Rock Chucker retired

[Houlton]

Bought my Rock Chucker in the early 80's. Can't imagine how many rounds were loaded on it. Recent surgery made right hand operation impossible and I have an early one so it can't be worked both ways. Ordered a Lee last night. Thought about putting the RCBS on e-bay but can't do it. Cleaned it and stashed it in the back of cabinet. Is ridiculous to be sentimental about a piece of steel but can't help it.

[hangnoose]

A good ? for RCBS. Might the "thingee" that the handle fits into be removed by what looks like 2 pins/bushings/whatever, & simply reversed? I can't imagine being without mine. Ask google & U-tube.

[cmort666]

I have both a Dillon RL550B and an RCBS Rock Chucker.

I use the Dillon for high volume handgun ammunition.

I load rifle ammunition ONLY on the RCBS. I trickle and weigh EVERY charge, an operation for which the Dillon is ill-suited.

[JBnTx]

I retired my Rock Chucker about three years ago when I replaced it with a Dillon 550b.

My little green friend is laid to rest on the floor of my closet.
He's oiled and wrapped up in a warm blanket.

I check on him from time to time to make sure he's comfortable.

[moosedog]

Sorry about your arm.
I've threatened to upgrade many times since acquiring mine in 1973.
I'll die with it.

[AveragEd]

Why not just order the ambidextrous part into which the operating handle attaches on an newer Rock Chucker from RCBS and continue to use it? That way, if your shoulder(?) ever improves or for any other reason you or anyone else wants to use it right-handed, you're in business in 10 seconds.

Ed

[Houlton]

Originally Posted by AveragEd

Why not just order the ambidextrous part into which the operating handle attaches on an newer Rock Chucker from RCBS and continue to use it? That way, if your shoulder(?) ever improves or for any other reason you or anyone else wants to use it right-handed, you're in business in 10 seconds.

There is a bar just to the right side of the shell holder.That makes it very difficult to reach the shell holder. Its part of the press and can't be moved.

Ed

There is a bar just to the right side of the shell holder.That makes it very difficult to reach the shell holder. Its part of the press and can't be moved.

[Vulcan Bob]

One has to deal with things and you did what was needed! When I retired so did my Dillon Square Deal. Went back to full time Rock Chucker goodness. Wound up giving my SD to my shooting buddy and got back some bench space to boot.

[AveragEd]

Originally Posted by Houlton

There is a bar just to the right side of the shell holder.That makes it very difficult to reach the shell holder. Its part of the press and can't be moved.

Your press must be differently laid out than my RC IV - I can access the shell holder from either side. In fact, I recently had some surgery that made using my right arm for any length of time painful so I moved the operating handle over to the left side and loaded a few rifle shells left-handed with no problem.

Ed

[Double-O-Dave]

Houlton:

I bought my Rock Chucker in the early 80s also. I've also loaded a boat load of ammo on it also. Sorry to hear about your shoulder. From personal experience, I know that customer service at RCBS is outstanding, and they happen to have a bunch of great engineers at the plant. Have you thought about contacting RCBS Customer Service and talking with them? Maybe they can help. By the way, I also have a Lee press that I use for simple, single function reloading activities. It works great, but it ain't no Rock Chucker.

Best of luck,

Dave

[Ohio AV8TOR]

Originally Posted by Houlton

Bought my Rock Chucker in the early 80's. Can't imagine how many rounds were loaded on it. Recent surgery made right hand operation impossible and I have an early one so it can't be worked both ways. Ordered a Lee last night. Thought about putting the RCBS on e-bay but can't do it. Cleaned it and stashed it in the back of cabinet. Is ridiculous to be sentimental about a piece of steel but can't help it.

Which Lee did you replace it with?

[rsrocket1]

If you are sure you aren't going to use shooting/reloading or any other equipment for your remaining years, do your family a favor and sell it or give it away to some young newcomer whom you think would enjoy it. I've been to several "estate" sales where some poor widow or adult child from out of town is trying to sell off stuff from a departed dad/husband and has no idea of what it's worth and while grieving, couldn't care less and simply wants a garage stuffed from floor to ceiling cleared out at any cost.

I've been to a couple of ham radio operators' places where you couldn't even get into the garage to see what's at the bottom of a pile. I offered fair market value for a radio and several organizers full of knick-knack parts and resistors and the guy wanted me to take more just to get the stuff out. I felt pretty depressed after leaving the place.

When my dad sold the house, he got an agency that cleaned out the house in exchange for them keeping everything remaining and letting them sell and keep the proceeds. Not a very wise move, but he didn't want to deal with disposing the stuff and we kids weren't given the time to get what we wanted and clean the rest out. While I felt bad that we couldn't get out some sentimental things, it's going to make dealing with the house and stuff very simple when he goes.

I guess when you're gone it doesn't matter to you, but it's not a good thing to leave to your loved ones if you have a ton of stuff for them to dispose of or sell. When I know I won't be using a gun or equipment, I'm going to give my kids first dibs, then off to the sellers. I get all the enjoyment I can from my stuff and none of it owes me anything.

[SMSgt]

My Herters press wants to know what a Rock Chucker is.

[Trooperdan]

When I saw the title I thought I was going to read that you had worn a Rockchucker out and I wanted to see how that was possible! OK, now I understand!

[Houlton]

Ordered a Lee 4 station turret press. Trying to save a little money. Got it out of the box set it up, sized 5 9mm cases packet it up and shipped it back. Ordered a RCBS turret. I have a couple of old Lee Auto primes that couldn't be bought, and have had some really good Lee products but not this press. Its like years ago getting out of my Plymouth 440 Magnum Police unit and going home in my Maverick. I'll stick with RCBS or Lyman. It was ok but not even in the same class as RCBS.

[bbqncigars]

The obvious answer is to get a CoAx. Ambidexterous operation with a lot of leverage. I might be a little biased as I've been using mine for 48years since I bought it from my paper route savings.

[Ohio AV8TOR]

Originally Posted by Houlton

Ordered a Lee 4 station turret press. Trying to save a little money. Got it out of the box set it up, sized 5 9mm cases packet it up and shipped it back. Ordered a RCBS turret. I have a couple of old Lee Auto primes that couldn't be bought, and have had some really good Lee products but not this press. Its like years ago getting out of my Plymouth 440 Magnum Police unit and going home in my Maverick. I'll stick with RCBS or Lyman. It was ok but not even in the same class as RCBS.

What didn't you like about it?

[truckerdave397]

If you turn it upside down the handle will be on the left side. I know what you are going through with the shoulder. A lot of rust in these golden years.

[johnjohn]

The "golden years" are not all they're cracked up to be.

[Houlton]

Got my RCBS Turret. Happier than a hog in fresh----

[MasterTech1960]

Originally Posted by Houlton

Ordered a Lee 4 station turret press. Trying to save a little money. Got it out of the box set it up, sized 5 9mm cases packet it up and shipped it back. Ordered a RCBS turret. I have a couple of old Lee Auto primes that couldn't be bought, and have had some really good Lee products but not this press.

I love my Rock Chucker and my Lee Classic Turret Press. In fact Just loaded 100 rounds of 9mm in less than 45 minutes on the Lee. I am not Going to get rid of either one. IMHO "sizing five cases " is not a fair shake down of the press. Keep The Chucker around, it is very good for rifle rounds , and you could always learn to switch hands.

[sw282]

l retired my RockChucker and Midway pedestal last year...Got a Harbor Freight oak permanent bench and an RCBS Summit press... The Summit is a single stage press also.. Unlike the RockChucker it mounts on TOP of the bench.. Nothing overhanging the front. No bumped knees or blocked drawers..
l prefer a single stage press over a progressive..0ne loading step a progressive press can NEVER do is clean primer pockets...

[Mehutch]

Well it would not be too hard to hook up a foot pedal to the old arm so that your leg does the heavy work. I've had mine for 46 years and I'll be reloading 2000 rounds tomorrow. The thing never dies.

[Bat Guano]

Not sure exactly what your specific problem is, but my Rockchucker dates from about 1975. It had the old straight bicycle handgrip "on a stick" setup. I never much cared for it, and a few years ago I called RCBS about getting the ball end variety. They sent me the whole bar and ball handle assembly gratis. Wish I'd done it years ago as it is a whole lot easier to use.

I had rotator cuff surgeries on both arms about that time, and it helped me to get back to work loading.

[AveragEd]

I can relate to what Bat said above. Both of my rotator cuffs are torn and my surgeon tells me that MRIs indicate the tissue is too brittle to hold sutures and if he did the surgery and the sutures tore out, my shoulders would be worse than they are now so I'm stuck with their current problems for the rest of my life. About three years ago, I sprung for a Dillon 650 to cut down on the number of handle pullings required to assemble handgun rounds (I still use my RockChucker for rifle ammo).

I went for five complete tool heads and most of their other goodies (the tab was just over two grand) including their optional-at-extra-cost curved handle with the blue metal roller on the end in addition to the standard straight handle with a ball. The roller handle requires that your wrist stay at the same angle throughout the movement of the handle and that really torqued my shoulder so I went to the standard handle. It's a lot more comfortable for me as it permits my hand and wrist to rotate on the ball.

For what it's worth to those with shoulder problems who might be considering a new loader...

Ed

[Houlton]

Originally Posted by AveragEd

I can relate to what Bat said above. Both of my rotator cuffs are torn and my surgeon tells me that MRIs indicate the tissue is too brittle to hold sutures and if he did the surgery and the sutures tore out, my shoulders would be worse than they are now so I'm stuck with their current problems for the rest of my life. About three years ago, I sprung for a Dillon 650 to cut down on the number of handle pullings required to assemble handgun rounds (I still use my RockChucker for rifle ammo).

I went for five complete tool heads and most of their other goodies (the tab was just over two grand) including their optional-at-extra-cost curved handle with the blue metal roller on the end in addition to the standard straight handle with a ball. The roller handle requires that your wrist stay at the same angle throughout the movement of the handle and that really torqued my shoulder so I went to the standard handle. It's a lot more comfortable for me as it permits my hand and wrist to rotate on the ball.

For what it's worth to those with shoulder problems who might be considering a new loader...

Ed

My Dr. said pretty much the same thing. There is a reverse replacement but if it doesn't work neither will your shoulder. Ever. I bought full shoulder brace from the Brace Shop. Seems to help. Just makes it a little more sturdy. Under $100. Just finished 500 45's and 9 mm's on the new turret. (left handed) works great. Still have the Rock Chucker for the '06. Have to use cast because of recoil.

[jtcarm]

My RC goes back to 1976.

I just bought the Hornady progressive 2 years ago. It's fine, but I wish I'd spent the extra $100 & bought an RCBS.

It's strange you never see RCBS mentioned in the debates over progressives. But Green = Gold IMO.

Out of 12 die sets I own, 11 are RCBS.

BTW if you decide to get another single stage, the Forster Co Ax is ambidextrous with no changes and quick-change dies.