Press advice and questions

[shershot99]

Hello all. I am very very new to reloading and have a few questions. Several years ago i purchased an RCBS Rock Chucker supreme master reloading kit. I have yet to open it and use it. Recently I was given a Lyman T-mag 2 press with several empty plates. I assume I would have no need for 2 presses like this. I am looking for advice as to whether I should keep both or sell (trade) one so I can put that towards other items. I am not fully aware of the pros and cons of both systems at this time. I would think the lyman might be "easier" to use since it has the plates with it vs the rock chucker but i dont know.

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Rick
Westminster, MD.

 

[outrider58]

I have a Dillon 550 and an RCBS RS5(single stage). I use both. I use the Dillon for turning out quantities of ammo fast. I use my RCBS for loading more accurate stuff for hunting and target, etc. I also use my RCBS while reloading on my Dillon. I keep a bullet puller in it for those times when something goes wrong with a particular round. I pull the bullet, reuse the powder and keep moving. It's very handy.

 

[John from MD]

The T mag is a much more versitile press. If you have a couple of plates, you can set up for multiple calibers and then either rotate or change the plate. The Rock Chucker is an excellent press but it is very slow. You can only have one die in the press at a time so you have to unscrew the die and screw in another instead of just rotating the plate like you can on the T mag.

As for operation, they both have a handle and a ram that goes up and down and you can prime with either with the right adapters. The Rockchucker, being an O press is stronger but it only comes into play if you are swagging bullets, case forming from other calibers or loading .50 BMG.

 

[dannyp]

both are handy , if you aren't pressed for money , keep both .

 

[brianns]

I agree on keeping both. I have the RL550B and use it more and more like a single stage these days. But I use the interchangeable tool heads for various calibers. I know lots of folks have more than one reloader for cutting down set up time.

 

[guzma393]

i'd run the lyman as the primary press as you have multiple toolheads that can be swapped on the fly per caliber. The rockchucker can be set up for actions that benefit single stage operations i.e. decapping/sizing brass, sizing bullets, swaging, etc.

 

[Trigger Time]

I agree once you start reloading you find it handy to have 2 presses. I moved into a Dillon 550C but still keep my Lee single stage either for just de-capping or if I just want to load a couple riffle rounds of a caliber that I don't shoot a lot of.

 

[shershot99]

Wow thanks guys for all the info. Seems I should keep both. Not super pressed for money so i will do that. Now to go through the powder I was given and see what’s what. I was given a good amount of 223 projectiles in different sizes and weights so maybe I can start there. I need to get dies for several c&r calibers as I think that’s what I will want to load the most. Wouldn’t hurt to also load 9mm and 9mak as well. I think I have everything Else I will need to start. I have a sonic cleaner and a dehydrator that I will never use for food that I can use as a dryer. Now to figure out the best way to set up all the equipment on my bench… easy part, lol.


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[4g64loser]

Definitely keep both presses.

As previous posters have noted, the lyman will be handier for production. The rock chucker has remained on the market for a very long time because it works. It is very strong so lots of full length sizing or even case forming shouldn't hurt it.

One thing that is nice about having a "prep work" press is that you can keep the other(s) completely free of the primer crud, grime, and lube residue that invariably accumulate during decap/size/prep operations.

 

[shershot99]

Definitely keep both presses.

As previous posters have noted, the lyman will be handier for production. The rock chucker has remained on the market for a very long time because it works. It is very strong so lots of full length sizing or even case forming shouldn't hurt it.

One thing that is nice about having a "prep work" press is that you can keep the other(s) completely free of the primer crud, grime, and lube residue that invariably accumulate during decap/size/prep operations.

So, an example would be: if I was shooting one of my Swiss guns and wanted to reload the brass, I would set up the rcbs to decap and size the brass, then clean and dry, then go to the Lyman and do the rest?

Sorry, again I am brand new to this. I need to watch more videos on all this. Don’t worry, I won’t reload anything until I have all components and an comfortable that I have enough of a block of free time to do so. Don’t want to rush. I suppose I should get a chronograph as well?


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[outrider58]

So, an example would be: if I was shooting one of my Swiss guns and wanted to reload the brass, I would set up the rcbs to decap and size the brass, then clean and dry, then go to the Lyman and do the rest?

Sorry, again I am brand new to this. I need to watch more videos on all this. Don’t worry, I won’t reload anything until I have all components and an comfortable that I have enough of a block of free time to do so. Don’t want to rush. I suppose I should get a chronograph as well?


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Yep. Pistol calibers are more easily done(depending on the setup) on the progressive type presses. Rifle calibers tend to be better served doing the prep work on a single stage. They generally tend to be stronger and decapping and resizing are the more strenuous operations in reloading.

 

[Virgil Co.C]

Have a 550 Dillon and RCBS single .i would keep both I think once you get into it you will find application for both . My single stage I can set up a trimmer for rifle casings it’s quick . I also like to size and deprime on it .load 44 on it also . 550 use for 9/38/357 and 45. Need to expand to 40. Sucks bought all this stuff right before covid hit. So I am far from experienced as others here. But I have found use for both .trial and error and just finding what works .lots of videos I have watched .hopefully one day primers will be available. I’ve paid pushing 8$ for 100sp which I here is super expensive.anyway keep them both don’t think you will regret it.

 

[4g64loser]

Depending on how you process yes. Using your example, my process (there are variations) when I shot a swiss would be as follows:

Pull trigger, enjoy a (hopefully) well placed shot.
Cycle action. Retrieve expended case.
Decap on single stage using a universal decap die.
Wet tumble case with stainless steel pin media.
Rinse and dry case.
Lubricate with Dillon case lube (many lines work but for FL sizing I like the lanolin based stuff).
Size on single stage.
Table case in corn cob vibratory tumbler to remove lube.
Measure length and trim if required (add chamfer debur if your trimmer doesn't do these).
Prime case using hand primer.
Charge with powder.
Seat bullet on single stage. Crimp if desired (usually for semi or full auto guns but some do it for bolt guns too).
Go back to the range.

There are a lot of ways to do it right. For precision rifle work, the process is slightly different for me as I do not use a full length sizer or need to tumble a second time but that isn't what you asked about. Pistol is MUCH easier and would be the suggested place to start if you have never pulled the handle before as it tends to be more forgiving.

 

[shershot99]

Depending on how you process yes. Using your example, my process (there are variations) when I shot a swiss would be as follows:

Pull trigger, enjoy a (hopefully) well placed shot.
Cycle action. Retrieve expended case.
Decap on single stage using a universal decap die.
Wet tumble case with stainless steel pin media.
Rinse and dry case.
Lubricate with Dillon case lube (many lines work but for FL sizing I like the lanolin based stuff).
Size on single stage.
Table case in corn cob vibratory tumbler to remove lube.
Measure length and trim if required (add chamfer debur if your trimmer doesn't do these).
Prime case using hand primer.
Charge with powder.
Seat bullet on single stage. Crimp if desired (usually for semi or full auto guns but some do it for bolt guns too).
Go back to the range.

There are a lot of ways to do it right. For precision rifle work, the process is slightly different for me as I do not use a full length sizer or need to tumble a second time but that isn't what you asked about. Pistol is MUCH easier and would be the suggested place to start if you have never pulled the handle before as it tends to be more forgiving.

Great info. Thank you!


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[454shooter]

I also use a Dillon 550C and a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme IV the same as above....550 for quantity pistol ammo....Rock Chucker for precision rifle ammo.

Also, I use the Hornady Lock-n-Load Press and Die Conversion Bushing Kit in the Rock Chucker. Makes switching die types plug and play.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012999418?pid=858110

 

[trickg]

I'll jump on the "keep both" bandwagon. My main press now is a Dillon 550, but there are some things you'll want a single stage press for, particularly loading rifle rounds where you won't be loading in bulk like you likely will with pistol rounds or rounds for AR.

My single stage press is from the Lee Challenger Anniversary reloading kit. It's a decent little press, but it's no Rock Chucker - one day I'd like to have a Rock Chucker. I'll either wind up getting one, or more likely, I'll get the kit that converts a 550 into a single stage press.

Keep both - you'll regret getting rid of anything if you do.

 

[Rockzilla]

Ditto band wagon.... "Keep Both" each has it's use.
Have all the presses I've picked up over the decades
The Rock Chuckers are my work horses. Each press
has it's use, The Stars do my 45acp and 38spl (yes I
do them). The Hornady (old / new), Dillons all have a
purpose.

-Rock

 

[trickg]

Ditto band wagon.... "Keep Both" each has it's use.
Have all the presses I've picked up over the decades
The Rock Chuckers are my work horses. Each press
has it's use, The Stars do my 45acp and 38spl (yes I
do them). The Hornady (old / new), Dillons all have a
purpose.

-Rock

Were the Rock Chuckers part of the inspiration for your screen name by any chance?

I think that there would probably be a general agreement that the RCBS Rocker Chucker is the single stage press all others are compared to. There are some others that are solid enough - the Hornady LNL single stage, the Lee Classic Cast, the Redding Boss - they all have their place, but most of them wind up getting compared to the Rock Chucker at some point along the way.

 

[shershot99]

Thanks guys! Appreciate all the advice. Def going to keep them both now and keep working on setting everything up. I have a bunch of 223 brass that is dirty as crap so I think I might just start popping primers and cleaning those up for future use. That should keep me busy.


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[Rockzilla]

Were the Rock Chuckers part of the inspiration for your screen name by any chance?

I think that there would probably be a general agreement that the RCBS Rocker Chucker is the single stage press all others are compared to. There are some others that are solid enough - the Hornady LNL single stage, the Lee Classic Cast, the Redding Boss - they all have their place, but most of them wind up getting compared to the Rock Chucker at some point along the way.

strange you should ask that yes partly, the other was would go to Red Lobster
long ago they had a "Rockzilla Lobster tail" so half and half, at that time I setup
several Rock Chuckers one decap /size , one seat, one crimp. Friends called me
the Rockster because we would have reloading parites kind of and the Rock
Chucker line up, progressives were way beyond my reach

The only presses that I don't have are Lee. got a laundry list of them
Nut Crackers, Pro-7's, Projector's, LNL-AP, Dillon, Redding BB II, Co-ax,
CH AutoChamp's, Stars, Texan, Hollywood, Mec's, P&W, Rock Chuckers.
50+ years of collecting, on the bench, top, bottom and under
still use the old Pro-7's / Projectors, have plenty of parts.

yeah the Rock Chucker(s) seem to be the one that others are compared
to. Had mine since the early 70's, they just work even use them to make
bullets, instead of using the Corbin Press, formed a many wildcat on the
R.C. Herretts, JDJ, and others.

-Rock