I know this is an older video but I just bought this press as my first one, I’m building a bench too. My stepdad is teaching me but I’m learning a lot on YT too. Thanks for this great info
Great choice ! You can learn a lot from YT videos ! I got a little three foot string of white LED battery operated Christmas lights , and rolled them up, and mounted them on the inside back portion of the press , with a zip tie ! Now I can see lots better !
My RCBS Rock Chucker press works just fine the way that it is. For the past thirty years it has been a constant source of safe and efficient reloading and economic passion, for feeding my habitual shooting and hunting pastimes. Fact is, it functions just like the manufacturer intended for it to function. Can tell by your screen name, and shop machinery, that probably doesn't work for you. But then I guess that's what social media is all about...giving everyone an opinion about everything, so that the world knows they do it their way. Must also be the reason why all manufacturers put such terse disclaimers in their instruction manuals about the use of their equipment. Have at it man!
I have a 1972 RCBS JR2 press. One tip is to use an o-ring to hold the shell holder. That allows better alignment as the case centers with the die. Picked that tip up from the late Glenn Zediker who wrote the book "Top Grade Ammo".
...excellent stuff, my friend...bought one while stationed in Germany ca 1972 - 50 years ago - still have it after all that time set up in my garage here in FL - dragged it everywhere since I moved from NJ in 1979 and through all my many moves...I've almost buggered my fingers while trying to operate the ram too fast - thinking or anticipating the case getting into the shell holder before it ACTUALLY was in...I use a progressive press/presses now - but use it for the 'grunt work' of prepping military cases or for doing a short run of test loads
Thanks for sharing your Tips! The best thing I ever did to improve my Rock Chucker was to add a case kicker. The first one I made was a simple flat spring that rode the ram and when retracted shoved the case off while you were grabbing the next case. It literally doubled my speed with me not working the slightest bit harder. As well as it worked - it sort of made rifle cases a tad more difficult as it took up some ram travel. That lead me to making my own version of the case kicker that they sell. I have nothing bad to say about that one - all I will say is that I optimized my version to better fit my particular press. Not suggesting that you necessarily make one - just get one !!!! You won't be sorry.
I have a 1981 vintage Rockchucker with the straight handle rather than the ball, which is a bummer, but that washer trick is a beauty, thanks. I'll be heading down to my mate's bolts and fasterner shop tomorrow with a shellholder.
Great tips!!! What type of wheel do u use on the Dremel? Did u drill or use the lathe to size the washer? Not all of us have access to the machinery needed for this. Any thoughts on that? Thank you.
The best thing I did for my RCBS Rock Chucker II press was buy Inline Fabrication products. Junior Ultramount 7 1/2", Ergonomic style roller lever, case ejector system with two green side bin system and LED lights.
Ah you guys are all experts @Busta Bass and @C-Bomb. Sorry I couldn't find any videos you posted on reloading. This guy has probably forgot more about reloading then the two of you combined. Nothing wrong with modifying what you have to work better for your needs. I just got done polishing my shell holders and its a nice touch. The washer idea is great too and I'll be cutting some out of 7075 soon. The fact that Mcgiiver took the time to make a video, post it here and share his knowledge with us is great. Don't shoot your eye out!
Great idea Question: how do I stiffen my bench top, my press moves the bench top when I use it. I have it bolted to the 1/2 inch Plywood which is also in the 2x4 framework of the benchtop. Also I want to Raise the press, but I can't afford the 75 dollars for a metal premade riser stand.
First mistake is having a bench top only 1/2" thick. Put a 3/4" MDF top on it, it will be flatter, and VERY sturdy compared to the old top. Attach it by putting in 1" screws from the bottom, that way you can replace the top if it gets beaten up too badly. To raise the press, make a little riser out of 2x6's glued and screwed together, with one piece about 14" on the bottom, two risers a couple of inches or so in from the ends, (whatever height you need, and another piece on top as wide as the risers. Bolt the press to the top of that, and the space on either side of the bottom piece allows you to clamp it to the edge of the bench.
Plywood, 3/4” thick would be even better than MDF. Another option would be to add a piece of 2x10 or 2x12 under the 1/2” ply, front-to-back and run 3” or 3-1/2” screws through the 2x4s into the 2x10/2x12 front and back. Get longer bolts to mount the press that will go through the ply and 2-by. That’s how I mounted my progressive presses on 3/4l ply and they’re very solid.
That is the auto-prime adapter for the older Rock Chucker press. The hole that is visible from the top is tapped to accept a primer feed tube. You can see more about it here: czcams.com/video/OTBvzVZozW8/video.html
Look at the CZcams video on doing an insert/tube video on how to build a primer catcher and eliminate the primer catcher as shown. It works great but takes some patience to build.
"Watch out for double charges and don't put your eye out." Great way to end a reloading video. Thanks for the tips.
Creativity comes from the desire/needs to improve what we encountered. Easy yet great tips, thanks a lot.
you are a guru - love the the tip about the washer!!!
I know this is an older video but I just bought this press as my first one, I’m building a bench too. My stepdad is teaching me but I’m learning a lot on YT too. Thanks for this great info
Great choice ! You can learn a lot from YT videos ! I got a little three foot string of white LED battery operated Christmas lights , and rolled them up, and mounted them on the inside back portion of the press , with a zip tie ! Now I can see lots better !
My RCBS Rock Chucker press works just fine the way that it is. For the past thirty years it has been a constant source of safe and efficient reloading and economic passion, for feeding my habitual shooting and hunting pastimes.
Fact is, it functions just like the manufacturer intended for it to function. Can tell by your screen name, and shop machinery, that probably doesn't work for you. But then I guess that's what social media is all about...giving everyone an opinion about everything, so that the world knows they do it their way. Must also be the reason why all manufacturers put such terse disclaimers in their instruction manuals about the use of their equipment. Have at it man!
I have a 1972 RCBS JR2 press. One tip is to use an o-ring to hold the shell holder. That allows better alignment as the case centers with the die. Picked that tip up from the late Glenn Zediker who wrote the book "Top Grade Ammo".
The washer tip is genius. Though I never had a problem with the ball handle I have ordered a replacement from In-line.
...excellent stuff, my friend...bought one while stationed in Germany ca 1972 - 50 years ago - still have it after all that time set up in my garage here in FL - dragged it everywhere since I moved from NJ in 1979 and through all my many moves...I've almost buggered my fingers while trying to operate the ram too fast - thinking or anticipating the case getting into the shell holder before it ACTUALLY was in...I use a progressive press/presses now - but use it for the 'grunt work' of prepping military cases or for doing a short run of test loads
Cool mods, brother. My dad just bought me a Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit, for Christmas. I can't wait to try it out!!!
watch out for double chargers and dont put your eye out !!!!!.....good luck
Thanks for sharing your Tips! The best thing I ever did to improve my Rock Chucker was to add a case kicker. The first one I made was a simple flat spring that rode the ram and when retracted shoved the case off while you were grabbing the next case. It literally doubled my speed with me not working the slightest bit harder. As well as it worked - it sort of made rifle cases a tad more difficult as it took up some ram travel. That lead me to making my own version of the case kicker that they sell. I have nothing bad to say about that one - all I will say is that I optimized my version to better fit my particular press. Not suggesting that you necessarily make one - just get one !!!! You won't be sorry.
Nice tips. Like the "Washer table feed" concept. I rebuild old RCBS Presses and need to make a how to video.
Great cover for your press!
Thanks for sharing these tips.
Good idea!!! Thanks for the tips! I have the same RCBS
A very good video. Thanks a lot for this.
My favorite thing is the press cover. I’ll have to make one too. I made them for my power tools
I have a 1981 vintage Rockchucker with the straight handle rather than the ball, which is a bummer, but that washer trick is a beauty, thanks. I'll be heading down to my mate's bolts and fasterner shop tomorrow with a shellholder.
I have a 1980 model
Great video and information
Great idea!
Helps to remove the spent primer cup when you're not sizing and depriming or hold the ram a little off the bottom of the stroke
Good man! Thanks for sharing brother.
Just did this on my A-2 looks great
Thanks for the good sense!
Never in that big of hurry when reloading
Now you can insert cases into your press when your drunk 🥴
Nice your the man!
Now that was good stuff !
Great idea. I will use it.
. Thanks
Excellent!
Great tips!!! What type of wheel do u use on the Dremel? Did u drill or use the lathe to size the washer? Not all of us have access to the machinery needed for this. Any thoughts on that? Thank you.
The Mayor I did use a lathe to bore out the washer, but it could be done with drill and grinding bit. The Dremel bit was a 3/16" grinding bit.
Mcgiiver L Thank you for the feedback. Much appreciated. Really like your videos.
Your a smart olde boy.
The best thing I did for my RCBS Rock Chucker II press was buy Inline Fabrication products.
Junior Ultramount 7 1/2", Ergonomic style roller lever, case ejector system with two green side bin system and LED lights.
Great stuff
Ah you guys are all experts @Busta Bass and @C-Bomb. Sorry I couldn't find any videos you posted on reloading. This guy has probably forgot more about reloading then the two of you combined. Nothing wrong with modifying what you have to work better for your needs. I just got done polishing my shell holders and its a nice touch. The washer idea is great too and I'll be cutting some out of 7075 soon. The fact that Mcgiiver took the time to make a video, post it here and share his knowledge with us is great. Don't shoot your eye out!
Great idea
Question: how do I stiffen my bench top, my press moves the bench top when I use it.
I have it bolted to the 1/2 inch
Plywood which is also in the 2x4 framework of the benchtop. Also I want to Raise the press, but I can't afford the 75 dollars for a metal premade riser stand.
First mistake is having a bench top only 1/2" thick. Put a 3/4" MDF top on it, it will be flatter, and VERY sturdy compared to the old top. Attach it by putting in 1" screws from the bottom, that way you can replace the top if it gets beaten up too badly. To raise the press, make a little riser out of 2x6's glued and screwed together, with one piece about 14" on the bottom, two risers a couple of inches or so in from the ends, (whatever height you need, and another piece on top as wide as the risers. Bolt the press to the top of that, and the space on either side of the bottom piece allows you to clamp it to the edge of the bench.
Plywood, 3/4” thick would be even better than MDF. Another option would be to add a piece of 2x10 or 2x12 under the 1/2” ply, front-to-back and run 3” or 3-1/2” screws through the 2x4s into the 2x10/2x12 front and back. Get longer bolts to mount the press that will go through the ply and 2-by. That’s how I mounted my progressive presses on 3/4l ply and they’re very solid.
I replaced ball with a 9 ball like I did for the Lee presses, much easier on my hand, I may shorten it for faster strokes
Thank you, very practical and useful tips, best of all anyone deciding to do this upgrades can do it themselves.
Question, What is that square silver part attached to the top of the press?
That is the auto-prime adapter for the older Rock Chucker press. The hole that is visible from the top is tapped to accept a primer feed tube. You can see more about it here: czcams.com/video/OTBvzVZozW8/video.html
I polish all of my shell holders
Where can I get one of those press covers?
It's a homemade press cover.
Next time you toss and old pair of pants, cut one leg off at about knee length and sew the cuff together. Instant press cover.
@@CletusLeonardLee he sews also, when not reloading.....
problem is ,washer hits the newer primer catcher
Look at the CZcams video on doing an insert/tube video on how to build a primer catcher and eliminate the primer catcher as shown. It works great but takes some patience to build.
My tip, get a dillon for pistol shells.
I will NEVER "go fast" when reloading. That is an amateur's mistake.