New Press Recommendations

[Stortford]

Hi all,

I've been reloading for about a year now and have been slowly upgrading as i go (I know i should have bought once!)

The next 'big' thing I'm looking to upgrade is the press. I currently use the Lee Breach lock. i was looking at the RCBS Rockchucker or the RCBS Rebel. From what i can see the Rebel is just a slightly newer version of the rock chucker without an option to prime on the press? Would i be gaining anything with getting the Rebel over the Rockchucker?

Priming isn't an issue as i use a bench primer anyways.

Any of recommendations would be appreciated! Ideally want to stay in the £250-350 price range

Cheers

 

[Will the chippy]

I use the rock chucker press. It's the only one I've used, so make of that what you will.
It's solid really well made. I can't get it to prime properly on the press, primers always sticking out slightly. So I use the hand priming tool.

 

[Stortford]

I use the rock chucker press. It's the only one I've used, so make of that what you will.
It's solid really well made. I can't get it to prime properly on the press, primers always sticking out slightly. So I use the hand priming tool.

I have heard that the rockchuker is the 'ol reliable' of a bunch of presses.... was more wondering if the Rebel is any different! I dont think there will be much difference between the 2 and either will be great

 

[Namman]

Hi all,

I've been reloading for about a year now and have been slowly upgrading as i go (I know i should have bought once!)

The next 'big' thing I'm looking to upgrade is the press. I currently use the Lee Breach lock. i was looking at the RCBS Rockchucker or the RCBS Rebel. From what i can see the Rebel is just a slightly newer version of the rock chucker without an option to prime on the press? Would i be gaining anything with getting the Rebel over the Rockchucker?

Priming isn't an issue as i use a bench primer anyways.

Any of recommendations would be appreciated! Ideally want to stay in the £250-350 price range

Cheers

First press I bought was a Rockchucker in the early eighties.
Guess what!
Still using it now !!!
Built to last.

 

[Moose67]

buy once, cry once = RCBS

 

[Wmjas]

Buy once cry once and get a Forster Co-ax, I’ve got a rock chucker but with the extra Hornady lock n’ load bushings I’ve bought I should’ve just got the Forster from the get go.

 

[303British]

RCBS now for me, broke a Lee press! I used a wamadet from back in the day to fill the gap, which is brilliant if you don't have a dedicated work bench as you can clamp it to the table, which was the case for me back then. Found a RCBS Rockchucker second hand, definitely built to last, with a strip and clean its as good as new, I also prime seperately so I can feel what is going on.

 

[Smallholder]

I use the rock chucker press. It's the only one I've used, so make of that what you will.
It's solid really well made. I can't get it to prime properly on the press, primers always sticking out slightly. So I use the hand priming tool.

I also use a Rock Chucker and find with some large rifle primers they need to be seated and then a final push home. I find it works better than my RCBS hand primer with these cases.

I'm happy with the press, for the price paid.

 

[Stortford]

Buy once cry once and get a Forster Co-ax, I’ve got a rock chucker but with the extra Hornady lock n’ load bushings I’ve bought I should’ve just got the Forster from the get go.

I did consider that but that's a bit out of budget for me really... Do you think it's that much of a jump over the rock chucker/rebel?

 

[Jagged77]

Started with a Rockchucker twenty odd years ago, it was good. Quickly sold it though and moved on to the Co-Ax and not looked back.

 

[jthyttin]

What are the problems with your current press, i.e. what features are you looking for, is there quality issue with loaded ammunition etc?

 

[Wmjas]

I did consider that but that's a bit out of budget for me really... Do you think it's that much of a jump over the rock chucker/rebel?

Yes it is, I had my rockchucker for a long time and bought a s/h coax to see what the hype was about, rockchucker now just sits there with a universal decapping die on. I only use it because I have it, should really sell it.

The price difference is cheap compared to the advantages it provides.

 

[Stortford]

Yes it is, I had my rockchucker for a long time and bought a s/h coax to see what the hype was about, rockchucker now just sits there with a universal decapping die on. I only use it because I have it, should really sell it.

The price difference is cheap compared to the advantages it provides.

Interesting, what does it provide over the rock chucker that is worth the extra price?

 

[Stortford]

What are the problems with your current press, i.e. what features are you looking for, is there quality issue with loaded ammunition etc?

There's nothing particularly wrong with it, I'm just feeling greedy and would like an upgrade! It would also be nice to have something a bit beefier on the bench as well

 

[jthyttin]

would like an upgrade!

Nothing wrong with that. Maybe try to find a shop where you can see / handle presses in real life? Also pay attention to adjustability, can you e.g. change the length and angle of the handle.

Personally I'm using Lee Classic Cast, but nowadays it costs maybe 4x compared to time it was introduced. At least my 2 presses are every bit as good as large cast iron presses from other manufacturers, but cannot see current price as good value.

 

[Shaun O]

If you fancy a top notch press, check out "Prazi press" Spud sells them I think. I've been using one for a few years and they're certainly accurate.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

The newer Rock chuckers now are I have read on US forums cast in China from whatever quality they claim to use then shipped for final machining work to the RCBS factory in the US, the story/rumour is that the earlier ones were all made in the RCBS factory from best cast US steel from recycled American railway tracks.
I have a 1994 era Rock chucker bought new and it is very good IMO.
The Prazi press as a buy once cry once are really making the best press range out there but you will be up in the £700-£900 range.

 

[moeggesit]

Horses for courses. What exactly do you want from the press? Any brand or vintage O-frame press will serve 99.9% of all reloading requirements.

 

[Cottis]

Consider a MEC Marksman. Very very heavy duty and solid and smooth press. Not horribly expensive either. Reviews brilliantly but not super common. I have had one for a few years now. It is comfortably better than the Lee, Lyman and RCBS presses I have handled/used in shops and when helping friends with theirs.

Get the stand with it which nicely offers multiple die storage and really elevates it and complements the overall design. I have mine mounted on a very small table from those nest tables and it is portable and easy to use on the sofa. I have sized everything up to .375H&H on it and it goes through brass like a knife through butter. It is impossibly smooth.

They all do the same thing but seeing as reloading is a monumental pain in the arse, you might as well make it as enjoyable as possible. I say enjoyable loosely. As less harsh as possible I suppose is what I mean.

I have not handled or used a Frankford Arsenal or Prazipress but I have handled a Forster. They are also nice but more costly. I would get the MEC or the Forster personally.

 

[Wmjas]

Interesting, what does it provide over the rock chucker that is worth the extra price?

Off the top of my head, no need for shell holders, quick change dies without having to buy extra bushings, floats cartridge and dies for better accuracy, easy priming tool, attached bottle for easy handling of old primers, personally I reckon better ergonomics.