Cabela's Lee starter kit vs. Rockchucker

TheCoachZed

TheCoachZed

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Cabela's/SIR has a Lee "starter" kit for $100 in their catalogue, and a Rockchucker starter kit for $300.

What's the difference between these kits, and why is the Rockchucker so much more?

I'm asking because I've never reloaded before, and I'm somewhat interested, because if I keep my Mauser .43, I will need to load my own shells.
 
The general answer would be that the RCBS rockchucker is more robust. Lots of guys reload with both, so don't be scared of getting the Lee.

Ask yourself how much reloading will you be doing. If it is only small quantities for only a few firearms, then why spend a lot of money on the rockchucker?

I have the rockchucker and love it. I have used the lee press years ago and it worked fine. But I can certainly see the quality difference between the two.

Also look at what items are in each kit.
 
I am fairly new to reloading, figure I do about 400-500 rounds a year, not much by most standards, but plenty for me, anyway, I purchased all lee components and am happy with my purchase, did not spend all that much and seems to work great, the only thing I did not buy from Lee was its scale, I heard it can be iffy....
 
Low volume once or twice a year reloaders, the LEE kit is fine. However, I've always been of the mind to buy the equipment you'll eventually end up with in the end first. Its much cheaper in the long run, as you're only buying equipment once and with respect to the RCBS kit, you're getting the absolute best, no-questions-asked, warranty in the business. RCBS stuff rarely breaks, but when it does, they stand behind their product and will replace/repair the tool at no cost to the owner. LEE can't compete in that respect, although, they've certainly made some improvements to their line like the new cast iron press they've released to compete against the Rock Chucker, Big Boss, etc...

Before buying, I'd see if there was somebody nearby who is already set up to reload who could give you some hands on instruction. Make an informed decision if reloading is for you and then buy the best equipment you can afford.
 
If you buy a LEE,it is quite likely that you will buy another press someday,if you start out with a Rockchucker,you will likely use it for the rest of your loading career.
 
TheCoachZed said:
Cabela's/SIR has a Lee "starter" kit for $100 in their catalogue, and a Rockchucker starter kit for $300.

What's the difference between these kits, and why is the Rockchucker so much more?

I'm asking because I've never reloaded before, and I'm somewhat interested, because if I keep my Mauser .43, I will need to load my own shells.
Click to expand...

the diff is about 20lb's.... LEE uses aluminum and plastic/nylon component's in it's equipment where RCBS uses steel.

the RCBS equipment will be on your bench for the rest of your life if you take care of it where the LEE equipment (mostly refering to the scale and powder thrower) will wear out with heavy use over time...

dont put much stock in reloading kit's tho... you get stuff you will need and stuff you dont.

digital caliper approx $50-$80 for decent quality unit

case trimmer-> the LEE trimmer in a cordless drill is the ticket over the RCBS unit hands down IMHO. $$?

Die's $30-$60 depending

misc goodies can add up to the cost of the entire kit in a hurry....

I bought a challenger kit about a year ago and load about 100rnd's a month average and i have yet to have an issue with it.
 
Hey I don't like seeing anyone trashing lee -- first press I bought.
I bought it well used 4 yrs. ago and has not failed me ever
A couple of months ago a great deal came up on the exchange for a RCBS Rockchucker ($80.00) now I run 2 press's yes the RCBS weighs more but for what.
I can honestly say i like both of mine equal might be a little more attached to the lee after all she was my first :)
I think one day I might move up to a progressive and would probabbly buy a Dillion but I know the 2 I have now would still be on standby
whatever choice you make it will not be the wrong one.
 
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Lee equipment is all you need and it is great for allowing people to get started more cheaply. But there is nothing wrong with wanting something even better than you need, just because it is better. And if you can afford that, there is nothing wrong with getting what you want.

If you are not entirely sure, or if you are at a point where the initial cash outlay is a vital factor, get Lee equipment and if you ever feel the need or desire to upgrade, it won't be hard to sell because it will be good value for the next new guy getting started on a budget.
 
Thanks for the information. If I don't keep the .43 Mauser, I doubt I will ever get into reloading rifle shells (shotshells, maybe, because it looks like the best way to keep a 16 gauge gun going). I need to take the antique down to a gunsmith, because the bore looks pretty pitted. It may be shootable, but I don't want to run that risk. And there's no point in buying the gear before I know if the gun is shootable, right?
 
It would seem that many have not even looked at the new Lee breech lock press. Cause if you did, you would be impressed.

This press is as strong as any on the market for doing standard cartridges.

The new breech lock system works very well for a fraction the cost offered from Red and Green companies. Changing dies is now a 1/3 rotation and lift out the die. Love it.

I have used the past anniversary package and that press did have one major weakness in the toggle arms. That has since been corrected in this new press with heavy steel component. It is strong enough to do all the case forming any wildcatter would ever need.

The scale works really well, just make sure that it is kept level and on a solid surface (like any other balance beam scale). As accurate as any balance beam I have used and some have not been as good.

The powder measure, although plastic, really does work well but I weigh my important charges. Has the same limitations as ones much more expensive.

The hand primer is a standard used by even serious BR shooters. You will need to get the proper shell holder.

The primer pocket cleaner and deburr tool are poor but for the occasional reloader. Adequate. RCBS makes a much better neck and flash hole deburr tool. I use a Dewey to clean my primer pockets.

Been using Lee gear for years and it has allowed me to make some excellent ammo. Ammo I compete and win with.

I now use a Jennings digital scale with very high resolution cause it matters for what I am doing. Otherwise, much is as mentioned above.

For $100, it will serve your needs very well.
Jerry
 
IF IT AIN'T GREEN, IT AIN'T A LOADIN MACHINE:D
If you know that loading is going to be a significant part of your shooting experience, go RCBS. You will never regret it. The fact that you asked this question, you may not be sure? In that case get the Lee Kit. It will work fine and if you later decide to upgrade you will probably want to keep your Lee press for lighter chores like bullet seating. With either press, the quality of your loads will depend on you.
 
I'm reloading with a 37 year old RCBS .Never had to get it repaired or had a part break on the press.My dad and uncles reloaded thousands of pistol and thousands of different rifle per year.Barrels have been worn out and the chucker is now doing my reloading.I personally like the solid feel it has compared to the lee.
My dad and his freinds have competion shoots with their 43 Mausers .They reload them smokeless.If your planning on shooting the old or basic obsolete factory calibres reloadings the way to go.
My vote goes RCBS.
 
Buy the Lee kit.

If you find yourself wanting or needing better, buy the RCBS press, new or used.

Then use both presses.

If you want to go flash right off, buy the RCBS kit. Little higher grade goods all told, but the deer won't be able to tell.

If you decide that reloading is not your thing, you can recover the majority of your money out of either kit.

If money is a factor, definitely the Lee. You can use the rest of what the RCBS kit would cost to buy a couple minor "upgrades" and a lot of consumables.

The only thing I don't care for about the Lee bayonet lock quick change units is the price of the bushings, at pretty much the same cost as a set of dies, for each set of dies to be wearing them. Not a big deal if you are only reloading one caliber, but then, why bother with a quick change setup at all.

I'm rarely in such a hurry, that the time spent merits the cost.

But I'm cheap enough to have a Scot in the woodpile somewhere, too.:D

Cheers
Trev
 
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