Rcbs or Redding reloading kits?

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ALDA BERGR

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New to reloading.
Should i buy the Redding Big Boss II Pro Pak or the Rcbs Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit? The Redding is more expensive and lacks the powder measure.

Also, Merry Christmas or as we sak here in Sweden, God Jul!!
 
If cost is no concern then Redding. I have a few Redding items including the Big Boss II press and they are quite nice.

The RCBS kit represents a better value I think. Great quality and customer service for a few less shekels sounds like a great deal to me.
 
Personally, I recommend against kits. Almost universally, the press itself is the only enduring piece from a kit which enjoys continued use as a reloader progresses. I know some Reloaders do continue to use the hand trimming tools, or trickle into a beam scale, but most reloaders, an overwhelming majority, learn their way through the process within 6 months and end up replacing almost every component from the kit. Buying twice is rarely less expensive than buying once. Frankly, many, many reloaders quickly realize their reloading volume can’t be sustained by a single stage press, and end up replacing that too.

Of the gear included in both kits, the RCBS kit is the better value - meaning more gear for less money, but as mentioned above, the extra gear only has value if you’re going to use it.

As an example - I started with a Lee kit 25 years ago. The only piece I still use is the press - which is ONLY used as a universal decapping press, and has not made ammunition for almost 20 of those 25 years.
 
Both are Top Notch, I've had my RCBS Rock Chucker for over 40 years and used it a lot, no issues at all. I took it apart a couple times for cleaning the ram, bore an lube but no problems. I remember when I bought it mail order, a ad in Shot Gun News, I got the press, a set of .308 Win. dies and a shell holder for 42.00 dollars, with free shipping LOL. hdbiker
 
I bought a RCBS Rock Chucker kit over two decades ago and still use everything that came with it. While I have added two more scales(one digital and another beam) and a bench primer, along with quite an array of other tools and accessories, I still trust the 505 scale that came with the kit. I still prefer the Uniflow powder measure(added a stand) and use the hand primer when I'm doing smaller batches. The stuff that comes with the RC kit is quality unlike some of the stuff that comes with the much cheaper Lee kits. For the money, it's a great way to get into reloading. For many folks, it's all they'll ever need.
 
Dont know if it matters, but most if not all of rcbs gear is made in China now days..

Actually, im not completly new, i did some reloading about 10 years ago on my rock chucker that i later sold.

Guess what am asking, is the quality of rcbs on a decline?
 
Some of the things like beam balances are of lesser quality but that is across all brands. The press is still top notch. I would usually go with buy just what you need as well but you being located in Sweeden might make getting a kit more logical. Are individual reloading tools readily available? That would make the answer a toss up if they are. Otherwise the kit with more stuff is my pick. FWIW I am the second owner of a RCBS RockChucker and it is built to last several lifetimes I believe. You will not be disappointed with it.
 
Well.. i will probably go with the rcbs then. After all.. i could get 30-06, 338 win mag dies and some powder and still pay less then for the Redding kit.

I just plain dont like China..
 
I bought the RCBS kit about 4 or 5 years ago. I use everything in it still, except the hand primer. I already had a RCBS bench primer. It all works well.
 
I have 2 rcbs presses a special 2 and an auto 4x4 both worlds great and have for nearly 30 years. Their customer service is top notch as well. I just had to replace a decapping rod in one of my dies, went online to service and received my parts. No charge, no shipping...

Welcome to the forum
 
Look at the Lee classic cast without the lock n load die holders.

I own a Rockchucker and it is a great press but if I bought a new press it would be a Lee classic cast.
 
I have both Redding and RCBS stuff. Redding costs more than RCBS and Redding is a little higher quality in appearance. Redding (with the exception of their powder measures) doesn't perform any better than RCBS in my experience.
 
RCBS lifetime warranty and customer service extends really well across the pond. From what I've heard from other Europeans, it's the only one that does with an impeccable record. If I were in your shoes, that would be the most important selling point. I have no complaints with RCBS. 45-year happy customer.

The China connection always comes up.....Rock Chuckers and Pro Chuckers are manufactured in California.....there may be some lesser parts made in China, but the castings are not. The lower line presses I don't know....nor asked about, but you can email them and ask. That works better than heresay or rumors.
 
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Look at the Lee classic cast without the lock n load die holders.

I own a Rockchucker and it is a great press but if I bought a new press it would be a Lee classic cast.

I agree. The primer catcher on the Rock Chucker absolutely sucks. I put the lock n load die holders on my second-hand Rock Chucker. Lee Precision is great stuff, too.
 
Merry Christmas!
Either one is going to be good----if you're sold on getting a kit, then perhaps go with the most complete kit.
My loading bench is a mixture of both brands. You might want to inquire about factory support in Sweden. Here in the US, factory support is very good but I'd guess in Sweden a lot would depend on the reputation of their European agents.
 
I have the Rock Chucker and my son has the Rock Chucker JR (probably no longer made) that I had from 1970. They’re still pressing out rounds. I have no experience with the Redding kit but either would serve you well.
 
Well.. i will probably go with the rcbs then. After all.. i could get 30-06, 338 win mag dies and some powder and still pay less then for the Redding kit.

I just plain dont like China..

I have the same feelings about every being made in China. That set aside I would go with the RCBS Rock Chucker kit. It will last you your lifetime and RCBS has great customer service. Any problems with dies or anything else they fix them or replace the items for free with free shipping.

If you get the Rock Chucker press it take the Hornady Lock n Load bushing adaper that comes in the six pack of the Hornady bushings.
Put the bushing in the press, set your die up, tighten the lock ring and then a quarter turn to take the die out and a quarter turn to put the die back on the press.
It is a big time saver fron srewing the dies in and screwing the dies out.

The powder measurer and stand are nice to have as well as the battery operated Hornady viborator powder trickler.

I buy a lot of reloading stuff on Ebay.
 
No problem. Everything is available. However its a bit more expensive here then for you Americans. Example, the rcbs rock chucker supreme master kit costs $500 here.

Also, i live not far from Norma..
 
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