Single stage press -- Choice

Judge Blackhawk · November 17, 2000, 08:36 PM

Fellas and Ladies

I need your help and fast.

I need a single stage press.

Two choices I have are

RCBS Rock Chucker - NIB $100 total price

Lyman Crusher II -- $95 total price

only 5 dollars separate these two presses.

The lyman seems to be studier with its three contact bolts

but the rock chucker has been around forever.

Please help

thanks

Judge Blackhawk

trlmech · November 17, 2000, 09:06 PM

Flip a coin. I have a Rockchucker and after 20 years it shows no signs of wear. I also have a Lyman #55 powder measure and a case trimmer, same story. RCBS has excellant customer sevice, Lyman probably does too, Iv'e never had need to find out.If I was starting over I would look at the Hornady single stage. There Lock and Load system for changing dies looks pretty cool. I can convert my Rockchucker to it with the puchase of a bushing for about 10 bucks. Not sure if the Lyman can be changed over.Whatever you decide, you won't go wrong, these are all great companys.

johnwill · November 17, 2000, 09:32 PM

I don't have any experience with the Lyman, but I don't think you could damage the RockChucker if you tried. I suspect either would do the trick, but if I were picking, I'd pick the one I know, and that's the RockChucker.

bk40 · November 18, 2000, 01:39 AM

Judge, my Rockchucker is still going strong after 15yrs. RCBS' service is great, doubt you'll ever need it.

sundog · November 18, 2000, 11:20 AM

Rockchucker!

ea2 · November 18, 2000, 11:33 AM

If your reloading bench is sturdy enough, then the extra bolt hole on the Lyman becomes kind of a non-factor. The base plate on the Rockchucker is pretty thick cast iron (I'd say at least 1/4"), and mine seems to be pretty sturdy.

RCBS has a no-questions asked lifetime warranty worded as such, whereas Lyman's warranties implies this but does not so state.

You'd be fine with either choice.

Kenneth L. Walters · November 18, 2000, 11:48 AM

The RCBS has one rather subtle advantage. If you look at the area where the dies screw in you'll notice that that is a nut. It can be removed and replaced. Thus the RCBS can handle at least two different diameter of dies, that normally used and a size much larger needed when reloading rounds like the 577. Also I believe that there are two types of threads possile within the nut. One for 7/8 x 14 and another size used, I think, on very unusual special order dies. True these are advantages that most will ever need but, well, when I made the choice you are talking about, and since I use these odd cartridges, I picked the RCBS.

Paul B. · November 18, 2000, 02:36 PM

I've loaded well over 100,000 rounds on a Rockchucker. I got it when they first came out as my old Pacific was getting somewhat worn out. I can recommend them most highly.
Paul B.

WESHOOT2 · November 18, 2000, 06:27 PM

I own a CrusherII. Great tool.

But...

...the RCBS will take their primer-swage accessory.

Art Eatman · November 18, 2000, 11:30 PM

Unless you're in a big hurry, you might check a gun show or two and see what somebody might be selling in the way of reloading equipment. Both my RCBS "O" presses were already good-used when I got them.

The only place I ever strongly recommend new stuff is when loading for pistols: New, Carbide dies.

FWIW, Art

Southla1 · November 19, 2000, 06:52 PM

Judge, I actually don't think you could go wrong either way, but my personal choice would be the RCBS. I have used a Rockchucker some and it is a fine piece of equipment. I have a RCBS Jr. which is a lighter versoion of the Rockchucker that I bought new in 1965 and have NEVER had any problem with it. The one minor problem was when I dropped the primer catcher on the concrete floor of my shop and broke off the 2 little tits that held the rubber bands that hold it on the press. Five minutes with a drill and 2 small #8X1 1/2" long machine screws and I had better tits to put the rubber bands on. I guess thats why bigger tits are better?

Bogie · November 20, 2000, 02:39 PM

I picked up a Redding Boss press a while back - Slightly smaller in size than the Rockchucker, but still very nice (it goes to the range with me), and the price was around $60 or so... One of the nicest presses is made by Lynwood Harrell, but isn't usable for large cases.

Southla1 · November 20, 2000, 04:46 PM

Bogie do you know if Redding has a web site? I would like to look at that little press for just what you mentioned ......taking it to the range with me. I had an old Redding Powder measure I bought back in 63 and it did fine till I dropped a full box of Sierra 190 grain Matchkings on it. Broke the pivot shaft. I just got an exact replacement from E-bay just for old times sake. Well guess what its still just as good as the Ohaus 10-10 that I bought after I totaled my old one! Redding builds good stuff!

WESHOOT2 · November 21, 2000, 08:48 AM

Southla1,

http://www.redding-reloading.com

Adamantium · December 4, 2000, 12:00 AM

I'd also like to put in a good word for the Redding Boss, I got mine a year ago and have loaded about 1000 rounds of ammo on it with no problems whatsoever. If you want one of those people who talk about using a press for 20 years and have loaded over 30k of ammo without a hitch, call me in 19 years(At least I hope)

.

Sincerely,
Adam

Bogie · December 4, 2000, 03:23 PM

Well, I loaded somewhat over a thousand rounds with my Redding over a four week period (time leading up to the NBRSA Benchrest Nationals), and I'm very happy with it.

See me next fall - I'll likely be up to around the 10K mark...

WIL TERRY · December 4, 2000, 05:09 PM

I've used nearly all those out there.The Rockchucker is the benchmark from which all the rest are measured. That being said I know of no finer single stage press than the RCBS A2, the Rockchucker's daddy. Mine has been in near daily use since 1967 and is on my bench as I write these words looking as new as the day I bought it way back when. If you can find a used A2, hock the farm, it is worth every red cent. TM

November 17, 2000, 08:36 PM	#1
Judge Blackhawk Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 1999 Posts: 170	Fellas and Ladies I need your help and fast. I need a single stage press. Two choices I have are RCBS Rock Chucker - NIB $100 total price Lyman Crusher II -- $95 total price only 5 dollars separate these two presses. The lyman seems to be studier with its three contact bolts but the rock chucker has been around forever. Please help thanks Judge Blackhawk __________________ Governments ability to abuse and oppress is directly related to its ability to disarm its law abiding citizens -- Judge Blackhawk Gun Control is the acceptance of the death of the innocent victim in exchange for the life of the criminal perpetrator.

November 18, 2000, 11:48 AM	#7
Kenneth L. Walters Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 1999 Location: flagstaff, arizona Posts: 477	Get The RCBS The RCBS has one rather subtle advantage. If you look at the area where the dies screw in you'll notice that that is a nut. It can be removed and replaced. Thus the RCBS can handle at least two different diameter of dies, that normally used and a size much larger needed when reloading rounds like the 577. Also I believe that there are two types of threads possile within the nut. One for 7/8 x 14 and another size used, I think, on very unusual special order dies. True these are advantages that most will ever need but, well, when I made the choice you are talking about, and since I use these odd cartridges, I picked the RCBS.

November 18, 2000, 06:27 PM	#9
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	I own a CrusherII. Great tool. But... ...the RCBS will take their primer-swage accessory. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

November 20, 2000, 02:39 PM	#12
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	Don't limit yourself there... I picked up a Redding Boss press a while back - Slightly smaller in size than the Rockchucker, but still very nice (it goes to the range with me), and the price was around $60 or so... One of the nicest presses is made by Lynwood Harrell, but isn't usable for large cases.

November 21, 2000, 08:48 AM	#14
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	Southla1, http://www.redding-reloading.com __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

November 17, 2000, 09:06 PM	#2
trlmech Member Join Date: June 3, 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 85	Flip a coin. I have a Rockchucker and after 20 years it shows no signs of wear. I also have a Lyman #55 powder measure and a case trimmer, same story. RCBS has excellant customer sevice, Lyman probably does too, Iv'e never had need to find out.If I was starting over I would look at the Hornady single stage. There Lock and Load system for changing dies looks pretty cool. I can convert my Rockchucker to it with the puchase of a bushing for about 10 bucks. Not sure if the Lyman can be changed over.Whatever you decide, you won't go wrong, these are all great companys.

November 17, 2000, 09:32 PM	#3
johnwill Senior Member Join Date: April 6, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,451	I don't have any experience with the Lyman, but I don't think you could damage the RockChucker if you tried. I suspect either would do the trick, but if I were picking, I'd pick the one I know, and that's the RockChucker.

November 18, 2000, 01:39 AM	#4
bk40 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 1999 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,004	Judge, my Rockchucker is still going strong after 15yrs. RCBS' service is great, doubt you'll ever need it.

November 18, 2000, 11:20 AM	#5
sundog Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 1999 Location: Green Country, OK Posts: 782	Rockchucker!

November 18, 2000, 11:33 AM	#6
ea2 Member Join Date: November 17, 2000 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 24	If your reloading bench is sturdy enough, then the extra bolt hole on the Lyman becomes kind of a non-factor. The base plate on the Rockchucker is pretty thick cast iron (I'd say at least 1/4"), and mine seems to be pretty sturdy. RCBS has a no-questions asked lifetime warranty worded as such, whereas Lyman's warranties implies this but does not so state. You'd be fine with either choice.

November 18, 2000, 02:36 PM	#8
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	I've loaded well over 100,000 rounds on a Rockchucker. I got it when they first came out as my old Pacific was getting somewhat worn out. I can recommend them most highly. Paul B.

November 18, 2000, 11:30 PM	#10
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Unless you're in a big hurry, you might check a gun show or two and see what somebody might be selling in the way of reloading equipment. Both my RCBS "O" presses were already good-used when I got them. The only place I ever strongly recommend new stuff is when loading for pistols: New, Carbide dies. FWIW, Art

November 19, 2000, 06:52 PM	#11
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	Judge, I actually don't think you could go wrong either way, but my personal choice would be the RCBS. I have used a Rockchucker some and it is a fine piece of equipment. I have a RCBS Jr. which is a lighter versoion of the Rockchucker that I bought new in 1965 and have NEVER had any problem with it. The one minor problem was when I dropped the primer catcher on the concrete floor of my shop and broke off the 2 little tits that held the rubber bands that hold it on the press. Five minutes with a drill and 2 small #8X1 1/2" long machine screws and I had better tits to put the rubber bands on. I guess thats why bigger tits are better?

November 20, 2000, 04:46 PM	#13
Southla1 Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 19, 2000 Location: Jeanerette, La. Near the Posts: 1,999	Bogie do you know if Redding has a web site? I would like to look at that little press for just what you mentioned ......taking it to the range with me. I had an old Redding Powder measure I bought back in 63 and it did fine till I dropped a full box of Sierra 190 grain Matchkings on it. Broke the pivot shaft. I just got an exact replacement from E-bay just for old times sake. Well guess what its still just as good as the Ohaus 10-10 that I bought after I totaled my old one! Redding builds good stuff!

December 4, 2000, 12:00 AM	#15
Adamantium Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 1999 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 1,021	I'd also like to put in a good word for the Redding Boss, I got mine a year ago and have loaded about 1000 rounds of ammo on it with no problems whatsoever. If you want one of those people who talk about using a press for 20 years and have loaded over 30k of ammo without a hitch, call me in 19 years(At least I hope). Sincerely, Adam __________________ New gun, same ol' shot.

December 4, 2000, 03:23 PM	#16
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 5, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	Well, I loaded somewhat over a thousand rounds with my Redding over a four week period (time leading up to the NBRSA Benchrest Nationals), and I'm very happy with it. See me next fall - I'll likely be up to around the 10K mark...

December 4, 2000, 05:09 PM	#17
WIL TERRY Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2000 Location: BLACK HILLS Posts: 1,322	A SINGLE STAGE PRESS, HEY. HMMMMMM I've used nearly all those out there.The Rockchucker is the benchmark from which all the rest are measured. That being said I know of no finer single stage press than the RCBS A2, the Rockchucker's daddy. Mine has been in near daily use since 1967 and is on my bench as I write these words looking as new as the day I bought it way back when. If you can find a used A2, hock the farm, it is worth every red cent. TM