RCBS Single Stage

cmj8591

cmj8591

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2007
Messages
2,820
Reaction score
4,614
Location
Massachusetts, USA
I have an RCBS Jr. press that I have been using since 1974. My head hurts thinking about how many rounds have been loaded with that press. Most of my handgun loading is done on a couple of Dillon's and the single stage is used for loading hunting and target rifle loads and some small batches of hand gun ammo. There is a bit of a wobble in it now and I've decided that it's time to replace it. I am leaning towards the RCBS Rock Chucker but I've also been looking at the RCBS Summit, which kind of reminds me of the Forster CoAx. Anyone out there have any experience with it? I'm not wedded to the RCBS brand, although I've had great luck with their products and customer service, so if someone thinks they have a compelling argument for another brand, feel free to throw it out there. I don't prime on the press so that's not a issue for me.
 
Register to hide this ad
I bought a new RCBS, JR. in 1971 and used it for many years. I've had a variety of other presses including a Co-Ax I've been using for about forty years. I doubt you'll go wrong with any of the RCBS presses or other brands for that matter.

However, I doubt any of the presses I have or have had will do much that my RCBS JR. wouldn't, though they might require a little less muscle than the JR. Aside from regular loading work, I used the JR. for some heavy duty case-forming for wildcat and Improved cartridges.
 
One of my friends bought a monster Hornady single stage press about 3 years ago. I think it is an Apex with Lock-N-Load factory installed. Been back to the mothership twice and this time was replaced with a Rock Chucker Supreme, with the Apex put in a box in the storage unit!

My personal Rock Chucker Supreme is so old, RCBS has changed the factory green color!

When I downsized 8 years ago, I got rid of a newer RC Supreme, and a Junior. Along with several other presses, and kept the Supreme, a Redding T-7, and a Dillon 550b.

If you are using 7/8-14 thread dies, I don't believe you can beat a Rock Chucker Supreme, but the Bonanza/Forrester Co-Ax is a very close second. I prefer the RCS because you can do a couple of things the Co-Ax cannot. 1) you can insert a Lock-N-Load adapter bushing for super quick die change (very handy for experimenting!) 2) I have some very (as in huge) rifle dies, and 20 & 12 gauge dies for all brass hulls, and the RCS is threaded to fit them.

I found both of my RCS presses used, "Back in the Day", and they are/were as good as the day they were made! You might save a little finding a used one in Good condition.

Ivan
 
  • Like
Reactions: CH4
I cracked my Jr. full length resizing Weatherby mag brass so now use it mostly for seating. Added a Rock Chucker to the mix and use that along with my old Herters that's been with me since 1965 or so for the heavy stuff. Can't beat the old Rock Chucker but the new ones are probably great too.

Edit: Wrong, I think it was my RCBS Partner Press on which I cracked the base, the Jr. is heavier.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
Last edited:
I bought an RCBS Big Max for $10.00 at a gun shop auction about thirty years ago. It came with the claw shellholder and an attachment for using a regular shellholder. This has become my favorite RCBS press. I would think these would be available on the used market. The Big Max is a press the user won't outgrow and it will handle any heavy handloading chore.
 
They might be able to refurb your Jr or maybe they would offer a replacement. I read up on the Summit and while it seems cool, just be aware that it won't work with certain taller dies. If all your dies are more or less standard height then it's a non-issue. Sadly, the new RCBS presses are made in China. Factor that in to your shopping. If I were in the market for a single stage it would probably be a Redding. As it is, I have a 20 year old Rockchucker and a 60's vintage A-2 that is still tight. the A-2 is a massive press but to be honest, the Rockchucker is better in a lot of ways. Older isn't always better.
 
Great post. I am also still using my RCBS Rock Chucker from 1974 when I started loading 300 Winchester Magnum for a bear hunt.
It is the only press I have ever owned and load for over 25 calibers over the years.
 
RCBS is hard to beat. My single stage is a Hornady and it is well built. I bought my son a RCBS RC for rifle and resizing rifle brass and it is well built also. I have never used a Summit so IO have no idea how they are.
 
Lee and Hornady make single stage presses that use die bushings to quickly change a die. I have a Lee Classic cast press that uses those. I've been using it for about 10 years and never had any problems with it. I have bushings on all my dies. I do however buy RCBS dies when I can. If RCBS has something like that I would highly recommend that.
 
I have had an RCBS RC since 1978, and just bought another newer one a couple months ago a guy was selling. I don't think he ever used it, I paid $65. I recently came accross the invoice for my first RC, it was $54 from Gander Mountain, now out of business, I think. Good ole days.
 
My Jr was made in 75 and is semi-retired now as I do most reloading on my Dillon now. I would not hesitate it to use it if I needed something.
 
Two RCBS and one Lyman single-stage presses, all purchased back in the 1970s in slightly used condition for maybe $20 each or thereabouts. Ohaus 10-10 scale, as new in the box with instructions was $20 back in the day. Lachmiller powder measure was brand new on close-out sale for $29 back then. Found a nice Mitotuyo 6" dial caliper in mint condition for $15.

I have used all of them for way over 40 years with no troubles. All my dies were purchased new, mostly back in the days when a set of RCBS dies was about $16. Also have Lyman, Hornady, and Lee die sets in various calibers.

After all these years I don't think any of my equipment owes me anything at all. I doubt I could replace it all for a thousand bucks, but it has more than paid for itself over my life and will probably continue on for another lifetime.
 
I have a Summit and have used it for several years. It is my only press and have had no problems with RCBS, Lee and Hornady dies. I got it because it sits flat on my bench with a wide opening to place the cases. Calibers I load: 9mm, 380, 38sp, 357, 45ACP, 45 LC, 454, 460 SW, 12.7 X 42.
 
Thanks for the ideas everyone. Like most of you guys, I use my single stage for rifle and most of my handgun ammo is loaded on some type of Dillon press. Along with the press, I have a Pacific "M" balance beam scale that I got at the same time and retired completely about 5 years ago. I cleaned it up and put it back in it's original cardboard box that has "$14.00" in grease pencil on it. I'm not sure how it survived all of the moves over the years but I think it has enough frequent flyer miles for a free flight to Aruba. I am still on the fence but when I pull the trigger, I'll be sure to let everyone know how it works out.
 
cmj8591 said:
Thanks for the ideas everyone. Like most of you guys, I use my single stage for rifle and most of my handgun ammo is loaded on some type of Dillon press. Along with the press, I have a Pacific "M" balance beam scale that I got at the same time and retired completely about 5 years ago. I cleaned it up and put it back in it's original cardboard box that has "$14.00" in grease pencil on it. I'm not sure how it survived all of the moves over the years but I think it has enough frequent flyer miles for a free flight to Aruba. I am still on the fence but when I pull the trigger, I'll be sure to let everyone know how it works out.
Click to expand...

Installed a lag bolt into my reloading table such that the bolt head contacts the handle hex nut at bottom of downstroke. It stops the pressures on the levers, or twisting at bottom of downstroke. If the main ram is running true, your press is still perfectly functional.
 
My older Rockchucker has the HORNADY conversion bushing that allows use of their quick-change bushings. I do prefer the HORNADY (& the NEW Improved) LEE locking rings over the RCBS-style ones.

Have had that setup on the LEE Classic Cast Single Stage since I 1st started reloading.
Considered having the turret press turrets machined to accept the (or, at least one of) conversion bushings.

Cheers!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

6string
single stage or progressive for niche caliber
2 3
Replies
49
Views
2K
Green Frog
G
lrrifleman
Question about Lee single stage presses
Replies
16
Views
1K
SGT ROCK 11B
SGT ROCK 11B
S
RCBS 45 ACP Shotshell Dies
Replies
4
Views
531
Sam McCord
S
T
RCBS Rebates
Replies
0
Views
272
toad67
T
S
Just have to give RCBS a bit of praise
2
Replies
20
Views
1K
Skeet 028
S

Latest posts

Back
Top