Opinions: RCBS Rock Chucker vs Lee Classic Cast

I own a full size Roskchucker and have loaded on a Lee Classic Cast single stage, I couldn't see any difference in the final produce. Both presses are very good products.

I do not like the breach lock system. I feel its an unnecessary additional expense. All dies come with a locking nut so once you adjust the die it stays adjusted, no additional part at an additional cost needed. If I were to buy a breach adapter for every die I own the count would be well over 60... You save very little time using a breach over screwing in the die.
 
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So does anyone use the RCBS Accessory Base Plate to mount their presses/accessories? I find it an interesting piece and would make mounting/changing the RC Supreme and my RS presses quick and easy. Any users/experiences?
 
MyDads38 said:
So does anyone use the RCBS Accessory Base Plate to mount their presses/accessories? I find it an interesting piece and would make mounting/changing the RC Supreme and my RS presses quick and easy. Any users/experiences?
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Mount the press to a piece of 3/4 plywood. (Painted the correct color of course:)) either C clamp to the bench or use flush mount thread adapters and bolts.
 
MyDads38 said:
So does anyone use the RCBS Accessory Base Plate to mount their presses/accessories? I find it an interesting piece and would make mounting/changing the RC Supreme and my RS presses quick and easy. Any users/experiences?
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They work great. I have two of them mounted to my reloading bench and one on my portable reloading bench. Easier to shift equipment that way.



Portable reloading bench (modified Black & Decker Workmate 225).

 
I had heard nothing but grief concerning Lee presses and buy the Dillon. The Dillon cost made me put off getting into reloading but recently I bought a Lee turret press kit for $142 delivered. I have only loaded around 300 rounds of 38 spl but I have had no problems with it.
 
hanno said:
They work great. I have two of them mounted to my reloading bench and one on my portable reloading bench. Easier to shift equipment that way.

To be honest I had some of those plates and found it to be a PITA. I have quite a few items mounted to boards made of that heavy Particle board and just mount them to the bench, I just sold the last aluminum mounting plate. I also use a workmate my wife bought at an auction for 2 dollars. It is nice for doing case trimming with the Dillon trimmer. Only have 2 dies for it.. 223 and 308. I also mount the Giraud to it to do others. Except for the cost the Giraud is a great machine and fast. I do the 22-250 243 25-06 and 30-06 on it. I still have a RCBS power trimmer that I do all the 222 cases on. All are mounted on the particle board bases that I put on the B&D Workmate. The last base plate that I sold had another manual case trimmer for other odd cases. I have to get a new cutter for it. It tears the cases..so guess it is pretty dull!
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After ordering the Rock Chucker supreme press, the Lee classic cast came available again, and at a cost of only $99.00 with free shipping. So I ordered the Lee, knowing I could return either one for a full refund. I received the Rock Chucker Supreme on Wednesday, it is a BEAST of a press!! I received the Lee Thursday afternoon. I had to leave for the rest of the week, so the Lee hasn't been out of the box yet for a comparison. The box did weigh quite a bit less.

It will be late Sunday evening before I get back home. I really don't need 2 large, heavy duty single stage presses. And there are things with the Lee press that I like over the RCBS. But I will hold off on a decision until I can do a comparison of the 2 presses. I also bought the RCBS accessory base plate off ebay, now not sure if I should have made that purchase, but I did and it is on its way. Until Sunday, I will just have to wait...
 
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Update: I ended up returning the Rock Chucker and keeping the Lee Classic Cast Press. I just couldn't convince myself to keep both presses, and believe me-I wanted to! The RCBS was a beast, a heavy duty press all the way. No flaws that I could find and smooth operating. I mounted it to the RCBS accessory plate and resized a few 308 cases, it worked flawlessly!

I set up the Lee Classic Cast and resized about 20 308 cases and it too worked as well as the RCBS. Larger opening and captured spent primers were 2 big pluses. My one nit to pick would be the hollow press arm; the RCBS was a solid piece of steel. Right now, 308 Win is my largest rifle round, not sure how it would hold up on the bigger magnum rounds or the 50BMG.

For the sum of $99, I am a happy camper with the Lee Press. I haven't used the priming system yet, and do have the Lee Safety Prime to attach to it. Once I have loaded some rounds, I will report back-good or bad; but right now-it's all good :-)
 
I prime on the press with my LCT. I believe it uses exactly the same system as the SS. I just load the primers into the cup by hand. I turned a small saucer like bowl to dump the primers onto and then easily pick them off one at a time.

My buddy just bought a Lee turret, and got the safety prime with it. He tried the safety prime and didn't like it. I may try it out, but it looks awkward to me. For now, loading the primers into the cup by hand works for me. I've done many thousands like that.
 
Noticed a lot of ole "Rock-chuckers" here, have 2 "old" ones also
did a lot of reloading on them and still do, had one setup with the sizer and the other with the seat die, my version of progressive back in the day as progressives were out of my wallets reach.. even makin .22 cal bullets from .22 rimfire cases. Not one problem with them. For mounting systems I went with Inline Fab flush mount also Pat Marlins "Rock Dock", either will do what you need them to.

-Snoopz
 
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Rule3 said:
Mount the press to a piece of 3/4 plywood. (Painted the correct color of course:)) either C clamp to the bench or use flush mount thread adapters and bolts.
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I use 1/2 or 3/4" aluminum plates for all of my bench mounted equipment. made life a lot smoother.:cool:
 
This is going to get me in trouble but here goes...

To summarize this thread:

A grown man asks for opinions because he wants to buy an upgraded single stage press. He doesn't purchase a Redding ($205.00) or Forster ($300.00) or Hornady ($225.00), he returns a Rockchucker ($140.00) after using it, and then buys a Lee ($110.00).

Two questions come to mind. The first is how does Redding, Forster, Hornady and RCBS stay in business? The other question is how much could Lee Precision reduce the cost of the LCT if they dropped the classic steel single stage, the challenger breach lock and the LM and Pro 1000 from their line thus reducing their supply chain and engineering overhead?

A third question could be asked and I know that this makes me look like a meanie but really why does this topic come up over and over and it always comes down to ""I use _______" and this is what you should use." There is never any technical discussion on engineering, craftsmanship, mechanical tolerances or lack there of, ease of use, resale value, add-on accessories and so forth. Just "this is what I use". OK, I bought this particular tool because some guy on the internet uses it, has used it since the mid 70s and he told me get it.

We spend all kinds of money on our handguns. Why? Does not a Rossi or Taurus go bang?
 
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Thomas15 said:
This is going to get me in trouble but here goes...

To summarize this thread:

A grown man asks for opinions because he wants to buy an upgraded single stage press. He doesn't purchase a Redding ($205.00) or Forster ($300.00) or Hornady ($225.00), he returns a Rockchucker ($140.00) after using it, and then buys a Lee ($110.00).

Two questions come to mind. The first is how does Redding, Forster, Hornady and RCBS stay in business? The other question is how much could Lee Precision reduce the cost of the LCT if they dropped the classic steel single stage, the challenger breach lock and the LM and Pro 1000 from their line thus reducing their supply chain and engineering overhead?

A third question could be asked and I know that this makes me look like a meanie but really why does this topic come up over and over and it always comes down to "I use _______" and this is what you should use. There is never any technical discussion on engineering, craftsmanship, mechanical tolerances or lack there of, ease of use, resale value, add-on accessories and so forth. Just "this is what I use". OK, I bought this particular tool because some guy on the internet uses it, has used it since the mid 70s and he told me get it.

We spend all kinds of money on our handguns. Why? Does not a Rossi or Taurus go bang?
Click to expand...

What would ever give you that idea? We can take it to different levels in all sorts of things other than firearms related, just a thought...Cars, electronics, tools, etc. Do you pay extra for "name brand"? or the status there of...

Reloading...yeah and have said this before love to have a Camdex but do I need it...no...other than guns, reloading wise, use what works for you, and if you can "try before you buy", in some cases what you can afford..find someone and ask if you can use theirs.. build on it, expand on it... old RCBS scales vs. new RCBS scales.. old presses vs. new presses..or Hollywood Presses, Star..etc.
All cast iron, hybrid mix metals, plastic parts, brass/ bronze bushings..
Some have issues, some don't, gather what nfo you can digest... read ..read..and one thing stay focused...safety...you take things into your own hands that may affect you and others..

Like the comparison of handguns, an ole Gold Cup and a new Gold cup, guess which one is better..as in fit, workmanship, tolerances, etc. Colt...same model...other than series, same goes with ole Ruger Blackhawks 3 screws.vs. new ones..old Mdl 29's vs. newer ones...they all go bang.

just a thought..

now maybe I will get in trouble...

-Snoopz
 
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A variation on some other theme.

EDIT: Honestly, in post #32, I'm not trying to be obnoxious or less than kind. I just don't understand the thought process that is rampant regarding what makes for a satisfying handloading experience. Is it how much or how little money you spend on the actual press? Is it having tooling that is elegant and highly functional or is it having tools that are basic and the least expensive at the retail level? Do you make purchase decisions based on how tight the manufacturing tolerances are or what other people say is the best? Does one consume 100 rounds of ammo in a year or 10,000 rounds/year?

Why do so many feel that their purchase decisions make for the gold standard? And if you cannot or will not answer the question as to how do the makers of the more expensive single stage presses stay in business, then how do the makers of high end dies, powder measures, comparators, neck turning tools and measuring devices stay in business? How, when a set of Redding dies can cost more than a some single stage presses? Who is loading for accuracy and who is loading for value and who is loading for the sheer enjoyment of the experience and how does that influence their purchase decisions?
 
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I don't take anything the wrong way..
I enjoy the debate
Let me flip it around...
Reloading...
why do you buy what you buy...???
1.) Cost
2.) Reliability
3.) The time saving factor
4.) The productivity factor
5.) Longevity of the manufacturer
6.) ability to upgrade / update
7.) Re sale value
8.) Investment
9.) The name...
10.) or to have the best no matter if you really need it?
11.) Define "best"

What I don't own .I don't make a comment on...
Lee vs. RCBS unable to comment on the Lee, regress a little
had an RCBS RC ,for many years and had no issues, filled my needs back then and even now as do the Pro 7's, Hollywoods, LNL, Dillons... but then again it all boils down to "how you take care of them"

in closing..with all the gadgets, play toys, we still are unable to manage our time, for the most part we are in a hurry to do something and to go some-where..and then there is the "internet" magical in all it's graphics... telnet anyone..

-Snoopz
 
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Recently sold my older RCBS Jr. Press I've had for 40 years, and it was used in the first place. I found a RCBS press at a gun show and it's a heck of lot easier to use, love the compound leverage for resizing.
 
Snoopz said:
I don't take anything the wrong way..
I enjoy the debate
Let me flip it around...
Reloading...
why do you buy what you buy...???
1.) Cost
2.) Reliability
3.) The time saving factor
4.) The productivity factor
5.) Longevity of the manufacturer
6.) ability to upgrade / update
7.) Re sale value
8.) Investment
9.) The name...
10.) or to have the best no matter if you really need it?
11.) Define "best"

What I don't own .I don't make a comment on...
Lee vs. RCBS unable to comment on the Lee, regress a little
had an RCBS RC ,for many years and had no issues, filled my needs back then and even now as do the Pro 7's, Hollywoods, LNL, Dillons... but then again it all boils down to "how you take care of them"

in closing..with all the gadgets, play toys, we still are unable to manage our time, for the most part we are in a hurry to do something and to go some-where..and then there is the "internet" magical in all it's graphics... telnet anyone..

-Snoopz
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I don't think you and I are at odds at all. What I'm addressing is the thought process that is behind these kinds of threads. For example, the OP in post #1 makes the following comments (in summery):

1. Has a vintage RCBS SS press that works great.

2. Is looking for an upgraded SS to either replace or work alongside of his vintage press.

3. Is looking for a single stage press

In comment #1 we find a classic example of a product "testimonial". Therefore every single testimonial (and there are several) that follows in the thread is unnecessary because the OP has already supplied the necessary information. We can assume that the follow up testimonials are going to fall on deaf ears as far as the OP is concerned because he is not listening to his own testimonial, why would anyone reasonably expect him to listen to some stranger on the internet testimonial?

In comment #2 the OP is looking for an upgrade to his present press. By any objective standard, an upgrade as I understand the term in standard English would exclude any single stage press made by RCBS except the Summit, possibly some of the Hornady and Lyman single stage presses and the entire line of single stage presses made by Lee Precision. Again, the OP is not asking for a good deal, he is asking for an upgrade.

Comment #3 the OP is asking about single stage presses. There are a number of testimonials in this thread regarding turret presses and how wonderful they are. Why? the OP is asking about single stage presses not turret presses.

Personally I really don't care what others buy or use. A lot of nice people on this board but it seems like no one actually reads before they respond and others start posts asking for opinions when they already have their minds made up. It's hard not to conclude that some posters are getting sales commissions from some of the reloading tooling suppliers.

Again Snoopz, I believe are in agreement. I just don't get the constant "this is how I think or how I do things and you should do same as me". I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about. That is the attitude behind a some of the messages I read here, this just so happens to be one of the times where I have actually expressed an opinion on the matter. BTW, I'm in real life a pleasant individual and I like discussing all things firearms related and I'm sure the same could be said of you my friend.
 
The "this is what I use" replies do have some merit. After all, if more posters use one brand over another and no one posts anything negative about that brand, that could suggest that you might want to consider that brand.

Ed
 
I have a LCC. I load about 200 rounds a week on it. Sometimes the primer arm will jump out when I'm pushing spent primers out. Has to be in there or the primers go everywhere.

I would say it's a pretty good press. I've been using it for about 3 years.

The breech lock quick change system isn't necessary so don't let that sell you. Just more stuff to buy. The genius that thought that up made the company a lot of money.
 
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AveragEd said:
The "this is what I use" replies do have some merit. After all, if more posters use one brand over another and no one posts anything negative about that brand, that could suggest that you might want to consider that brand.

Ed
Click to expand...

Except that if someone posts something negative about brand X, the owners of brand X chime in with accusations of brand X bashing and snobbery and we really don't know how many rounds per day/week/month the poster needs or how much time and patience they have to devote to this endeavor. Once I made the comment somewhere that the safety primer system on the Lee turret press is a Rube Goldberg contraption, which it is. Rube Goldberg is functional but far from elegant. My Rube Goldberg comment got me all kinds of hissing and spitting.

But then again why when someone states that they want a single stage do others feel compelled to yuck it up with chatter about their turret presses? It's like saying I visited New York City in 1938 so go ahead and ask me all about New York City because I've been there (80 years ago and nothing has changed).
 
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