Just bought this RCBS

[afteractionreport]

After cleaning it really good and getting the rust off what is my next step or purchase?



Any links would be appreciated

👍

[middleofnowhere]

That press looks pretty cool.

https://forum.accurateshooter.com/threads/rockchuker-press-versions.3799095/

Rock Chucker
The original Rock Chucker was a heavy-duty reloading press that replaced the earlier RCBS A-2 press. The primary change was the use of cast iron in the Rock Chucker frame, compared to cast steel in the A-2. The Rock Chucker, like the A-2, had a 7/8-inch, 14 threads per inch (TPI) threaded hole in the top of the frame casting to accept reloading dies. The Rock Chucker had its operating handle on the right side so the user could manipulate cartridges with the left hand while raising and lowering the press ram with the right.

Rock Chucker 2
The Rock Chucker 2 substituted replaceable threaded bushings for the 7/8-inch by 14 TPI threaded hole. It was furnished with a 7/8-inch by 14 TPI bushing to accept standard reloading dies, but could also accept larger bushings for reloading shotgun shells, .50 caliber cartridges, and other large cartridges. The Rock Chucker 2 also replaced the original light green crinkle paint with a dark green epoxy finish to facilitate cleaning, and replaced the bicycle grip-style handle of the original with a more ergonomically correct round knob.

Rock Chucker Supreme
The Rock Chucker Supreme has the same features as the Rock Chucker 2, and adds ambidextrous handle attachment points so the user may place the operating handle on the left or right. The Supreme also has a larger frame opening than previous Rock Chuckers, to better accommodate long rifle cartridges, such as the .50 caliber military cartridges. This Rock Chucker replaces all previous versions of the press.


At a glance, look at the paint finish to determine RC or RC2, and look for the capability to swap the handle left or right for the Supreme.
I beleive most RC2 have RCII cast on the side of the body,,(?)

[CCrawford]

Read Randall's two sticky above. Buy a reloading manual from your favorite bullet company or the Lyman one. Current versions are nice, but non current editions work too. You will need dies for the cartridges you want to reload. A scale and other items mentioned in the sticky and whichever manual you get.
Are you starting from just that press? Have any friends etc. that reload? Any more details about where you are in reloading would be helpful. Some areas in the state have calguns reloading clubs as well. See stickies above for that as well.

Good luck and welcome to the world of reloading.

[afteractionreport]

Ive taken a reloading class from big bronco when he was doing them years ago.

First press. Nothing else purchased. Going to reload 54r and 6.5 grendel.

[NoHeavyHitter]

Looks like an older press that was hardly used. The newer ones have a round black knob on the handle instead of the green vinyl dip.

I'd clean it up with some oxpho to convert the rust and get some protective lubricant on it and get it mounted for use.

[NoHeavyHitter]

First press. Nothing else purchased. Going to reload 54r and 6.5 grendel.

Go look at some of the "all inclusive" kits that they sell on-line and see what you still need. I mostly use RCBS and Hornady/Pacific dies and gear. I like the dies from Lee, but a lot of the Lee tools I find a bit lacking..

[Paseclipse]

After cleaning it really good and getting the rust off what is my next step or purchase?



Any links would be appreciated

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First thing I'd do is send that press off to RCBS to have it refurbished if they're still doing it. It will look brand new when you get it back.

While the press is getting redone, research everything else you need to get into rifle reloading.

ETA- Not sure if that's a Rock Chucker A-2 or A-3 press, but here's a link to the manual for it- https://www.rcbs.com/rcbs-support/rc...tructions.html

[afteractionreport]

It says a2

[ar15barrels]

After cleaning it really good and getting the rust off what is my next step or purchase?

Oil it so it does not rust again.

Then you need the rest of the stuff in my stickied threads above.

[pacrat]

It says a2

Actually your pic shows "RCII". Which designates a "Rock Chucker II". The earlier A2 and A3 presses were a Pale Green with white flecks crinkle finish.

What to get next depends a lot on which rounds you intend to start with. And how much you want to invest.

For example; Powder measuring can go from a "Lee Dipper" set. For $12. That is perfectly acceptable for basic pistol plinker ammo. Or even better than factory rifle ammo. But falls far short of bench rest precision. And the thousands of $ spent on super bitch'n automatic dispensers that deliver 1/100th grain.

The first metallic cartridges I loaded 54 yrs ago was for .308. I used a $9.98 Lee Loader Kit. Ammo cost me 1/3 what factory was at the time. And even in the short barreled Remington 600 carbine. 100 yd groups were 1/2 what factory ammo produced.

What round will be your cherry popper?

[dmy]

Mine still going strong

I've had that same Rock Chucker II since 1985 +/- and it is still going strong. I took a multi-year hiatus from reloading for several years and my press stayed in the attic. The press itself looked similar to your with light surface rust. I cleaned it up with WD-40 and it is going strong, having reloaded more than 50,000 pistol and rifle cartridges (probably much more). If RCBS won't replace the primer tube holder and primer arm, you can purchase them at Sportsman's Warehouse, Bass Pro Shop, or order one online. The primer tube holder uses Allen screws to hold and align them. I also suggest using tennis racket grip tape over the handle to make it easier on your palm.
You can either follow NoHeavyHitter's suggestion to buy a reloading kit or you can buy the necessary components separately. At the very least, you will need a scale, funnel, and loading block at the very least. You will also need primer tube(s), dies, shell holder, calipers, trimmer (for rifle), one or more reloading manuals, and of course, reloading components. Watching Youtube videos will help you understand the manuals and their terminology.
Good luck, be careful, and have fun.

[afteractionreport]

Actually your pic shows "RCII". Which designates a "Rock Chucker II". The earlier A2 and A3 presses were a Pale Green with white flecks crinkle finish.

What to get next depends a lot on which rounds you intend to start with. And how much you want to invest.

For example; Powder measuring can go from a "Lee Dipper" set. For $12. That is perfectly acceptable for basic pistol plinker ammo. Or even better than factory rifle ammo. But falls far short of bench rest precision. And the thousands of $ spent on super bitch'n automatic dispensers that deliver 1/100th grain.

The first metallic cartridges I loaded 54 yrs ago was for .308. I used a $9.98 Lee Loader Kit. Ammo cost me 1/3 what factory was at the time. And even in the short barreled Remington 600 carbine. 100 yd groups were 1/2 what factory ammo produced.

What round will be your cherry popper?

On the other side it says "A9"

Not sure what that means

54r and 6.5 grendel

[afteractionreport]

[afteractionreport]

[bigbossman]

First thing I'd do is send that press off to RCBS to have it refurbished if they're still doing it. It will look brand new when you get it back.

Naw, they are easy to disassemble. A little bit of WD-40 and some steel wool and it will be as right as rain. You can even paint the casting blue if you feel shamed by the Dillon fan-bois.