Any advantage t newer equipment?

[MightyMO1911]

So I'm relatively new to metallic cartridge reloading. I have about a year or so under my belt and load for 3 different pistol and 5 rifle calibers. I don't shoot thousands, or even hundreds of rounds. We do a little recreational shootkng and keep some on hand for hunting and rainy days.

We are using my dad's old RCBS Rockchucker press and Uniflow powder measure. We bought new dies for the calibers we didn't have. Now for the question. I'm not at all interested in a progressive press so there is absolutely no reason t buy a new press for that upgrade. The question is. Would I see any quality improvements in buying new equipment?

 

[Jesse Heywood]

The only reason I would by another press would be to have a second. The Rockchucker is a good press and I have yet to see one wear out. Keep it clean and lubed and it will last a long time.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Would I see any quality improvements in buying new equipment?

No, you won't. The single stage presses haven't changed much since they went to the O style frames.

If your happy with your rock-chucker and Uni-Flow, than there's no reason to replace it with the same thing you already have.

 

[GLOOB]

Quality, no. Some functional and ergonomic improvements, maybe. Depends who you ask. Some areas you might see a difference between presses:

1. Spent primer collection
2. Priming systems
3. Ergos
4. Quick change bushings

 

[Rico567]

As long as you're happy with what a single-stage press will produce, can't do better than a Rock Chucker. Oh, there are some newer models with a few more bells and whistles, but the Rock Chucker is sort of the archetype of the modern cast-frame "O" reloading press. Mine is over 40 years old, and all I ever do is put it aside when I'm done, then put it back on the bench, wipe it off and oil it, and I'm off and running again.
I should note that I now only use the RC for rifle reloading. I use a Dillon 650 for all my pistols, it's the volume thing.....

 

[Nappers]

I am using a RCBS JR3 that I inherited from Dad when he passed. Works like a charm. I like single stage personally, I can keep better track of things with my A.D.D.!!!!!! The only new stuff are dies for calibers I didn't have. He had dies that are probably older than me that I use/remember him using.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

No more shooting than you guys do I think it would be silly to buy new equipment.
Spend the money on primers and powder. You never know when you won't be able to get them for a while.

 

[GT1]

(polishing the apple)

The standard rockchucker you buy today is basically the same thing from 1960.

That being said there are a few newer designs out there, but there is no new single stage press that will be any marked improvement in speed or quality of ammo.

I'm in the stock up on components camp.

 

[John C]

I'll echo what the others have said, especially about the Rock Chucker and Uniflow.

The only improvements new presses have over the Rock Chucker is spent primer handling. The Lee Classic Cast press does that a lot better. It's definitely not worth the $$ to upgrade.

I don't think there's any improvement to the Uniflow. You can buy or make a baffle, if you don't have one already. You can also add a micrometer adjustment, which will make it easier to return to a specified charge. In its price range, there's no better measure.

If you were to step it up in price to the $300 level, the Harrels measure has more features.

-John

 

[witchhunter]

It is as good as it gets even if it is an old one. Like others have said, there are some doo dads and fooforah available. You can make great ammo with your equipment.

 

[BYJO4]

The Rockchucker today is virtually the same as it was when RCBS began making it and you wont gain anything by buying a new single stage press. Turret and progressive presses have seen the majority of improvements over the years and you have some fine choices that were not available when I started loading many years ago.

 

[FROGO207]

Staying with the same type of system and "upgrading" would only be for bragging rites with a SS press IMHO. Much better to buy reloading supplies with the cash.

 

[Rico567]

Quote "GT1": "I'm in the stock up on components camp."

.....as, apparently, are many others. This may relate to the threads in this and all the other forums about "why are there shortages?"