Which press?

[Steel Rain]

I was sizing some .308 cases in my Lee Challenger Press and the linkage broke apart leaving me standing there with the **** lever in my hand looking like a dumba$$. The press has literally loaded thousands of rounds between myself and the friend who gave it to me when he inherited his grandpas Rock Chucker. Now I find myself shopping for a new press. I'm looking for a new/used single stage press and I'm kind of leaning toward a Rock Chucker but have read that they are now made in China and not as good as the old ones. I currently have a rusty/dirty Rock Chucker my buddy bought in a barn sale. It's cleaning up good and still solid as a tank. However, I don't think he is going to come up off it. Especially after he sees how nice and cleaned up it is. So, I'm looking for recommendations. What say you?

 

[blacknzr1]

the lee classic cast it good.

 

[RHC]

I like my RCBS Reloader Special 5. Also have a Rock Chucker II and a RCBS Jr. II press. See if you can find a used RC II or III. I always thought those were the best.

 

[Engineering101]

I've got nothing but good to say about the Rock Chucker so I would get one of the "old" ones. About when did they start making the Rock Chucker in China? Mine is about 5 years old and has loaded many thousands of rounds for both pistol and rifle with zero problems - other than when I was stupid which happens from time to time. It doesn't look like something made in China and it is hell for stout. I've bumped into it by accident a few times and it hurts like hitting a bolder. Loads pretty good quality ammo too with concentricity errors averaging around 0.003". I don't use the deprimers or expanders though. I have a universal deprimer and I like a mandrel rather than a ball for expanding.

 

[Hondo64d]

I've been using the Forster COAX for several years. It is so good that I have no desire to try anything else. Be sure to check one out before you decide.

John

 

[USCGLongBow]

My current press is a rock chucker made in 1971, and serves me very well.

 

[Kennibear]

There are other threads on this. I use an old Rock Chucker from 1978. My youngest has a Breach Lock Lee Classic Cast and it is spot on for ram alignment. We bought it at Cabela's when they had their presses bench mounted in the showroom for people to have some hands on. Peering down the die threads/ breach locks the Hornady and Lee were spot on with the ram raised. The three turret presses and the Rock Chucker were off ever so slightly. Both the Hornady and Lee are about $130 and require the breach lock fittings specific for their press. But other than that I like them both.

Sometimes you can find an old USA made Rock Chucker at a garage sale/ estate sale. They are 3 11/16" from ram to the underside of the frame (total frame opening without a shell holder in place) with the ram all the way down. The new Chinese ones are more than 4" as I recall. An easy test with a pocket tape measure with a blade no wider than 1/2".

Just my $0.02

KB

 

[Gene]

I have had a Rock Chucker for 25 years, no problem. I also have a RCBS Partner Press, just as good.

Call Lee, they may replace it for free.

 

[trueblue]

Forster press is the best I have ever used, and the only one I still have.

 

[Steel Rain]

Thanks for the replies. I'll use this borrowed Rock Chucker for now until I find one local. I'd love the Forster but man it is expensive. Have a good one.

 

[Jdoo]

Check on e-bay, lots of good ones for nice prices. Stay with a RCBS, Lee cast or Lyman (orange).

 

[Team Roper]

Thanks for the replies. I'll use this borrowed Rock Chucker for now until I find one local. I'd love the Forster but man it is expensive. Have a good one.

^^^ The Forester is worth every penny. (Former Chucker User)

 

[Jdoo]

Forrester and Hornady are great, too! Just make sure they can use the standard shell holders or you will shopping for press specific shell holders.

 

[Team Roper]

Forrester and Hornady are great, too! Just make sure they can use the standard shell holders or you will shopping for press specific shell holders.

The Forester does not use shell holders it has its own unique system one of the plusses.