Difference in RCBS Presses
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ranger335v
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"What is the difference between a RCBS Rockchucker and Rockchucker II press?"
I have an RC II. The only difference I can see is my ball handle vs. the original bicycle grip handle.
"Anything wrong with the older Rockchuckers, the ones with the straight handle?"
RCs are okay but laughably over hyped and over priced. Within rational limits, a press is a press. After all is said, they really are quite simple devices. If Lee's Classic Cast single stage press had been available when I got mine that's what I would have, it's the better designed press of it's type, at any price.
I have an RC II. The only difference I can see is my ball handle vs. the original bicycle grip handle.
"Anything wrong with the older Rockchuckers, the ones with the straight handle?"
RCs are okay but laughably over hyped and over priced. Within rational limits, a press is a press. After all is said, they really are quite simple devices. If Lee's Classic Cast single stage press had been available when I got mine that's what I would have, it's the better designed press of it's type, at any price.
Muttt
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Well, I have the RCBS RS5 and I noticed that I can't use the primer tube set up with this press. I can only do manually one at a time. With the Rock Chucker and the RC II, you can use other options that aren't available with the smaller presses. I'm pretty sure the RC II will work better with the newer features available to the newer presses.
GP100man
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The older RC had 2mounting bolts , 1 on each side ,the RCII has 3 , other than that there basically the same.
I have 2 RCs `73`74 models & both are still tite as the day I recieved em used in `92
I have 2 RCs `73`74 models & both are still tite as the day I recieved em used in `92
ranger335v
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My RC II has two mounting holes.
Arkansas Paul
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Wow. You're the first person I've ever heard say that. It's okay though, to each his own. I bought the Rockchucker Supreme kit and if I had it to do again, I'd buy the exact same one.
GP100man
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Yep , Iwas thinkin of the supreme or the special .
ranger335v
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Me; "RCs are okay but laughably over hyped and over priced. "
Paul; "Wow. You're the first person I've ever heard say that. It's okay though, to each his own. I bought the Rockchucker Supreme kit and if I had it to do again, I'd buy the exact same one."
Am I correct in assuming you have very little or no experience using other presses of the RC's general type? I ask because it seems the less experience we have with other brands/models the more convienced we are that our favorite choice of anything is the "best". For presses (and a lot of other stuff), and personal preferences aside, that would be quite hard to prove. ??
Actually, presses are quite simple devices and there is no secret to making them. There is precious little effective difference between any with simular construction and design. Meaning the current 'Chucker, Hornady and Lyman single stages plus Lee's Classic Cast and Redding's Big Boss are in the same class and equally matched, with only slight user feature differences between them. And the value of those user features are simply personal preference, not quality of the tool.
Lee's Classic Cast is unique in the range of user features and is also the least costly of them all. It has a really large case opening and long ram throw, largest diameter ram to better resist wear, cleanly drops spent primers/waste into a tube and container, fully adjustable lever handle, massive strength and is precisely machined on CNC tooling. Combined, that makes it perhaps the "best" press of it's type, regardless of price.
Paul; "Wow. You're the first person I've ever heard say that. It's okay though, to each his own. I bought the Rockchucker Supreme kit and if I had it to do again, I'd buy the exact same one."
Am I correct in assuming you have very little or no experience using other presses of the RC's general type? I ask because it seems the less experience we have with other brands/models the more convienced we are that our favorite choice of anything is the "best". For presses (and a lot of other stuff), and personal preferences aside, that would be quite hard to prove. ??
Actually, presses are quite simple devices and there is no secret to making them. There is precious little effective difference between any with simular construction and design. Meaning the current 'Chucker, Hornady and Lyman single stages plus Lee's Classic Cast and Redding's Big Boss are in the same class and equally matched, with only slight user feature differences between them. And the value of those user features are simply personal preference, not quality of the tool.
Lee's Classic Cast is unique in the range of user features and is also the least costly of them all. It has a really large case opening and long ram throw, largest diameter ram to better resist wear, cleanly drops spent primers/waste into a tube and container, fully adjustable lever handle, massive strength and is precisely machined on CNC tooling. Combined, that makes it perhaps the "best" press of it's type, regardless of price.
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oldreloader
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GOOD post ranger!
Arkansas Paul
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I have no illusions that the RCs are the best. I just said that you were the first person I'd ever heard say that. You are.
You are correct in that I have little experience outside of the RCs. I'm also aware that when you're talking about the quality presses, that one is generally just as good as another. I'm not attempting to prove anything. If you look at the threads here and on other forums about presses, the RCs are generally very well spoken of. That's all I was saying.
I've barely been handloading a year. I'm certainly not attempting to portray myself as an expert. Just mentioning what I've experienced and read.
mallc
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I have had them all
I'm sure Ranger is quite satisfied with his LEE as are many reloaders. That said, I have worked my way through a boat load of presses - including the LEE classic cast, turret, and LoadAll - but there is not a LEE press on my bench today. Yes they do what they are designed to do but they are sloppy and can be poorly finished.
Additional errata...
The RCBS AmmoMaster's 2 inch ram is larger than the LEE Classic Cast's 1 1/8 inch diameter ram
Usable space on the Redding UltraMag is 4 3/4 inch and the Lyman Crusher has 4 1/2 inches of opening compared to 4 1/4 inch on the LEE Classic Cast and the shell holder on UltraMag is much more accessible than the Classic Cast.
Hornady and Redding also have the spent primer tube.
So IMHO while LEE presses are okay, they are NOT best in class.
Scott
I'm sure Ranger is quite satisfied with his LEE as are many reloaders. That said, I have worked my way through a boat load of presses - including the LEE classic cast, turret, and LoadAll - but there is not a LEE press on my bench today. Yes they do what they are designed to do but they are sloppy and can be poorly finished.
Additional errata...
The RCBS AmmoMaster's 2 inch ram is larger than the LEE Classic Cast's 1 1/8 inch diameter ram
Usable space on the Redding UltraMag is 4 3/4 inch and the Lyman Crusher has 4 1/2 inches of opening compared to 4 1/4 inch on the LEE Classic Cast and the shell holder on UltraMag is much more accessible than the Classic Cast.
Hornady and Redding also have the spent primer tube.
So IMHO while LEE presses are okay, they are NOT best in class.
Scott
ranger335v
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"I'm sure Ranger is quite satisfied with his LEE as are many reloaders."
mallc, like most knee-jerk reactions, you missed that I have an RC II but it doesn't blind me to reality. You also failed to note that I said the Classic Cast's combination of features is what makes it 'best in class', not that isolated others don't have one of two of the good features the Classic Cast has. So, you note we can get a really large ram in one press that is NOT in the same class, through the ram primer catchers in two others and the UltraMag has a really large opening but is also not in the same class (and it only costs near $300!, what a deal!). So, my "best of its type" accessment stands as stated.
I wonder if you really had a Lee Classic Cast or the much different Challanger press that many just assume is the "Classic." And you worked your way through a lot of Lee presses before you learned they are sloppy and loose? Not that I agree with that at all, but...did you notice how well they worked??
mallc, like most knee-jerk reactions, you missed that I have an RC II but it doesn't blind me to reality. You also failed to note that I said the Classic Cast's combination of features is what makes it 'best in class', not that isolated others don't have one of two of the good features the Classic Cast has. So, you note we can get a really large ram in one press that is NOT in the same class, through the ram primer catchers in two others and the UltraMag has a really large opening but is also not in the same class (and it only costs near $300!, what a deal!). So, my "best of its type" accessment stands as stated.
I wonder if you really had a Lee Classic Cast or the much different Challanger press that many just assume is the "Classic." And you worked your way through a lot of Lee presses before you learned they are sloppy and loose? Not that I agree with that at all, but...did you notice how well they worked??
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ranger335v
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Paul: " I just said that you were the first person I'd ever heard say that. You are."
Not trying to put you down, just wanted to confirm what I suspected to be the case. I'm the first guy a LOT of people hear say some things! Comes with age I suppose.
Fourty years ago I was positive my press, dies, scale, measure, etc, were the "best" choices simply because they all worked quite well for me. Then I started getting chances to use other guys stuff and I begain to get a lot less certan about brands and models! Now I rarely mention what I like best, I know other stuff is often just as good as what I prefer. I'm sure you'll get there too. Have fun doing it!
Not trying to put you down, just wanted to confirm what I suspected to be the case. I'm the first guy a LOT of people hear say some things! Comes with age I suppose.
Fourty years ago I was positive my press, dies, scale, measure, etc, were the "best" choices simply because they all worked quite well for me. Then I started getting chances to use other guys stuff and I begain to get a lot less certan about brands and models! Now I rarely mention what I like best, I know other stuff is often just as good as what I prefer. I'm sure you'll get there too. Have fun doing it!
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Looked at my RCII today, it only has 2 mounting holes....
Picked up the RC today to take home and compare to my RCII. Told the guy(friend of mine) I would either bring it back tomorrow or bring money. So........after getting home and comparing, the RC is almost identical to the RCII. Exceptions are the handles and the RC is a lighter color of green. Casting is identical.
The box it came in had a Gander mountain sticker and a date of 1972 on the postage sticker. This press for pass for new. No rust and tight as can be. As said, the casting is identical to my RCII. Guess the upgrade to the RCII was a new handle and paint. Since it is similar, I believe I will keep it and add a Hornady bushing to it to match the RCII. When I get a chance, I am going to do some comparing by trying one die in both presses to see if I can get the same results. If so, everything will be good.
I recently purchased a Lee press. But, never could quite warm up to it, so, I sold it last week. Just by chance, I came across the RC a few days after selling the Lee. Maybe it was fate......
Not saying there was anything wrong with the Lee. But after years of using the RC, guess that is what I had gotten accustomed to.
Picked up the RC today to take home and compare to my RCII. Told the guy(friend of mine) I would either bring it back tomorrow or bring money. So........after getting home and comparing, the RC is almost identical to the RCII. Exceptions are the handles and the RC is a lighter color of green. Casting is identical.
The box it came in had a Gander mountain sticker and a date of 1972 on the postage sticker. This press for pass for new. No rust and tight as can be. As said, the casting is identical to my RCII. Guess the upgrade to the RCII was a new handle and paint.
Since it is similar, I believe I will keep it and add a Hornady bushing to it to match the RCII. When I get a chance, I am going to do some comparing by trying one die in both presses to see if I can get the same results. If so, everything will be good.I recently purchased a Lee press. But, never could quite warm up to it, so, I sold it last week. Just by chance, I came across the RC a few days after selling the Lee. Maybe it was fate......
Not saying there was anything wrong with the Lee. But after years of using the RC, guess that is what I had gotten accustomed to.
Arkansas Paul
Member
Not trying to hijack a thread here but since we're on the subject of presses, I have a question about one. We recently bought a press and I'm not sure what model it is. We picked it up along with a uniflow powder measure, and a couple of pounds of powder (still sealed), and several hundred primers for $100. It's an RCBS but it's not as sturdy as the RC. It has a straight handle and a little priming arm built in. I reall like it for loading pistol because I can prime, bell, and charge in one step. Any idea what model this is?
I can post pics if neccessary.
I can post pics if neccessary.
ranger335v
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Vicking: "I recently purchased a Lee press. But, never could quite warm up to it,"
No a challenge, but Lee makes quite a few presses with vastly different characteristics. Without knowing which one you didn't care for we are lelt with little understanding. ??
No a challenge, but Lee makes quite a few presses with vastly different characteristics. Without knowing which one you didn't care for we are lelt with little understanding. ??
Arkansas Paul
Member
I will. Our setup is at my brother's house and I'll be there tomorrow. I'll take some pics and post them then.
mallc
Member
I wonder too?
Ranger asks:
Scott replies: I actually bought a new Classic Cast as part of a reloading press comparison study I tried to hawk to the mags. My opinion of LEE as sloppy and poorly finished is based on a good number of years as a classic tool and die maker and a dozen or so presses through the budget bin of the shop. The Challenger is actually as good if cost your basis for comparison.
AND
There is no knee jerk reaction here...I don't buy/sell cheap guns and I don't buy/sell cheap reloading gear.
Scott
Ranger asks:
Scott replies: I actually bought a new Classic Cast as part of a reloading press comparison study I tried to hawk to the mags. My opinion of LEE as sloppy and poorly finished is based on a good number of years as a classic tool and die maker and a dozen or so presses through the budget bin of the shop. The Challenger is actually as good if cost your basis for comparison.
AND
There is no knee jerk reaction here...I don't buy/sell cheap guns and I don't buy/sell cheap reloading gear.
Scott
ranger335v
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Scott: "There is no knee jerk reaction here...I don't buy/sell cheap guns and I don't buy/sell cheap reloading gear. "
Perhaps. I make a distinction between "cheap" and (comparitively) "inexpensive", and I base my perceptions on how a tool actually works, not how shiney it is. But, if you read my post again you may actually see my comment reference your knee jerk reaction to my defence of Lee led you to presume, incorrectly, that I use the Lee Classic Cast when I had earlier stated I use an RC II.
But, we digress.
Perhaps. I make a distinction between "cheap" and (comparitively) "inexpensive", and I base my perceptions on how a tool actually works, not how shiney it is. But, if you read my post again you may actually see my comment reference your knee jerk reaction to my defence of Lee led you to presume, incorrectly, that I use the Lee Classic Cast when I had earlier stated I use an RC II.
But, we digress.
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