jkrispies Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 (edited) I decided to drop this in the Precision Rifle section rather than generic reloading because I don’t think precision single stage reloading is “general.” Apologies if this is the wrong area. I have a couple ancient Rock Chuckers that I got second hand and free a long while ago. I’ve reloaded rifle on them enough to know what I’m doing though not a ton and not to the level of “gnat’s ass” that I’d like to step up to now. To give you an idea of how old they are, one of them isn’t even an RC2 but an original model, LOL. I’m planning to start reloading for precision and long distance (my range is 630yds) beginning with the .308 I currently own and then maybe something nicer down the road after I’ve learned what I’m doing both in terms of reloading and positional shooting, wind calling etc. From those who have experience reloading “the good stuff,” is it worth it for me to upgrade to something like a co-ax or even just a new D style press made by a company like Forster that doesn’t have as many miles on it as my old warhorses? I don’t think these presses are excessively worn—everything seems tight—but maybe this level of precision reloading requires a level of tightness in the press that I’m not able to eyeball. Thanks for your input, J Edited September 30, 2018 by jkrispies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38superman Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 (edited) I load for precision rifle and other competitions on a RCBS RockChucker that's 48 years old. I couldn't begin to guess how many pistol and rifle rounds I've loaded on it in a lifetime of shooting sports. I load pistol ammo on a Dillon these days but my rifle ammo is all loaded on the green beast. It is my go to for precision loading because it is totally rigid and any rounds I load on it will be consistent. Age is virtually meaningless on the RCBS. They are damn near indestructible. Mine still produces ammo that's measurably superior to the best premium factory loads I've ever tested. If you use a high quality premium die set, that old war horse will still deliver "gnats ass" good results. Edited September 30, 2018 by 38superman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glock021 Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 I would go with the old school RCBS until I had a reason not to. There's an older Rock Chucker on my bench as well. It's not 48 years old, but I believe it's a Rock Chucker II. I use it for rifle rounds (larger than 5.56). It will never leave my bench. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 as long as the press isnt sloppy, it'll make just as good of ammo as anything else(within reason). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilBunniFuFu Posted September 30, 2018 Share Posted September 30, 2018 As long as the rounds come out consistent you are good to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkrispies Posted October 1, 2018 Author Share Posted October 1, 2018 Thanks guys! This is what I figured, but I also don’t have anything new to compare it to. I’m tempted to set one up with the sizer and the other with the seater and leave them be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiggerJJ Posted October 1, 2018 Share Posted October 1, 2018 I load all my precision ammo on a 650. I do trickle powder thou, but get sub moa accuracy. jj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PharmDShooter Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 I load on a lee pro 1000 and measure powder with a RCBS chrgemaster. I’ve been able to get consistent hits at 684yd on a 6” plate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NateTSU Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 I highly doubt your old press will hold you back, use good dies and proper procedure and you will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc88 Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 I agree with all the above. The Rock Chucker is probably the standard of single stage presses. Like Glock021 said "use it until you have a reason not to." Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
troupe Posted October 2, 2018 Share Posted October 2, 2018 Save the money and buy more bullets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acer2428 Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 Get a concentricity gauge and find out. Or just shoot the stuff and see Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkrispies Posted October 4, 2018 Author Share Posted October 4, 2018 10 hours ago, Acer2428 said: Get a concentricity gauge and find out. Or just shoot the stuff and see I think I’ll go with the latter, LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12glocks Posted October 4, 2018 Share Posted October 4, 2018 6 hours ago, jkrispies said: I think I’ll go with the latter, LOL. I learned a lot when I got a Sinclair concentricity gauge. One point for me is inline seater dies work. Just a thought... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ffoster Posted October 5, 2018 Share Posted October 5, 2018 The only reason I don't still use mine for precision loading is that I got one that I could take to the range and to matches in a small toolbox. You won't load better ammo on any other press if it is still tight. Save your money for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwray Posted October 5, 2018 Share Posted October 5, 2018 Spend the money on a good set of bushing dies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dauntedfuture Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 I'd buy or borrow a concentricity gauge and take a look at your ammo. Start w. measuring your brass dimensions; if that's out of whack nothing you do is going to fix it. id also get comparators and measure consistency of shoulder to ctg. head for a relative consistency of sizing. Chances are your press is just fine; if anything you might take a look at your dies that you use or your brass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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