RCBS Rock Chucker sticking mid pull

[CK_32]

Have had my RCBS single stage press for about 4 years now.

Used it often but 90% of the year it sits under my bed. I finally built a stand for it and mounted it up and noticed the pull about mid way through sticks a bit.

Almost like there is crud in the action or something. It's not coming from the lever, it's coming from the ramming rid that raised up. About mid way through the press pull when it goes through the body hole at the bottom of the body. Both up and down.

I looked online and couldn't find any trouble shooting or cleaning service info on it.

It's light on grease and I put some on and it helped a little. But still rough. Also I notice some gunk building around the hole where the ram rod pushing up through. Again I think it's just dirty and full of dust/dirt/gun powder.

Any one have any ideas how to smooth it out again?

[Rock6.3]

disassemble and use 0000 steel wool and oil to clean up all the non painted surfaces. Wipe clean and reassemble with grease on the pivot points.

[CK_32]

Do you have a disassembly guide?

I couldn't find any info on how to break it down and apart.

[Rock6.3]

This might help: http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/Parts_Book.pdf

[TexasJackKin]

On my Rock Chucker (I've had since the '70s) you can remove the ram, by removing the cer clip at the bottom, then pushing the pin out. Clean the bore in the frame, with bottle brush, clean the ram, lubricate it and reassemble. The slot where the primer arm goes (and spent primers fall out) is a magnet for spent primer residue.

The Rock Chucker, is a great single stage press, but I have to admit mine doesn't see much use since I got my Lock-n-Load AP, but I keep it mounted for occasional use.

let us know what you discover.

[CK_32]

Awesome! Thanks for the info guys. I'll see what I've got when I get home.

[jericho89]

Does it stick when it is not mounted on your new stand?

[Mot Mi]

disassemble and use 0000 steel wool and oil to clean up all the non painted surfaces. Wipe clean and reassemble with grease on the pivot points.

This and it will be back up running again like it was brand new.

[CK_32]

Does it stick when it is not mounted on your new stand?

Yes. At first I thought it was the stand, but with out the stand it did the same. Again it's some extra friction on the press rod and the body hole where the rod comes through about half way up. It's been under my bed for a little bit, think it just needs cleaning.

['ol shooter]

Mine gets a little sticky from decapping a lot of brass, the powder residue builds up. I just spray the ram with Rem-Oil, then run it up and down while wiping off the crud the oil breaks loose, then re-oil. Good to go. You don't need to take it apart.

[someoneeasy]

I had the same problem with my Lee press, I grabbed some clp and I'm back In action. Now it's super smooth.

[bigedp51]

I had the same problem with my Lee press, I grabbed some clp and I'm back In action. Now it's super smooth.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

I bought my Rockchucker in 1973, and once a year I apply a generous amount of CLP and work the ram up and down and then wipe the ram clean.

Do not use grease because more primer grit/debris ends up sticking to the ram to cause wear. Also look for primer anvils binding the ram or pivot points.

And last but not least permanently mount the press to a reloading bench and the dust bunnies under your bed will not attack the press.

[Tom-ADC]

My old JR. I'd flush with brake cleaner then Rem Oil worked good for me.

[CK_32]

Flushed it out with some liberal coats WD-40 while actuating the ram. As suspected the drips and left overs dropped off black.

Pull got smoother and smoother then I just ran it up and down a few more times. Probably 100 in total and now it's smooth as butter again. Going to wipe it off and give it a few coats of grease and call her good.


Thanks for the help guys. Soon I'll do a full break down and clean. I'm sure there is plenty left in there.

[TexasJackKin]

^^^^^^^^^^^^

I bought my Rockchucker in 1973, and once a year I apply a generous amount of CLP and work the ram up and down and then wipe the ram clean.

Do not use grease because more primer grit/debris ends up sticking to the ram to cause wear. Also look for primer anvils binding the ram or pivot points.

And last but not least permanently mount the press to a reloading bench and the dust bunnies under your bed will not attack the press.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

This, grease and spent primer residue will make lapping compound!