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Opinions: RCBS Rock Chucker vs Lee Classic Cast

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MyDads38

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I am considering upgrading from my 1978 vintage RCBS Reloader Special to a bigger/sturdier single stage to load 223 and 308 Winchester Rifle rounds.

Honestly, my first choice is the Lee Classic Cast press. I've never been disappointed with my original 3 hole turret, and have been more than pleased with my Classic Turret. I will continue to load all my handgun ammo on the LCT.

I have heard that the new RCBS products are made in China; this disappoints me, if it's true. From the reviews I've read, the press itself is fine, but the primer arm and spent primer catcher are so-so. I'd like some input from those with the new Rock Chucker Supreme press; and also those with the Lee Classic Cast.

I'd also like to know opinions on the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press vs the RCBS Reloader 5 press. Keeping in mind they will only be loading 223/308 rifle cartridges; what are your thoughts?

The Reloader Special will continue to have a place on my bench, it has loaded thousands of rounds through the years and now sees duty as my dedicated de-capping station.

Really value the opinions here, and appreciate any and all input. :D
 
I have a LEE Turret and the LEE classic Breech Lock. The single stage is a fine press. Folks can pee on LEE all they want. The press works just fine.

I load 223 and 308 (along with all the handgun calibers)on the LCT.

Either the RCBS or the LEE will work fine for you.

There are a lot of good single stage presses out there, depends on your wallet.:)

How about the new Hornady Iron Press? Without the auto prime it is less money.

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/70447

With auto prime (pretty pricey!)

https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/70448
 
I have the Rock Chucker Supreme and the ONLY thing I can complain about is the Primer Collection system. Fact is that it should be called the Primer Spewer because I have to sweep up primer cups and anvils after any sizing decapping session. I'll also note the primer arm is almost a joke and obviously was only included because people expect a priming system on these presses. As a result it is so inconvenient to use that I have never primed one single case in the press, I use an RCBS hand primer.

On the positive side it's well construction VERY rigid and capable of loading any cartridge that will fit in the rather generous window.
 
Well other than the chintzy handle arrangement I would go with the Lee. And I am not a Lee guy. Better yet look around for a good used Rock Chucker. I see them all the time in exc condition for 70-90 dollars and they still have the RCBS Lifetime warranty. Heck I just sold a really nice one for 75 bucks
 
Over the last 30 odd years I've owned a pile of presses, and I detest the camming past top dead center found on most.

I've yet to find any good use for the feature. My observation has only been to make die adjustment more tedious than necessary.

The Lee Classic Cast is a fine press, but you can disable the auto advance and use your turret as a single stage.

I own both the Classic Cast Turret and the single stage.

With the breech lock with lock ring eliminator system of the Classic Cast single stage, I'd be satisfied with owning either exclusively.
 
Started reloading in 1971 using hand tools. Purchased my first reloading press in about 1974, a used RCBS JR. Several years later I was offered a used RCBS Rock Chucker. Still have both and they continue to work just fine.

For .223 or .308 any decent bench mounted press will get the job done. Nothing really heavy duty involved.

As for the primer arm and spent primer collection, I stopped using either of those many years ago. I de-prime prior to case cleaning and resizing. I use a bench-mount priming tool and do that as a separate operation. Much more controlled and precise.

Look around on the internet sites and you should be able to locate a vintage American-made RCBS press in good condition, and that will keep you going for as long as you will be needing it.
 
I bought a RCBS RockChucker in 1974 and have seen no reason to change it. Checking my reloading logs, that press has probably loaded close to 80K rounds over the years.
 
I am using a 30 plus year old Rockchucker it is well built and smooth as silk the quality and longevity of the press far out ways the cost difference.

I prime off the top of a second Rockchucker.
 
I prefer RCBS brand over anything for reloading.

Just made the same comment in the die selection thread.
 
No experience with the new RCBS presses. My Rockchucker was boght new in the mid 80s and never had a problem with it. It is still going strong however since going to the dark side and getting a Dillon 650 for handgun loading my Rockchucker only sees duty for loading 270 and 30 Carbine these days.

Look on eBay. A quick search and there were several vintage Rockchuckers under $75.
 
I hate to throw a wild card on the table, but maybe you should look at the Redding single stage "The Boss" press? Redding stuff is top grade across the board. Alot of their stuff is RCBS-like, but built to much tighter tolerances.
 
I bought a Rock Chucker Supreme @ 2010. No complaints. I hand prime so do not use the one on the press. The spent primer collection mechanism on mine will occasionally spew a primer cup onto the floor but it is not that bad. The thing is rock solid and is great for rifle & pistol cartridges. I figure I can hand this down to my grand kids it will last so long. Just a side note: I use an RCBS hand priming tool that is also rock solid. A buddy kept bragging about how much better his Lee hand priming tool was so i bought one to try. During the second use the handle broke; crappy pot metal that just snapped into two ragged pieces. I called Lee to get a replacement as it was under warranty and was told they discontinued the model i had but would include it towards the purchase price of their new model. No parts available either. I passed as the thing was a piece of ****. So much for warranty service. As far as RCBS customer service goes it is stellar. I had one of their 45 Colt dies and was loading lead bullets for cowboy loads which was a little too tight. Called them and explained the issue; they sent me new dies specifically for lead at no charge. I think I'll stick with RCBS.
 
6string said:
I hate to throw a wild card on the table, but maybe you should look at the Redding single stage "The Boss" press? Redding stuff is top grade across the board. Alot of their stuff is RCBS-like, but built to much tighter tolerances.
Click to expand...

Another good suggestion. Redding makes good stuff. I use some of their dies and their powder measure is superior to RCBS and then some.
 
RockChucker since 1978. Rifle loads are single stage. The primer arm and tube set up has never given me any problem.
In 1991 I bought the Piggy back. 5 station shell plates and top end.
Have been satisfied with this set up for all my reloading needs.
It would be nice to have a set up for each caliber but space is the limiting factor.
Jim
 
scooter123 said:
I have the Rock Chucker Supreme and the ONLY thing I can complain about is the Primer Collection system. Fact is that it should be called the Primer Spewer because I have to sweep up primer cups and anvils after any sizing decapping session.
Click to expand...

If you play around with the height setting of the decapping rod, you'll find the sweet spot where 99% of the primers go into the collection tray. I've had the same problem with numerous new die sets and a little adjusting has always done the trick. Most of them decap the case too early in the cycle so it doesn't go into the slot through which they travel to the tray. Raising the decapping rod solves the problem.

Ed
 
AveragEd said:
If you play around with the height setting of the decapping rod, you'll find the sweet spot where 99% of the primers go into the collection tray. I've had the same problem with numerous new die sets and a little adjusting has always done the trick. Most of them decap the case too early in the cycle so it doesn't go into the slot through which they travel to the tray. Raising the decapping rod solves the problem.

Ed
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, I'll probably try that since I just ordered a new Rock Chucked Supreme press :D.

Ordered a new one @ $149.99 with free shipping. Looked like the going price for new. They were out of stock on the Lee Classic Cast, so I thought I would add some more "green" to the bench lol.

Thanks to all who responded, I appreciate the opinions and input.:)
 
You done good!! Hope all the loading in the future goes great. And I had forgotten the decapping pin trick..Oldtimers!!
 
I came from a Lyman family. The first press I bought new was a
Lyman 0mag. Never had any problems with it. Then I built new
loading bench, over tightened press bolts and cracked the cast.
Then bought a new Rock Chucker, because it was on sale. That
was 35yrs ago. Have loaded every thing from 460Wth to 17 Bee
with no problems. Also quit buying Lyman dies in 80s, because
of Lyman's quality control on dies at the time. If I wanted a heavy duty press RCBS would be my choice, but I was not aware
they are now made in China. Lee may be getting better, I have
owned a lot of there stuff. Presses, dies, molds. I have always
considered there stuff second rate. The only Lee products I have
bought new were some wild calibre dies, because they were so
much cheaper than major brands, and a 12g Load All that is handy for whipping up specialty loads in small amounts.
 
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