RCBS Rock Chucker vs Lee Breech Kit

RCBS or Lee kit

  • Lee

    Votes: 8 12.3%

  • RCBS

    Votes: 58 89.2%
  • Total voters
    65
arcticcathonda

arcticcathonda

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
105   0   0
Location
Southern Alberta
Hello, I would have thought this has been asked 1000 times but searching nothign has really come up like this.

I am planning on buying a reloading set up once! For my life. So I want it to last. I plan on reloading one caliber for now; 308, and accurately I may add.
So as far as what I am looking at, Lee Challenger kit vs the RCBS Rock Chucker kit. Both appear to have the same stuff in them, but RCBS comes with a $$ price tag.

As well I was thinking of adding a digital scale +/- .1 gr as well for powder charges.

So let me put it to the members, what route would you go?
 
The Rockchucker is a tank of a press. Mine was bought back in 1979 and I've never regretted the extra dollars I spent on it.
Plus RCBS has great warranty and tech support so I'd say "Go Green".
 
Last edited:
There are brand cheerleaders on CGN for just about everything they make. I, on occasion, am one of them :yingyang:.

Bottom line is, you pretty much get what you pay for, especially when it comes to those kits.

"Give the electronic scales a miss". My $0.02.
 
Another vote for the Rockchucker.... RCBS's customer service is really hard to beat should you ever need it. I lost a few parts to my powder thrower during a move, called RSBS, and they mailed me the parts for free rather quickly.
 
My Rockchucker is 30 years old now, I got it used about 8 years ago. I expect it to last at least two lifetimes as long as it's cared for properly.
 
I started with an RCBS Junior, a simple, non compound leverage tool. I moved up to the Rock Chucker because I had trouble case forming with the lighter duty tool. Some think there are presses that load more accurate ammunition (less runout) but I have no first hand knowledge of that. I'm planning to keep using my Rock Chucker.
 
I think that even the new "made in China" Rockchucker is a much more robust press then the Lee, I'd look around for a slightly used Rockchucker and avoid the possible "lack of precision" surrounding the new RC. Best single stage press however is the Forster Co-ax, known for producing the most consistent reloads.
 
arcticcathonda said:
So these Balances are capable of down to that type of accuracy. I have heard yes and no. Just wondering if someone would care to comment on this, maybe someone with first hand experience not saying you don't Pathfinder:)
Click to expand...

I havent compared them side by side to tell you the truth, I have experience with the 5-0-5 balance beam and that's what I trust.....and it does have adjustments for .1 gr. You never hear anyone slag an ohaus scale (the rcbs scales are made by ohaus) but ive heard of enough issues about the electronic to make me not want to try it.

With the accuracy ive been able to shoot with that scale I havent been left wanting.

Just my 5 cents.
 
RCBS electronics are good from what I've seen.
I regularly check my RCBS 1500 against a Dillon electronic and both seem to agree 100% of the time.
 
if you plan on buying once then RCBS all the way.
I bought a Lee kit in the beginning and it wasn't long before I had changed color on almost everything.Didn't like the economy feel to almost everything,maybe because I learned on my Uncles RCBS stuff.
The only Lee I have left is their hand priming tool that I love,and a funnel.
 
You'll get +- 0.1 gr on RCBS, Redding, Lyman, in fact any balance beam scale for reloading will give you this kind of accuracy. More accuracy than this, you won't use and won't need,, ever.

If you understand the concept if "KISS" you'll go balance beam. Reasonably priced electronic ones generally require more frequent attention than bb scales.
 
HKMark23 said:
If you understand the concept if "KISS" you'll go balance beam. Reasonably priced electronic ones generally require more frequent attention than bb scales.
Click to expand...

I have an RCBS 5-10 balance scale (manufactured by Ohaus Scale Corporation), bought new well over 20 years ago now. In those intervening years gravity has never failed me, not once.

I also bought a Rockchucker at the same time, I just clean and lube the ram every now and then, I know when I'm gone someone will get an excellent used press. :)
 
The Lee breechlock press is not exactly the best Lee press to compare against a rock chucker. The Lee classic cast press is far more similar for comparison.
Of the two you listed its an easy choise (RCBS), add or change poll options though...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom