got a new press, how did i do?

[Highland Lofts]

Of all the bench priming set ups I actually like the Lee Bench Prime.
The triangle priming tray opens up square and is super easy to load the primers in stead of loading the primer tube.

At under $45 it well worth the extra money over a hand primer if you are loading more then twenty cases at a time.



For depriming I really like the Frankford Arsenal hand depriming tool.
If you buy one make sure you keep track of the little plastic incerts that hold the different size cases.



The hand depriming tool keeps all the carbon and other junk off your press and dies.

I deprime then wet tumble for super clean cases.
You resizing die will thank you for depriming and tumbling before resizing.

This is the carbon & other garbage that comes off the cases after wet tumbling. A dry tumbler does not remove all of the contaminants.

 

[Milt1]

It's worth $50.00 just for the fun of bringing it back to life, great buy!

 

[wcwhitey]

Still use mine from 1978, great choice and smoking deal. If anything is needed RCBS is a great company to deal with.

 

[kerreckt]

Great press. I have two that I got in a trade about ten years ago. They are tanks.....well built and will last a lifetime.

 

[Skgreen]

It's worth $50.00 just for the fun of bringing it back to life, great buy!

Agreed, and it won't take much to revive this one! Good score!

 

[OFFGRID]

 

[OFFGRID]

 

[OFFGRID]

 

[OFFGRID]

smooth as silk

 

[Highland Lofts]

You can take the plug out where you screw the dies in snd convert the press over to the Hornady Lock n Load bushing system.

 

[OFFGRID]

You can take the plug out where you screw the dies in snd convert the press over to the Hornady Lock n Load bushing system.

the same thing as the lee breechlock?

i think thats kinda silly. then you have to buy bushings for every die.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

the same thing as the lee breechlock?

i think thats kinda silly. then you have to buy bushings for every die.

I agree but they have a following. Far as I can tell, the advantages are that they let you save about 50 seconds every die swap in time spent unscrewing/screwing; and, the dies stay set versus needing tweaking each time they’re swapped IF you don’t set the lock nuts correctly. Set the lock nut right and it’s not a problem. But, you never know, you might change your mind after spinning dies off and on a few times.

 

[dredd]

Great Find!
You are going to enjoy that press.

 

[stormshrike]

the same thing as the lee breechlock?

i think thats kinda silly. then you have to buy bushings for every die.

The bushing system really speeds up switching out dies, though.

I have just one press - a RC - and I usually load 50 rounds at a time. If something goes wrong with one of those rounds in the later stages, the bushing system makes it easy to quickly expand/seat/crimp a replacement round (having just 49 rounds in a batch is an OCD nightmare). Really, they are nice anytime I am doing one-off things or multiple small batches where each die is needed for just a short period of time. Those 50 seconds that GeoDude mentions add up quick.

They aren't for everyone, but they work well with how I like to do things.

 

[OFFGRID]

I agree but they have a following. Far as I can tell, the advantages are that they let you save about 50 seconds every die swap in time spent unscrewing/screwing; and, the dies stay set versus needing tweaking each time they’re swapped IF you don’t set the lock nuts correctly. Set the lock nut right and it’s not a problem. But, you never know, you might change your mind after spinning dies off and on a few times.

i could have got a lee for the same price delivered, but instead i drove 3 hours round trip to get this one because it doesnt have the breechlock system.

having NEVER reloaded before idk if its great or not, but just starting out i know i dont wanna spemd extra $$$$ to get started.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

You will do fine!
Ask us here for any questions in a new thread.

Good find!
That is what I have loaded thousands of rounds on.

 

[barnfrog]

i could have got a lee for the same price delivered, but instead i drove 3 hours round trip to get this one because it doesnt have the breechlock system.

IMHO you made the right choice.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

i could have got a lee for the same price delivered, but instead i drove 3 hours round trip to get this one because it doesnt have the breechlock system.

having NEVER reloaded before idk if its great or not, but just starting out i know i dont wanna spemd extra $$$$ to get started.

You’re off to a good start. There’s time to fiddle around trying to get a rhythm going. There are a few accessories you might consider, including the spent primer catcher and both sizes of primer stem (if it didn’t come with both)

 

[Highland Lofts]

the same thing as the lee breechlock?

i think thats kinda silly. then you have to buy bushings for every die.

I Load alot and enjoy the fast die swap out.
It does have a cost but is well worth the extra cost of the bushings

If I decide to get out or cut back on reloading I'll recoup that extra cost and maybe a little more then I paid for them with all of the high cost of this crazy inflation.
I have two die sets for every caliber that I use alot. If I get a stuck case or any other problem I can grab the other set take what die I need and keep going and fix the problem at a later date.
Most of the bushings I bought when they were $4 a piece. Now they are about $6 apiece.

Every one has thier own system and thoughts on reloading and finds what is comfortable to them.

With your new to you RCBS press you have the option to switch it over at any time to the bushing system.
You did good buying your press and getting it all cleaned up. You will never wear the press out. RCBS built them to last a lifetime plus.
I have bought a lot of extra reloading equipment and have several complete reloading set ups extra. When I start doing reloading classes if someone takes a class and decides to jump in the rabbit hole I will have what ever they want to go home and get set up.

I just bought a complete reloading set up with a Rockchucker press on Sunday. I am picking you another Rockchucker press next weekend.
I have atleast six maybe a few more Rockchucker presses not counting the two I have for my reloading classes.

What calibers will you be loading for?
I'm sure we can help you get set up if you have any problems finding stuff you need.

I have lots of 9mm and 40 cal brass if you need any
I will give you the brass and mail it to you for free.
Plus I have extra 308 brass that I can send to you
I fave a friend down in Olympia Wa. that deals in used reloading equipment. He just recently bought about $8,000 in reloading equipment from an estate.
He went all threw it and is starting to list it on the local gun forums. He usually has stuff you can not find elsewhere. If you want his contact information I can PM his number.
Do you have anyone local that can mentor you threw the initial set up and guide you on the right track and help out down the road with any problems that might arise.
Which there will be.

You can always post any questions or concerns on here and you will get some good answers.
Good luck to you and enjoy your new hobby.

 

[lordpaxman]

having NEVER reloaded before idk if its great or not, but just starting out i know i dont wanna spemd extra $$$$ to get started.

No worries. You don’t need the Hornady bushings to start reloading. The dies will screw in just fine, and the lock rings will set them so when you change them out and in, they remain set. The bushings, well, it depends on if you Iike to screw or not, but they save you from doing that.

 

[Offfhand]

You got a good deal on the press and did a super cleanup job to be proud of. The Jr, uses the old style ram type shell holders, which typically require a different ram for different calibers. The same rams fit Pacific, CH and other "C" type as well as RCBS. They can be found on ebay at easy prices, or you can get an adapter ram for current shell holders. Attached pic is vintage RCBS ram and adapter ram.

 

[dh1633pm]

Excellent work on the press.

 

[OFFGRID]

You got a good deal on the press and did a super cleanup job to be proud of. The Jr, uses the old style ram type shell holders, which typically require a different ram for different calibers. The same rams fit Pacific, CH and other "C" type as well as RCBS. They can be found on ebay at easy prices, or you can get an adapter ram for current shell holders. Attached pic is vintage RCBS ram and adapter ram.View attachment 1125802

not sure, but i think mine is a rockchucker 2. it says RCII on the side and uses regular shell holders. it also has 87 stamped on the top. im guessing thats the build date

 

[Offfhand]

not sure, but i think mine is a rockchucker 2. it says RCII on the side and uses regular shell holders. it also has 87 stamped on the top. im guessing thats the build date

You are correct, I should have looked closer. It's much better press than the old jr.

 

[Bazoo]

Sweet find. Do ya want your dollar back? Good deal on it too! Congratulations.