the reloading hobby, are just a matter of personal preference more than anything else.
Rick C
