Presses, Redding or RCBS?

Huntsman said:
I'm not sure Lee will replace the parts after 16yrs of use.

I was full length sizing mil spec brass.
Click to expand...

They might not replace the parts free, but they might be able to supply replacements. They supposedly also will rebuild it for half the price of a new press.

Back to your original question, I've have my RCBS Rock Chucker for about 30 years, and zero problems with it....

Stan
 
The Lee Classic Cast is what BTSniper, on Castboolits recommends for swaging with his dies. I've been using RCBS Rockchuckers for over 40 years with zero problems.
I just bought a Lee Classic.
.....my 2 cents...
Mike
 
OP, Lee will replace that part and with a better one.
I am going to second the Lee Classic Cast press. I have had a RockChucker for 25yrs. It did not replace the Lee Challenger on my bench, but I got a Classic Cast for Christmas 2012, guess what? No more Challenger.
Compared to the Rock Chucker, it is a better press, beefier press, beefier ram, great machining.. Oh yeah, darn near half the price.
 
Steyr101 said:
Can't go wrong with an RCBS Rock Chucker. Ive have mine for about 20 years and it's still going strong.

I bought three Forster Co-Ax presses last year... and they are getting all the use now. The quick change die system is great... as is the universal shell holder.
Click to expand...

I have to ask. Why three?

I agree that the ability to change dies by snapping them in is a God send. If I miss a piece of brass I can change dies in a second "literally" and keep on going.

I was going to buy a Rockchucker until I found a dealer that sold the Forster for almost the same price.
 
Kevan said:
Another press to consider is the Lee Classic Cast.
I bought mine for the sole purpose of resizing and loading the 50 BMG cartridge which it does admirably.
Of the five presses on my bench the cast Lee does the most work and its also very clean to use.
Click to expand...

Kevan,
The Lee Classic Cast seems to be a huge improvement over the originals and seems "almost" on par with the RCBS and the like. My brother picked one up a few years ago, never looked back. Definitely one to consider.
My budget has'nt been set on concrete but if I can keep it under $300 (closer to 250) I'll be happy.
To add, Lee & RCBS are readily available in Edmonton.
And tomorrow I will contact Lee ;)
 
Your kit came with the "old" Challenger press, not the fanciest or most expensive, but it got you this far.
The Challenger has been update to a very different press with the same name, and is actually a very good press. Cheap enough, too.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about which brand, they're all really good. Instead, I'd concentrate on which features you want.
Clean spent primer disposal, quick die changes(maybe even a turret?), on press priming, length of stroke, colour...
Maybe the most important, price and availability.
 
3macs1 said:
Yep same here have three one has to be close to 35 years and one is just 2 but they all work just fine. I'm too lazy to change dies :)
Click to expand...

That's the reason my RockChucker carries a collet puller. That is ALL it has done for 15 years. I eventually had two Challengers and a value turret press and they churned out huge amounts of ammo over the years. They made great ammo. Killed stuff with it, including paper and pop cans. Now my son has them and I have a classic cast single stage and a classic turret press. VERY clean de-priming and a totally bullet-proof ram.
 
My decision has been narrowed down to the Rock Chucker. $209.99 @ Cabelas

I had a look on the Lee website and they did'nt have any parts listed for my ol'Challenger press.

I'll post when I get it, set it up and make my 1st bullets.

Thanks again All ;)
 
Huntsman said:
My decision has been narrowed down to the Rock Chucker. $209.99 @ Cabelas

I had a look on the Lee website and they did'nt have any parts listed for my ol'Challenger press.

I'll post when I get it, set it up and make my 1st bullets.

Thanks again All ;)
Click to expand...
If you don't want to get that challenger press fixed, Brother, send it along to me. I'll pay the postage, get it fixed, and use it to set another newbie up in the game.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom