RCBS Rock chucker supreme master kit.

Jrphillips · February 20, 2011, 10:54 AM

I know this question has probably been asked a million times but I'm gonna ask again.

I'm looking at starting to reload my own and I have been doing some research and from what I can tell people seem pleased with starting out with this kit, so I'm going with it.

Other than dies and shell holders will this kit give me all I need to start? I understand that I'll need a tumbler and media also, will that do it to get started?

What else do you suggest?

**Unclenick** · February 20, 2011, 11:05 AM

Welcome to the forum.

If you post what chamberings you want to reload for, you can get more complete advice. For example, if you will reload for common rifle chamberings you will need a case trimmer, but if it's for most pistol rounds, you won't.

I suggest you take a look at the sticky thread for beginning reloaders at the top of this forum, here.

capbuster · February 20, 2011, 11:14 AM

Yes, all you will need is components-brass,primers,and powder. Do some reading,go slow and you should not have a problem. When in doubt, ask questions. We all had to face that learning curve. Take care.

CrustyFN · February 20, 2011, 11:26 AM

It is all you need for pistol. It is missing a few things if you want to load for rifle.

reloader28 · February 20, 2011, 11:50 AM

I started with a RC2 kit. Mine came with a trimmer, but I aint seen any others that do. Thats something you'll probly want to buy fairly soon.

Skip the tumbler. That is a "nice to have", but unecessary toy. You can pick one up someday, but until then, just wipe off the cases.

Shootest · February 20, 2011, 11:53 AM

That is the kit I recommend to all who ask me, GREAT CHOICE. You will need a set of calipers and I recommend at least 1 other reloading manual if you don’t already have one. Lyman’s Pistol & Revolver Handbook (for handgun) or there latest Reloading Handbook (for rifle and handgun) are my favorites.
Oh I forgot a extra loading block would be nice. You won’t need a trimmer for a while unless you will be loading rifle ammo. If so get it right away. You will probably want the tumbler real soon so I would buy it now.
Happy Loading.

serf 'rett · February 20, 2011, 12:13 PM

I just got the kit this Christmas and have been very pleased. Just reloading pistol, so no trimmer needed (rifle will come later). I did find the sticky note to be very helpful in pointing out the additional items you may need; such as the following:

Maybe an additional reloading manual (Speer manual is great if you're using Speer bullets)
Calipers
Bullet puller

Then there’s some of the nice but not necessary:
Hornady Sure-Loc Die Locking Ring
Universal Depriming/Decapping die if you’re a brass rat
I like the Imperial case sizing wax
You might like the Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner

Just my newbie thoughts

Jrphillips · February 20, 2011, 02:49 PM

Thanks for all the help guys. As far as I know the only calibers that I'll start with are 40S&W, .270 Winchester and 30-30. So everyones advice is helpful.

sserdlihc · February 20, 2011, 03:34 PM

Big town of Gaffney! Down here in Laurens myself. I reload for 30-06, 7mm, 9mm, 40sw and 45 acp.

Make sure you get a good set of calipers. The Lee kit I got had a beam scale and was garbage. I got an RCBS electronic scale and it made things alot easier. I hear the beam scale that RCBS has is very very accurate and easier to use than Lee.

FrankenMauser · February 20, 2011, 03:56 PM

Nothing beats a real case trimmer, but if you want something to get you by for the time being... The Lee Zip Trim (or just a lock stud and cutter kit) can get the job done in a very primitive, non-adjustable way.

However, after buying a shell holder and case length gage for both rifle calibers, you'll be into the device at least $30, probably $40 (since the Zip trim no longer ships with a cutter). With some of the real case trimmers running as low as $70, you're better of saving your money for the real one.

My personal opinion is that the RC Supreme kit is still the best bang for your buck on the market. It's also what I went with when I bought my own equipment (I've been reloading for 20 years, but was using family members' equipment).

When you buy shell holders, try to stick with RCBS. Any "standard" shell holder is supposed to work, but the word "standard" is used pretty liberally by the reloading companies. Lee's shell holders do not work well at all with the Hand Prime you'll get in the kit, and Hornady's shell holders sometimes require slight modification (not something everyone can easily do).
My one Redding shell holder works fine, but one shell holder is a small sample size.

Make sure you thoroughly clean the powder measure before use. It will be heavily doused in oil, and can take quite some effort to get properly cleaned - even when completely disassembled. Any powder run through the measure before it is 100% clean will be ruined.
You'll also want to consider buying a stand for the powder measure, right off the bat. The little bracket they give you in the kit is worthless.

As others have said:
Get reloading manuals for the bullets you plan to use most often.
Get some good calipers. ($10 Chinese digital calipers work, but don't count. Get some good ones!)

I don't like the RCBS load blocks/trays. It's a stupid design that doesn't work well for most tasks (for me, at least). My vote goes to the MTM universal trays. You can hold off, and pick them up down the road, though.

Para Cassatt · February 20, 2011, 05:39 PM

I started about 10 years ago with their same kit for the period. It is about all you will need besides the tumbler and a couple more reloading manuals to crossreference your data from the Speer 14 with.

Paul B. · February 20, 2011, 07:05 PM

"Thanks for all the help guys. As far as I know the only calibers that I'll start with are 40S&W, .270 Winchester and 30-30. So everyones advice is helpful."

Just a thought. The Rockchucker Supreme is a massive press and frankly, unless at some time down the road you plan on some of the really big boomers like the .375 H&H, .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby, I do feel one of the less expensive reloading kits from RCBS will more than suit your purpose. I'm not trying to talk you out of that press and we all use what we feel works for us, but until I got the .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby, a plain and simple Rockchucker was more than sufficient. FWIW, I reload from .22 Hornet to the Rigby and only the Jeffery and Rigby required the bigger press. It was a bit snug for the .375 H&H but the regular Rockchucker handled that one quite well.
Nothing wrong with the Rockchucker Supreme press though. Just don't drop it on your toe while setting it up. That bugger is heavy.
Paul B.

dbarnhart · February 20, 2011, 08:20 PM

I'm just getting back into reloading after a many-year hiatus and here are a few items on my shopping list you may want to consider. All are 'nice-to-haves':

- Bullet puller, to fix those inevitable screwups. For one or two at a time, the kinetic puller (looks like hammer) is fine.

- primer pocket brush

- Primer Pocket Swager Combo of you are using military brass with crimped primers.

When buying pistol dies, spend the extra and get the set with the carbide sizer die.

Stargazer · February 21, 2011, 12:54 AM

I started with the same kit that was available 30+ years ago. The press has loaded thousands of rounds, mainly pistol. I had to use the warranty on the 5-0-5 scales and they sent me a brand new set. (My fault as I took it apart to clean it and never could get it to zero again) The Uniflow powder measure still works just fine too. It is good stuff that will last a lifetime.

I highly suggest Carbide dies for the 40 S&W so no lube will be needed. As far as lube goes I use the new RCBS water soluble lube. A damp paper towel wipes the residue off clean and fast.

farmerboy · February 21, 2011, 12:58 AM

Great set!!! I too use the same setup after about 15 years and wouldnt change a thing...

Rifleman1776 · February 21, 2011, 10:33 AM

Unless one comes in the kit (I didn't look it up) you will also need a good reloading manual, or several. Sadly, many beginning reloaders seem to think they do not need knowledge and forge ahead without reading the manuals. That is a good formula for disaster. The books can be expensive but are well worth the time and money to buy and read.

FrankenMauser · February 21, 2011, 03:56 PM

Quote:

- Bullet puller, to fix those inevitable screwups. For one or two at a time, the kinetic puller (looks like hammer) is fine.

If loading lead bullets, the kinetic puller also won't damage the bullets like a collet puller.
I love my collet puller, but it doesn't play nicely with lead.

Which, for newbies, means buy a kinetic puller for now. You will likely always need to have one on hand, even if you pick up a collet puller down the road.

February 20, 2011, 10:54 AM	#1
Jrphillips Junior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Location: Gaffney, SC Posts: 4	RCBS Rock chucker supreme master kit. I know this question has probably been asked a million times but I'm gonna ask again. I'm looking at starting to reload my own and I have been doing some research and from what I can tell people seem pleased with starting out with this kit, so I'm going with it. Other than dies and shell holders will this kit give me all I need to start? I understand that I'll need a tumbler and media also, will that do it to get started? What else do you suggest?

February 20, 2011, 11:05 AM	#2
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,743	Welcome to the forum. If you post what chamberings you want to reload for, you can get more complete advice. For example, if you will reload for common rifle chamberings you will need a case trimmer, but if it's for most pistol rounds, you won't. I suggest you take a look at the sticky thread for beginning reloaders at the top of this forum, here. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

February 20, 2011, 11:14 AM	#3
capbuster Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 1999 Location: Bessemer,Alabama Posts: 302	Yes, all you will need is components-brass,primers,and powder. Do some reading,go slow and you should not have a problem. When in doubt, ask questions. We all had to face that learning curve. Take care. __________________ cliff

February 20, 2011, 11:53 AM	#6
Shootest Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2011 Location: Just outside Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 722	That is the kit I recommend to all who ask me, GREAT CHOICE. You will need a set of calipers and I recommend at least 1 other reloading manual if you don’t already have one. Lyman’s Pistol & Revolver Handbook (for handgun) or there latest Reloading Handbook (for rifle and handgun) are my favorites. Oh I forgot a extra loading block would be nice. You won’t need a trimmer for a while unless you will be loading rifle ammo. If so get it right away. You will probably want the tumbler real soon so I would buy it now. Happy Loading. Last edited by Shootest; February 20, 2011 at 12:06 PM.

February 20, 2011, 12:13 PM	#7
serf 'rett Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2009 Location: Stuttgart, AR Posts: 1,569	Just made the plunge myself I just got the kit this Christmas and have been very pleased. Just reloading pistol, so no trimmer needed (rifle will come later). I did find the sticky note to be very helpful in pointing out the additional items you may need; such as the following: Maybe an additional reloading manual (Speer manual is great if you're using Speer bullets) Calipers Bullet puller Then there’s some of the nice but not necessary: Hornady Sure-Loc Die Locking Ring Universal Depriming/Decapping die if you’re a brass rat I like the Imperial case sizing wax You might like the Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner Just my newbie thoughts

February 20, 2011, 11:26 AM	#4
CrustyFN Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2006 Location: West Virginia Posts: 2,258	It is all you need for pistol. It is missing a few things if you want to load for rifle.

February 20, 2011, 11:50 AM	#5
reloader28 Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: nw wyoming Posts: 1,061	I started with a RC2 kit. Mine came with a trimmer, but I aint seen any others that do. Thats something you'll probly want to buy fairly soon. Skip the tumbler. That is a "nice to have", but unecessary toy. You can pick one up someday, but until then, just wipe off the cases.

February 20, 2011, 02:49 PM	#8
Jrphillips Junior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Location: Gaffney, SC Posts: 4	Thanks for all the help guys. As far as I know the only calibers that I'll start with are 40S&W, .270 Winchester and 30-30. So everyones advice is helpful.

February 20, 2011, 03:34 PM	#9
sserdlihc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,454	Big town of Gaffney! Down here in Laurens myself. I reload for 30-06, 7mm, 9mm, 40sw and 45 acp. Make sure you get a good set of calipers. The Lee kit I got had a beam scale and was garbage. I got an RCBS electronic scale and it made things alot easier. I hear the beam scale that RCBS has is very very accurate and easier to use than Lee.

February 20, 2011, 03:56 PM	#10
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 26, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,778	Nothing beats a real case trimmer, but if you want something to get you by for the time being... The Lee Zip Trim (or just a lock stud and cutter kit) can get the job done in a very primitive, non-adjustable way. However, after buying a shell holder and case length gage for both rifle calibers, you'll be into the device at least $30, probably $40 (since the Zip trim no longer ships with a cutter). With some of the real case trimmers running as low as $70, you're better of saving your money for the real one. My personal opinion is that the RC Supreme kit is still the best bang for your buck on the market. It's also what I went with when I bought my own equipment (I've been reloading for 20 years, but was using family members' equipment). When you buy shell holders, try to stick with RCBS. Any "standard" shell holder is supposed to work, but the word "standard" is used pretty liberally by the reloading companies. Lee's shell holders do not work well at all with the Hand Prime you'll get in the kit, and Hornady's shell holders sometimes require slight modification (not something everyone can easily do). My one Redding shell holder works fine, but one shell holder is a small sample size. Make sure you thoroughly clean the powder measure before use. It will be heavily doused in oil, and can take quite some effort to get properly cleaned - even when completely disassembled. Any powder run through the measure before it is 100% clean will be ruined. You'll also want to consider buying a stand for the powder measure, right off the bat. The little bracket they give you in the kit is worthless. As others have said: Get reloading manuals for the bullets you plan to use most often. Get some good calipers. ($10 Chinese digital calipers work, but don't count. Get some good ones!) I don't like the RCBS load blocks/trays. It's a stupid design that doesn't work well for most tasks (for me, at least). My vote goes to the MTM universal trays. You can hold off, and pick them up down the road, though. __________________ -Unwilling Range Officer -Unwilling Match Designer -NRL22/PRS22/PRO -Something about broccoli and carrots

February 20, 2011, 05:39 PM	#11
Para Cassatt Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2010 Location: South Carolina Posts: 117	I started about 10 years ago with their same kit for the period. It is about all you will need besides the tumbler and a couple more reloading manuals to crossreference your data from the Speer 14 with.

February 20, 2011, 07:05 PM	#12
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,938	"Thanks for all the help guys. As far as I know the only calibers that I'll start with are 40S&W, .270 Winchester and 30-30. So everyones advice is helpful." Just a thought. The Rockchucker Supreme is a massive press and frankly, unless at some time down the road you plan on some of the really big boomers like the .375 H&H, .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby, I do feel one of the less expensive reloading kits from RCBS will more than suit your purpose. I'm not trying to talk you out of that press and we all use what we feel works for us, but until I got the .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby, a plain and simple Rockchucker was more than sufficient. FWIW, I reload from .22 Hornet to the Rigby and only the Jeffery and Rigby required the bigger press. It was a bit snug for the .375 H&H but the regular Rockchucker handled that one quite well. Nothing wrong with the Rockchucker Supreme press though. Just don't drop it on your toe while setting it up. That bugger is heavy. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

February 20, 2011, 08:20 PM	#13
dbarnhart Junior Member Join Date: February 19, 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 2	Some Nice-to-Haves I'm just getting back into reloading after a many-year hiatus and here are a few items on my shopping list you may want to consider. All are 'nice-to-haves': - Bullet puller, to fix those inevitable screwups. For one or two at a time, the kinetic puller (looks like hammer) is fine. - primer pocket brush - Primer Pocket Swager Combo of you are using military brass with crimped primers. When buying pistol dies, spend the extra and get the set with the carbide sizer die.

February 21, 2011, 12:54 AM	#14
Stargazer Senior Member Join Date: August 6, 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Posts: 506	I started with the same kit that was available 30+ years ago. The press has loaded thousands of rounds, mainly pistol. I had to use the warranty on the 5-0-5 scales and they sent me a brand new set. (My fault as I took it apart to clean it and never could get it to zero again) The Uniflow powder measure still works just fine too. It is good stuff that will last a lifetime. I highly suggest Carbide dies for the 40 S&W so no lube will be needed. As far as lube goes I use the new RCBS water soluble lube. A damp paper towel wipes the residue off clean and fast.

February 21, 2011, 12:58 AM	#15
farmerboy Junior member Join Date: May 16, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 1,343	Great set!!! I too use the same setup after about 15 years and wouldnt change a thing...

February 21, 2011, 10:33 AM	#16
Rifleman1776 Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2010 Location: Arkansas Posts: 3,309	Unless one comes in the kit (I didn't look it up) you will also need a good reloading manual, or several. Sadly, many beginning reloaders seem to think they do not need knowledge and forge ahead without reading the manuals. That is a good formula for disaster. The books can be expensive but are well worth the time and money to buy and read.