RCBS RockChucker press

[cellar701]

I scored a lightly used vintage RockChucker press today - dated '78. It also came with a set of Lyman 30-06 dies (all for $65). I had been thinking about setting up another press on the reloading bench, and this one should work just fine!

 

[Bucks Owin]

Good score....Once I get flush enough to replace my 50 yr old Pacific C-press with a Forster Co-Ax, I'm gonna dedicate the ol' Pacific to Lee bullet sizer duty. See if it'll ever wear out that way! :lol:

 

[Rainman]

Good snag especially at that price. You can't wear out one that's for sure. My Rock Chucker is ugly (a flea market find) but it's got many more years left than I do.

I took an old RCBS RS press and dedicated it to depriming only. Add a universal depriming die and you're good to go for anything (except 50 BMG).

Dan

 

[45flattop]

Great price on a Rockchucker, especiallay since it was made before
RCBS moved production to China, the next press I buy will be a
Redding probably, still US made for now at least.

 

[cellar701]

My other press is the Redding ultramag. Both these presses are built like a tank, and I'm very happy to find the older high quality RockChucker.

 

[Rick Courtright]

My other press is the Redding ultramag. Both these presses are built like a tank, and I'm very happy to find the older high quality RockChucker.

Hi,

Certainly a good find--I've seen people pay more for "good" RockChuckers on eBay than a new one goes for!

I like RCBS equipment, but am saddened they joined the "Let's put some more Americans out of work" crowd. Wonder when it'll start to hurt 'em?

Rick C

 

[Rainman]

Rick:
I was watching a Sighting In program on the Outdoor Channel about RCBS and I thought they were saying they were only using raw press castings from China, All the maching was being done here along with dies and other products. Has anyone else heard different? Everything on my reloading bench is RCBS green with the exception of an old Lyman 55 measure and a few Lee Factory Crimp dies. I love RCBS products and the customer service is the best on the planet.

Dan

 

[GP100man]

Here`s a `74 model RC still tite as a tick , looks leaves a little to be desired though !

I just have`nt found a shade of green I wanna try !!

 

[Rick Courtright]

Here`s a `74 model RC still tite as a tick , looks leaves a little to be desired though !

I just have`nt found a shade of green I wanna try !!

Hi,

I thought my '69 Jr needed a little touch up, but it looks like your RC might need just a little more... Haven't done anything about mine yet, but was thinking of a green hammered finish something like the new RC Supreme.

Rick C

 

[Rick Courtright]

I was watching a Sighting In program on the Outdoor Channel about RCBS and I thought they were saying they were only using raw press castings from China

Hi, Rainman

I've heard the same thing about just the casting being done in China.

I have clients who've worked w/ the same model: doing the machining and finish work here on raw castings from over there after a bean counter figured they could save an infinitesimal amount on the casting cost that way.

They've told horror stories about the consistency of the castings and subsequent reject rate... Got costly, fast, and the next thing they knew, their US plant was closed and moved to Mexico.

Just sayin'... hope it DOESN'T come back to bite RCBS. They've been too good a company for too long to mess this up!

Rick C

 

[GP100man]

If I were to buy a new single stage press today it would either be a Lee classic or a Redding Big Boss

The fit of the later RCBS don`t hold a candle to my to old timers!

Wonder how`d they look battleship grey ????

Sad really !!

 

[Rainman]

GP100man:
I have to agree with Rick, that press could use a little cosmetic help! Just kidding- my 72 model is missing about as much paint but is tight as a new one on the Sportsman's Warehouse display.

I hate to hear about RCBS relocating their manufacturing. Several times I have had contact with their customer service department (parts) and everytime I have gotten what I needed at no charge including shipping. They are awesome and made a loyal customer out of me!

Dan

 

[GP100man]

Well just for the record my cuz rescued this RC out of an old barn that was 1/2 fallen down , he was contracted to remove the little "shed" & a tree, thank goodness the ram & bushings & joints were coated with copper antiseize , dried & hard !!

Soaked in diesel fuel for a month before getting it all off !!!

RED ????

OOORRR ugly press thread ???? I have an old spartan that has a patch of grey `bout the size of your thumb left on it !!!

 

[Rick Courtright]

RED ????

Hi,

But mightn't that give it an identity crisis?

Red's been used as a signature color by Lee, Hornady, Pacific, C-H, Bair (I think), MEC, innumerable fire truck mfrs, and Ferrari...

At least one of those reds I just love! Wonder how fast a RockChucker can take the corners?

Rick C

 

[Boxhead]

My 1977 vintage RCBS Reloader Special just took a back seat to a new Lee Classic Cast due to the limited throw length of the RS. If one is looking for a very high quality new press I highly recommend the Lee. This from a non-Lee user.

 

[Tommy Kelly]

I bought my rockchucker used in 1968. I later around bought another used one around 1990 just to have a backup. I gave my son the second one I bought when he started loading. I will never wear out the first one and he probably won't live long enough to finish it off after I die. Maybe the grandson will be interested in loading and can also use it through his lifetime and pass it on. I have had a few other presses through the years but always end back up with my old rcbs rockchucker. I have pulled that old handle a bunch through the years. It kindof reminds me of a old international truck you didn't wear them out you just got tired of looking at them and got rid of them. They were the engines used in the original checker cabs

 

[Ale-8(1)]

ROCKCHUCKER . . . GOOD!

:wink: