RCBS presses

[CLEM]

Hello I am thinking about getting into reloading and have been looking at some used presses. Can someone tell me what the difference is between a Rockchucker and a JR3, JR2 and also a RC11 (two). Also wondered about the difference in value all are in good shape.  thanks Clem

[skb2706]

Give it my best shot

JR Junior was cast iron and nearly everyone I ever met who handloads has had one...I've had two. Cast iron and basic, real popular in the sixties and seventies, back in the day you could buy them all day for about $40.

JR2 is cast aluminum frame without replaceable thread insert for die. I have/have had a few of those cause back in the day you could buy them cheap at freebay and I would give them away to newbie loaders. Will last you forever.

JR3 is nearly identical but does have a replaceable insert for the die threads.

Rock Chucker was bit bigger, cast iron better compound linkage than the smaller presses for more leverage.

Rock Chucker II is a bigger heavier cast iron frame, bigger opening for larger cases but my JR2 will do .300 Win mags just fine.

I have a Rock Chucker Supreme and it is a bit bigger yet.

I wouldn't sweat it much anyone of them will load ammo continuously beyond your lifetime.

If you are loading anything up to and including 30-06 size cases, any one of them will be excellent. If you intended on loading longer/bigger cases you may want to consider something bigger.

I will defer to those who find errors..............

[PA-Joe]

Also take a look at the Hornady LNL Classic. Buy it now and I think you get 500 free bullets. That is almost a 100.00 savings.

[charles p]

A used press is probably just as good as a new one.  You'll want two presses so why not get two used ones.  Keep one press set up for sizing and the other for seating.  Get a shell holder for each press also.

[wncchester]

SKB gives a you a good overview of the RCBS presses except for their little aluminum framed  model, the "Partner" I think it's called. 

Fact is, any cast iron "O" type press with a "compound linkage" is as good as any other.  Today, that includes all makers.

Along side my RCII, I like to have the inexpensive little Lee "Reloader" press, it's dedicated to decapping duty.  Lee's presses have a much superior spent primer catcher system.

[Savage]

You can't go wrong with an RCBS press! I bought my first one back in the late 60s. My son is still loading ammo on it. I passed it along to him when I started loading on a progressive. Even with the progressive on the bench, I still needed another press on the bench for loading small lots of different calibers. I decided to go a step beyond a single stage and ended up with a Lee Turret Press. Loved the quick caliber changes, but the early Lee only had three die stations. When the Classic Turret came out with four die stations, AND a primer catch system that really works, I bought one of those. That would be my recommendation to anyone starting in reloading. The quick setup and caliber changes make reloading easier and more fun for a novice or an experienced reloader. Use it like a single stage, or put the optional primer feed and powder measure on it and speed up the reloading process considerably with the auto indexing feature. Not as cheap as a used single stage, but under a "C" note ain't bad!!
Savage