Difference between Rock Chucker Presses

[WartHog]

What are the main differences between Rock Chucker Presses over the years/models. Looking at a couple of used ones - one older with non-ball handle and a newer model IV. What does the latest Supreme model offer over the older units that makes it better? The RC IV I'm looking at is in like new condition and I can get it for $80 to $100 whereas I can get a Supreme new from Brownell's for $150 total shipped.

['ol shooter]

The older RC's tend to spit used primers all over the place if used to decap. The newer ones spit them out the back side so issue is solved. My RC has served me faithfully since 1978, you just can't beat that, plus RCBS sent me the later ball handle for free when I asked to buy one.
I have switched to the Inline roller handle, much better for my arthritic hands, and put a padded foam cover on it that I found on Amazon.

[hambam105]

Redding's Big Boss 2 has absolutely eclipsed the faithful Rock Chucker of any era.

Many here will swear, including me, by the RC reliability & durability of a reloading press they bought in the 70s or 80s
when the RCs technological improvements were actual improvements over the competition.

In the 70s & 80s, and lucky for us, no one successfully steered us into 1940s reloading technology. Anyone here who bought a RC then
was called insane because they spent thirty percent more for a better Press.

Today, nothing has changed. The cost of a superior reloading Press cost more.

['ol shooter]

Redding's Big Boss 2 has absolutely eclipsed the faithful Rock Chucker of any era.

So what is so superior about it, I'm curious to learn. Might be time for an upgrade.

[hambam105]

Stronger frame, larger diameter ram, angle, easier to access case atop the ram, the priming system alone is light years ahead.

When you see 3 or 4 of the same machines adjacent to one another the craftsmanship is undeniable.
Hold the RC in one had and the BB2 in the other. Blindfolded you would know the difference.

It is over. Start reaching for your money. And then you start feeling guilty because there isn't anything wrong with the old RC,
it still works fine. How can you justify buying the BB2 when the RC is still every bit as serviceable today has it was 40 years ago when you bought it?

There is a big difference between what was a good, no, great purchase for you then, as compared to a new person buying a new single stage press now.

[WartHog]

For the $100 +/- difference, a lightly used Rock Chucker will work just fine for me.

['ol shooter]

Ok, got it now. I have always primed by hand so that's no issue, and I don't size and load anything more demanding than .444 Marlin or .308, so I guess I'll have to hang with my RC for another 40 years, (I should live so long...). At least my kids will still be able to use it.

[MarkInFolsom]

Get the non-ball handle one. Made in USA. If the seller will allow it, take out the 1.25 adapter and you'll see the year of manufacture.

[WartHog]

Get the non-ball handle one. Made in USA. If the seller will allow it, take out the 1.25 adapter and you'll see the year of manufacture.

You're saying the model IV is made in China, Mexico, etc? About how long ago did they stop making them in the US?

[Bumslie]

So what is so superior about it, I'm curious to learn. Might be time for an upgrade.

Primer collection. Goes down a plastic tube.

The only thing the rc has over big boss 2 is maybe a tiny bit of leverage with the stock handles.

The big boss 2's frame also sits offset where has the the RC frane is inline. The offset frame makes inserting cases easier. And it is much more visible when doing your standard operations.

I own both and the RC just collects dust now.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[hambam105]

No problem with sticking to what works for you.

It really does come down to what you want, and not what your neighbors think you should have.

[MarkInFolsom]

You're saying the model IV is made in China, Mexico, etc? About how long ago did they stop making them in the US?

All I know for sure is the presses were cast and machined in the USA until at least 1985.

Some articles state that at some point RCBS started using Chinese castings and doing the the final machining in Oroville, CA. Can't find any real verification of this.

As an aside, companies can get get very good product out of Chinese factories as long as they have their QA guys onsite the whole time their parts are being produced. Still doesn't allay the the not made in USA problem.

[hambam105]

I just don't buy jack-diddly from china if I can help it.

I'd bet the late 70s & early 80s RC were legitimately made in U.S.

When Mac & Snap-On shot themselves in their mechanic's foot for playing
patsy with china I hope they did it with a rusty Chinese made SKS.

['ol shooter]

Coincidentally, I just got through complaining to RCBS about a powder drop funnel set made in China. Poor fitting components, powder leaks into places it shouldn't and leaves a mess on my loading trays instead of the powder going into the cases. Maybe if enough people ask for Made in America, the companies might get a clue.

[hambam105]

A few years ago, posters were complaining about the RCBS plastic funnel.
When chee-nah can't get that right how was anyone at RCBS expecting them to get anything else right?

My RCBS Jurassic powder thrower is still going strong. But I'm seriously looking at wasting almost 300 bones
on a competitors powder thrower just to show current buyers samples of the differences between brands.