Rock chucker

Somerset Bar

Somerset Bar

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After reading a lot of conversations here, and watching a few vids, I think I'm going to go for the RCBS, seems it's a good idea to go single stage to start, I have set up a workbench in an area with no disctractions (well there are some speakers, I at least want a little music lol).

So the question is, the RCBS does have a 'deluxe' kit, but also the bare press it looks like. Is it better to get the kit or pick and match pieces? Sometimes the kit can be a better deal, but maybe some of the pieces aren't the best?

Lastly, good place in Canada to find a good deal on a setup? Local store has the kit for ~$550 and the press for ~$250.

Sorry to ask a question that has probably been asked (although I couldn't really find a specific one). To be honest, 20 years ago I never would have tried this unless I found someone to teach me hands on. Now with all the support, it's a lot less daunting. Basically take my time, be sure of my measures and tolerances and don't be a doofus? :)
 
Prophet River has the supreme Master reloading kit for $399.And you don't pay the HST just GST plus shipping
 
Welcome aboard. The doofus is the one that don't ask questions. The rockchucker is the only press you will ever need. The supreme kit has everything except dies. Throw the lube pad away, or give it to someone that uses one. Too messy for my liking. Use the spray lube and have fun. In time, you will probably purchase a power scale. I still use the 505 to check thrown charges, but haven't had to use it other than to verify my charges. Congrats! You have now found a new world where you can disappear and have the satisfaction of tailoring specific loads for different rifles and have what you want without having to go to the sporting goods store to find out that they don't have it. Any questions will gladly be answered here. Just ask, and ignore the hecklers that will surely toss in a smart remark. There are a lot of good folks on this site that are more than willing to help.
 
Lead Loader said:
Read and understand what and how it all works, read a good reloading book front to back
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I downloaded a bunch of lyman and hornady manuals and/or books I found online, and went and picked up copies of the lyman spec manuals for the rounds I plan on reloading (45 ACP, 9mm and .223). I plan to read a fair bit more since I want to make sure I'm doing proper loads and dimensions. I definitely won't argue this advice ;)

Last thing I want is to be killed or hurt by a stupid mistake, 4 kids and a wife give you lots of incentive to stay smart!
 
I have several presses, one of them being a Rock Chucker. Its the best press I have for full length sizing of rifle calibers. Do some reading, follow the recommended loading tables, and better yet, if you can find a buddy who has been around the block with hand loading, you may save some time and cash. Many steps and accessories are not as good as they are made out to be.
 
brobones said:
Welcome aboard. The doofus is the one that don't ask questions. The rockchucker is the only press you will ever need. The supreme kit has everything except dies. Throw the lube pad away, or give it to someone that uses one. Too messy for my liking. Use the spray lube and have fun. In time, you will probably purchase a power scale. I still use the 505 to check thrown charges, but haven't had to use it other than to verify my charges. Congrats! You have now found a new world where you can disappear and have the satisfaction of tailoring specific loads for different rifles and have what you want without having to go to the sporting goods store to find out that they don't have it. Any questions will gladly be answered here. Just ask, and ignore the hecklers that will surely toss in a smart remark. There are a lot of good folks on this site that are more than willing to help.
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Heh I'm not at all a newb to forums, I can take and dish a good sassin (sometimes deserved).

To be honest the reloading is almost as fascinating as the shooting for me. I would like to think that at some point I'll have shot enough that I can actually tell the difference in different loads. I've been to the range I'm going to join, and it was so comfortable and friendly, I can see putting thousands and thousands of rounds downrange :)
 
I am still using the same Rockchucker, that I purchased over 30 years ago. It's usually cheaper to buy a kit, just be sure that you pick the right kit.
 
Somerset Bar said:
Heh I'm not at all a newb to forums, I can take and dish a good sassin (sometimes deserved).

To be honest the reloading is almost as fascinating as the shooting for me. I would like to think that at some point I'll have shot enough that I can actually tell the difference in different loads. I've been to the range I'm going to join, and it was so comfortable and friendly, I can see putting thousands and thousands of rounds downrange :)
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It won't be long before you see the difference in accuracy of handloads. While working up a load for my 30-06, i saw groups from a best of 1/2" to a worst of 2" going from min to max powder charges with the same bullet. I bought the Rockchucker kit from Prophet River when they had it on for $300 last year, and use most of the stuff it came with. I did buy a Chargemaster digital scale and dispenser that I use for pistol rounds though. The powder measure is way quicker, and I just trickle up to my weight on the beam scale that came with the set.
Kristian
 
Somerset Bar said:
Heh I'm not at all a newb to forums, I can take and dish a good sassin (sometimes deserved).

To be honest the reloading is almost as fascinating as the shooting for me. I would like to think that at some point I'll have shot enough that I can actually tell the difference in different loads. I've been to the range I'm going to join, and it was so comfortable and friendly, I can see putting thousands and thousands of rounds downrange :)
Click to expand...

You may find this site interesting h ttp://ammoguide.com/
 
Spent the better part of the whole day researching. I ended up orderings a wet style tumbler and stainless media to start cleaning all the brass I've already fired. I'm sold on the rock chucker (almost went with a dillon), but wifey dropped the hammer on me just up and getting it today ("why would you think of ordering this now when Chistmas is so close and this would be a perfect gift"). Can't argue that... plus it gives me a lot more time to drop by the local shop and check it out in person, plus there is a ton of options when it comes to dies, lubes, bullets, primers, the list goes on and on.

Apologies in advance if I ask a stupid question! :)

I probably know the answer to this...but is it bad form on this forum to ask questions about companies that are not in the sponsor bar at the top?
 
I bought the RCBS kit myself probably 25 years ago and while I have added lots I don't think there was anything in the kit that I don't use on a regular basis.
 
I've tried almost all the presses, and the most useless thing I bought was a kit. If you plan on just one or 2 rifle calibers, you'll be happy. Once you start pumping it out, you may as well have skipped the start up kit garbage and bought what you like. Don't take me wrong, none of its bad stuff, but you way as well get good stuff now and skip spending the extra money later. It's like buying dies. You're going to try a Hornady or Lee or RCBS die.... But you'll eventually get a Redding. So just buy the Redding.

Also from trying the presses, and having owned a Hornady Single stage, a Rockchucker and now a Lee Classic Cast, I would just buy the Lee. 125 bucks through Budget at the top or Cabelas. You get a much bigger opening, and once you load the big stuff, you'll appreciate that (my .338 Lapua was just frustrating to load on the Rockchucker), plus you get a much bigger ram, plus you have the ability to load the big point five oh if you like. Plus the primer catcher is waaaaay better designed, plus the 3 point mounting is more stable. Look at the reviews at Cabelas.ca or lots of other places. Lots of similar sentiment.

I'm not saying the Chucker is a bad press. In fact it's excellent. It's just that someone is now building a better one, with more options for cheaper. Just don't get the Breech Lock Classic Cast, get the plain Classic Cast. 2 different monsters.
 
Okay, will do.

I have to admit, the more I look....the more I like the idea of a digital scale, and yes the redding dies have come up once or twice. Stooopid question, do all dies fit in all presses?

The lee pro 1000 has a pretty bad name, but I'll look into the classic cast. 45 acp is an absolute must (ammunition cost!), and 223 remington (likely 9mm when I finally select a gun I like to shoot). Who knows, I don't want to rule out .500 ammo either lol! My biggest focus right now however is powder charge setups. I want to make sure (at least at first) that I am putting an accurate charge in every cartridge (again why the single stage press is so appealing). I like the idea of a digital scale, but I don't think I want to have to manually pour powder into every case, so I'll end up with a good powder measure.... ??

I ripped out my old workbench and made one a fair bit taller so that it's easier to work on firearms (easier on my eyes at least!). I still want to be able to have enough room for repairs and mods after all this is set up (plus vice, grinder/buffer). So I'm not looking for a huge operation, just one I can spend an afternoon and end up with a nice pile of ammunition for the next week's journey to the range :)

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I bought a Rockchucker kit and I wish I had have just bought a press then bought individual components. I do highly recommend the RCBS hand primer and power trickler though. Also goo with a good high quality balance scale.
 
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