Author Topic: rcbs rockchucker press ? (Read 1110 times)

sk330lc · « **on:** June 18, 2005, 06:13:41 PM »

Hey all,

I just ordered My first reloading kit.. It's the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme master kit. I'll be loading for a 12" encore in 44Mag.

Being new to the reloading world. will Hornady Dies work in Rcbs presses?

So far I've read Hornadys reloading manual and an old Sierra reloading manual . I'm working on reading them again. A lot of info to take in..

Also what else do you all think, I will need to reload?? Thanks

ricciardelli · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2005, 06:51:03 PM »

Get the RCBS Accessory Kit.

zrifleman · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2005, 07:52:14 PM »

Almost all sets of dies use 7/8-14 threads including Hornady, Lyman, RCBS, Lee, Redding etc. RCBS, Hornady, Redding and Lyman use the same style shell holder. Quality is about the same on the average with some making one type of die better than the other. Unless you get into benchrest shooting you probably won't notice much difference.

Flash · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2005, 01:28:31 AM »

As zrifleman stated, the 7/8x14 will all work in the rockchucker. However, for straight walled cartridges you really should invest in Carbide dies and not mess around with lubing them.

Dave in WV · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2005, 04:22:14 AM »

You'll like the Hornady dies. I have a set for my .243 and they work great.

sk330lc · « **Reply #5 on:** June 19, 2005, 12:34:57 PM »

Quote from: ricciardelli

Get the RCBS Accessory Kit.

where is the best place to get the kit??

Thanks for all the help!!

Nebraska Kelly · « **Reply #6 on:** June 19, 2005, 07:42:19 PM »

I have used the rockchucker press for 23 years now. It is indestructible. I also got the master kit when I ordered the press. I found most of the items that came with the kit to be useless and a waste of money. All you need is the press. Then I use

1. deburring tool
2. lee auto primer
3. mtm loading tray (50 rounds)
4. rcbs dial caliper for setting overall length of cartridge.
5. rcbs model 505 powder scale

I use the hornaday spray on lube. I also use different dies depending on what is available when I need them. BUT I have a strong preference for REDDING or LYMAN or RCBS. I have loaded for many many calibers and thousands and thousands of rounds in the 23 years I have done this. I still don't need a new press. The rockchucker is as good as it was the day I first used it.
Nebraska Kelly

KN · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2005, 12:40:37 PM »

Be wary when buying shell holders. Different manufacturers use different numbering systems on them. Say a #2 RCBS may be a different # from another maker. KN

sk330lc · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2005, 02:04:19 PM »

Quote from: KN

Be wary when buying shell holders. Different manufacturers use different numbering systems on them. Say a #2 RCBS may be a different # from another maker. KN

Ok please correct me if I'm wrong!! I should need a #30 Holder for the 44mag From Hornady or a #18 from RCBS...

Thanks for the heads up KN!!

NE Hunter · « **Reply #9 on:** June 21, 2005, 04:29:22 PM »

As long as they are standard shell holders either will work.

Hornady makes a press " lock and load" that I think uses a special holder and the Lee Auto Prime uses a special holder ( made specifically for it) but the standard holders that work for the Rock chucker will work no matter what brand you use. Lee dies come with the shell holder; I've used some Lee dies and got good results with them.

KN · « **Reply #10 on:** June 21, 2005, 04:45:58 PM »

I don't know the numbers off hand. My point was that you don't want to go to the gun shop and tell them I need "#XX" shell holder. You may get whatever they happen to stock in that particular number. Just tell them you need one for a 44 mag and let them look up the number. KN

sk330lc · « **Reply #11 on:** June 22, 2005, 01:04:28 PM »

AS always, everyone has been a Great Help..
I'm sure. I'll Be asking for more and More help before it's all over...

Thanks to All

Throckmorton · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2005, 05:05:58 AM »

I'll just mention that seating and crimping are best done in two operations..saves shaving jacket or lead and gumming up the seating die.It does add a step but IMHO it's worth the time.It will require an extra die so you're not readjusting your seating die. I like the LEE factory crimpp die but there are others that just crimp where as the lee die sizes and crimps and is a smidge more effort to operate.

Thought I'd mention it since yo're in the process of acquiring gear.
Welcome to the addiction!!

cal sibley · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2005, 08:37:08 AM »

Also be advised that all shellholders are not the same. Some will vary from others in elevation height, giving you fits everytime you change your dies if you have more than one shellholder for that caliber. Take your time seting up your press and dies. It does make a difference. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Tom W. · « **Reply #14 on:** July 02, 2005, 11:48:38 AM »

Yes, Buy a shellhloder manufactured by the people that make your dies, and store it in the box with the dies.

It's true that there are many different cases that use the same shell holder, but as ststed earlier, different companies have different designations, so a Redding #2 probably won't be the same as an RCBS #2

sk330lc · « **Reply #15 on:** July 02, 2005, 05:29:38 PM »

Thought I'd tell ya all, I loaded My very first 44Mag rounds tonight..

I sized, trimmed, and primed 100 rounds , and loaded 20..

I took my time and read everything four times, before I did it... All and all I can see it's going to be a fun Hobby, Alot of thinking and concentration But fun.

Thanks again everybody!!!!!!!!!

Tom W. · « **Reply #16 on:** July 04, 2005, 01:17:10 PM »

You're going to find out that trimming your .44 brass is not going to be needed. I don't think there's 5 people on this forum that do.

sk330lc · « **Reply #17 on:** July 04, 2005, 03:23:18 PM »

Quote from: Bama Boy

You're going to find out that trimming your .44 brass is not going to be needed. I don't think there's 5 people on this forum that do.

Baba Boy, Can you explain a Little More for me?? As I said , this is all new to me.. I've been trying to do as the books read to be safe..! Thanks

Mac11700 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 04, 2005, 03:33:30 PM »

Quote

Hornady makes a press " lock and load" that I think uses a special holder

This has nothing to do with the shell holder...and you can use any 7/8x14 manufactuers dies in them...thread the dies into the adapter..then 1/8" turn and it's in and out of the press in about 1 second......it's what I use...and it works great...the only shell holders I've had problem with is the old Lymans...they were a little thicker than most...If your wanting a set of RCBS carbide dies...I have a set that I will sell you..plus about 200 pcs of used assorted brass...

Mac

Throckmorton · « **Reply #19 on:** July 04, 2005, 08:14:22 PM »

Straight walled cases like your don't 'grow' like bottle necked cases do when fired.They may chang dimensions a small bit but not enough to retrim after every firing.After you've fired your load,size then measure them to see what if anything has changed.If theyare all...oh...+- .005,just pick a midlength case and use that one to adjust the bullet seater to.that way you're only working with a couple of .000 difference on the cases.Not enough to worry about.
You'll run into some funny things in relaoding,such as brand new brass that is many thousandths UNDER the trim-to length.Just size em and get an average lenght and shoot em up.
welcome to the mayhem!!