Rock chucker Question

[geeollie]

Brought home a mid 1980's Rock Chucker single stage.
Are there any dies that will not fit/work with this?

Anything problematic about Lee Dies?

 

[Venom6]

Accepts 7/8"x14 dies, which is almost all of them. You can get into an internet fistfight over Lee products including dies. For most purposes, most cartridges and most people they work fine.

 

[2152hq]

I have a 70's RC'r and it uses everything I have in the way of dies.
LEE included, along with all the standards plus older& odd stuff like Hollywood Gun Shop, Herters, Krupp, ECHO,etc. 7/8-14 thread.
All the standard snap-into-place shell holders fit as well.

Mine has a removeable die thread bushing, the 7/8-14 part. Take that out and it is threaded for the BigBoy size standard for dies used for 50BMG and such.
There used to be, maybe still is, a 12ga shotshell loading die set for use in that larger thread.

 

[geeollie]

I appreciate the replies. I am learning!!!

 

[.38SuperMan]

I have a 70's RC'r and it uses everything I have in the way of dies.
LEE included, along with all the standards plus older& odd stuff like Hollywood Gun Shop, Herters, Krupp, ECHO,etc. 7/8-14 thread.
All the standard snap-into-place shell holders fit as well.

Mine has a removeable die thread bushing, the 7/8-14 part. Take that out and it is threaded for the BigBoy size standard for dies used for 50BMG and such.
There used to be, maybe still is, a 12ga shotshell loading die set for use in that larger thread.

I have one that my dad bought, I’m guessing in the late 60’s or early 70’s. This one has the removable bushing too. I wasn’t aware there was a shot shell die set at one time. I’d like to find one of those for 12 gauge. I shoot very little shotgun but would love to be able to run a few shells occasionally.

As posted, I use RCBS and Lee and never had an issue. I run most of my ammo on a Dillon but for obscure cartridges like a few rifle cartridges, 38 S&W and 32 Long, I run them on the Rock Chucker.

 

[geeollie]

I have a Dillion 9mm and 45 ACO, and RCBS for 38/357. I'd like to get a 32 S&W Long. Being new and unsure, I like the price of the Lee Die set.
Thank you!

 

[oysterer]

best press, give it a nice clean and lube, good to go. We don't use Lee.

 

[rockquarry]

You'll never outgrow a RockChucker press even if you get something faster. Faster doesn't mean more advanced; it means faster.

I've used most die brands that have been made in the last sixty years including Lee. Lee don't look as good but they generally work as well as anything else.

 

[mckenney99]

My first press was a Rock Chucker about 1985. It's still bolted to my bench and gets used regularly. The biggest failing on the Rock Chucker is the spent primer collection system, it sucks. You just have to accept that you are going to have spent primers popping out and onto your floor. I wish RCBS would have bored thru the ram and put a collection system under the ram. Other than that 1 gripe it is a bulletproof press.

 

[Green Frog]

The Rock Chucker sits at the top tier of single stage presses. You can find some of about the same quality, but it would be hard to find a better one. A late gunsmith friend of mine was serious about his reloading and insisted on a Rock Chucker, but was perfectly satisfied to use Lee dies in it. YMMV.
Froggie

 

[ken158]

My first press was a Rock Chucker about 1985. It's still bolted to my bench and gets used regularly. The biggest failing on the Rock Chucker is the spent primer collection system, it sucks. You just have to accept that you are going to have spent primers popping out and onto your floor. I wish RCBS would have bored thru the ram and put a collection system under the ram. Other than that 1 gripe it is a bulletproof press.

Like you, I was not happy with spent primers going everywhere from my Rock Chucker until I saw a 3D made primer catcher that clipped to the press! Bought that thing and everyone that has seen my setup has also purchased one once they see it work. Just google and look as there are several designs out there now.

 

[TJm15.38]

I have a 1982-vintage RCBS Rock Chucker that is the only press I have ever owned. I use RCBS, Lee and Hornady dies. I prefer RCBS, but when you see some deals you like for a caliber you need, the previously mentioned dies will do the job. I'm especially liking the Hornady dies I got recently for .380 ACP.

 

[oldman10mm]

Brought home a mid 1980's Rock Chucker single stage.
Are there any dies that will not fit/work with this?

As mentioned is previous posts, good to go with 7/8-14 die sets.
What cartridges are you going to be reloading ? as a start ? future ?

 

[Bib]

I have a 70's RC'r and it uses everything I have in the way of dies.
LEE included, along with all the standards plus older& odd stuff like Hollywood Gun Shop, Herters, Krupp, ECHO,etc. 7/8-14 thread.
All the standard snap-into-place shell holders fit as well.

Mine has a removeable die thread bushing, the 7/8-14 part. Take that out and it is threaded for the BigBoy size standard for dies used for 50BMG and such.
There used to be, maybe still is, a 12ga shotshell loading die set for use in that larger thread.

The Piggyback progressive pistol press fits into the bigger hole as well

 

[fordson]

I’ve a RC Jr. that I got in 1976. Still got it, still load long range precision rifle rounds with it, still going strong. I don’t think you can really hurt these things……

 

[geeollie]

As mentioned is previous posts, good to go with 7/8-14 die sets.
What cartridges are you going to be reloading ? as a start ? future ?

38 special target loads...hbwc.
32 S&W Long.....probably start with 85 grain XTP. They are priced very reasonbably.

 

[jem102]

I have a pair of them from the 60's. I have loaded many calibers and many rounds with dies from "all" the makers including old Herters and C&H. As long as they are 7/8 - 14 they will work. If you take your time and learn how to run them they can consistently produce whatever you need from 5 yard plate smackers to 600 yard X course ammo that can hang them in the x ring if you can shoot. They require little maintenance, mostly just keep them clean, and built for a life time. They call em Rock Chuckers cause ya use em to bust them rocks into chuck-able chunks... Seriously, they are incredibly good machines, at least the ones made in the 60's and 70's are with the early ones still marked as A2's which was the previous model and many folks swaged bullets with them.

 

[A10]

I've used RCBS, Lee, Herters, and Hornaday dies, they all fit. I like the lock rings on the Hornaday a little better, but that's just me.

Rock Chuckers are good to go. Sadly I sold mine a while back. I'm seriously looking at the Summit, I like the configuration.

 

[The Norseman]

RCBS

One of the very good choices in Reloading
Presses! I have the Hornady version of
that press.

As for Lee Reloading Dies, most of my Dies
are Lee’s. I like them. I have RCBS and
Hornady too.

But then too, I am not a precision long
range shooter either. I’m careful and do
reloading with consistency in mind.

The Best to you and your Endeavors.

P.S. I read a lot of Reloaders switch out
the Lee Locking Rings.

 

[diyj98]

I'm still using a Rockchucker that my father bought new in the 70's. I've also got several dies sets from that same period which are still producing ammo.