Report: Pro Chucker 7

[Briancnelson]

So after playing with a friend's, I decided I was going to give this a chance, despite early reports that the primer slides self destruct like popcorn. After setting up and performing initial adjustments, I pipped out 1k .40 rounds tonight smooth as butter. RCBS was kind enough to send me about 8 of each size in the new 3rd gen config, so far I'm still on my first.

Indexing is smooth. 7 slots means it doesn't go far on each index so no spillage, or other issues. I recommend the inline fabrication roller handle. I tried it and the stock handle, the ergo roller is much better.

The powder measure that comes with it is meh, I replaced it with my Sinclair customized uniflow with micrometer and bottle threads and the hornady case activation system attached, I like that better.

Otherwise I could not be happier with it. Using 7 die stations I can do separate expansion and crimping, which appears to vastly improve the finished ammo, and frankly reduces problems with the press associated with the crummy PTX inserts and crimping in the seater.

I will probably post some links to follow up video of the operation tomorrow. So far, it's been faultless.

[stilly]

This is good to hear. Please go on... :O

Can you explain in more detail about this primer issue? And GEN 3 already? wow. do you have a list of bug fixes?

[Briancnelson]

So far as I know all the bugs centered on the primer slide, which is plastic and designed to give way to save the press if there's a jam. The problem was the first design of the slide broke too easily and still suck, causing the index rod to break sometimes. Gen 2 of the slide improved it, and the current model has largely fixed priming issues. My friend rarely snaps one now in thousands of rounds. RCBS will send you a pile of the new ones for free on request, but absent a major issue they last a long time now. I think hornady's rod that comes out solves the same issue on the LNL and doesn't require a new part which is more elegant. But this press primes a lot smoother than my hornady so.

[stilly]

Oh okay. That is good to know. If I do not like the Lee at the end of the year I might consider going prochucker.

I hope the price drops a bit. If I want a somewhat decent press for $700+ I will look at a dillon...

But I like to pioneer the new guys and champion the underdogs...

[tonyjr]

The primer stuff is not really that important to me - I deprime - clean and reprime off press .
The cost is more important - not the press really just the extra tool heads and plates . I have 7 shell plates and I think 15 tool heads .
Keep us posted - please .

[Briancnelson]

Pro Chucker 7

So the cost of toolheads:

Shellplates run about the same as all the other systems. The die plates on top, there's a couple possibilities. The expensive one is currently the RCBS standard one, because they will only sell you it with a Uniflow QC measure attached. They run $240 that way with an occasional clearance around $160. There are two other options though:

1. RCBS has indicated to some people they will start selling the plates with just the bottom part of their case activation mechanism, like the one you can buy from Hornady for theirs. That hasn't actually happened yet however, but if it does it will be cheaper.

2. UniqueTek currently sells a CNC'ed plate for $130 that is thicker, prettier, and seems to do a better job. I bought a few of those, and I use the Hornady case activation stuff I already had for my LnL, just plug a bottom into each plate and swap the measure as needed.

All in all, the cost if you go the UniqueTek method are more expensive than a new set of bushings for the LNL, but less expensive than a Dillon. If you buy OEM, its pretty expensive.

[Briancnelson]

Also on price of the overall press. I got mine for under $600 on Amazon right now with the sale going on from RCBS. Its more than a LNL but less than a Dillon atm, even with a shellplate.

[tonyjr]

My problem is I do so many rifle and pistol reloads .
While there are 9 of us [ 6 nephews and 2 nieces ] , I am only one with a press . They would all rather buy another gun than a press and right now it would run about 200 for each caliber .
Right now [ for Lee ] if someone buys a different caliber than what I have - 20 for tool head , 50-60 for dies [ I use 5 dies ] and up to 60 for shell plate . It ran about 100 when 3 nephews bought 7.62 / 308's before dead line .
I also buy the Lee hand loader - easier / cheaper than just a case gauge

Then you get into the space .

[Calguns77]

My problem is I do so many rifle and pistol reloads .
While there are 9 of us [ 6 nephews and 2 nieces ] , I am only one with a press . They would all rather buy another gun than a press and right now it would run about 200 for each caliber .
Right now [ for Lee ] if someone buys a different caliber than what I have - 20 for tool head , 50-60 for dies [ I use 5 dies ] and up to 60 for shell plate . It ran about 100 when 3 nephews bought 7.62 / 308's before dead line .
I also buy the Lee hand loader - easier / cheaper than just a case gauge

Then you get into the space .

Why not go for the Hornady AP then? They use their standard LNL bushings which run about $20 for 5.

Oh okay. That is good to know. If I do not like the Lee at the end of the year I might consider going prochucker.

I hope the price drops a bit. If I want a somewhat decent press for $700+ I will look at a dillon...

But I like to pioneer the new guys and champion the underdogs...

For what it's worth amazon has the pro chucker 7 for $569.

[Briancnelson]

If you are cost constrained, LNL AP is a fine press. I own one, it's good. I prefer this one and I had the time and funds to experiment~ I wouldn't recommend it on a budget but it's a terrific press if you want a level up and arent sure about the blue press.

[tonyjr]

Thanks , I already have the load master - it is a 5 station - when I change / add another press , it will be at least 7 stations . The cost of press is not as important as the tool holders and shell plates .
Plus I would need at least 2 powder feeders .

[stilly]

My problem is I do so many rifle and pistol reloads .
While there are 9 of us [ 6 nephews and 2 nieces ] , I am only one with a press . They would all rather buy another gun than a press and right now it would run about 200 for each caliber .
Right now [ for Lee ] if someone buys a different caliber than what I have - 20 for tool head , 50-60 for dies [ I use 5 dies ] and up to 60 for shell plate . It ran about 100 when 3 nephews bought 7.62 / 308's before dead line .
I also buy the Lee hand loader - easier / cheaper than just a case gauge

Then you get into the space .

I would love to be a fly on the wall at one of your Thanksgiving dinners...

[Briancnelson]

2k 9mm today. No issues with primer carrier, so far all the nightmare stories from early adopters seem to have been largely ironed out. If it keeps going this smoothly I'll be selling my LNL.

[tonyjr]

stilly -
Thanksgiving Just me , my wife , brother and maybe nephew / godchild for a while . Everyone goes to their folks -
Christmas is a different story - Same as thanksgiving except at about 3 o'clock people show up to exchange gifts . Then about the 7th of January [ when wise men gave the gifts to Jesus ] - People show up with little gifts - but mainly to get more tamales .
It is lent now and my wife makes Capiatado [ a kind of Mexican bread pudding ] and chili reyanoes [ no meat on Fridays ]
She / we cook a lot of things you cannot get at a restrant .

[tonyjr]

Chile rellenos only take a couple of hours . Tacos take about 4 to 5 and tamales average between 8 to 1o depending on how many dozen and how much help and you have [ that time includes making the sweet ones . ]
After I posted last night , a nephew and his wife showed up - she is pregnant - 7 weeks ] so another 10 lbs of stew meat [ 5 lbs of potatoes and 10 dozen taco shells ] but we kind of hi-jacked this thread .