VII. Reloading Information
C. Manufacturer Information
9. RCBS
a. Rock Chucker Master Reloading Kit Review
by Joe Wood (jlw@mtgpfs1.mt.att.com)
I recently purchased the RCBS Master Reloading Kit to get myself started
in reloading. Here is a review of the kit, its contents and the documentation.
Major Components:
- RCBS Rockchucker Press
- Uniflow Powder Measure and mounting tab
- Model 5-0-5 Scale - 0.1gr - 400gr.
- Rotary Case Trimmer-2 Kit
- Speer Eleventh Edition reloading manual
Minor Components:
- Case Lube Kit w/lube, lube pad, two different sized case mouth
brushes, and screw-on brush handle
- Automatic primer feed kit with two tubes
- Primer flip tray
- Powder Funnel
- Case Loading Block w/80 case cap.
- Deburring Tool
- Hex Key Set
Missing Components that Kit should have (IMHO):
- Powder Trickler
- Primer Pocket Brush
- Flash Hole Cleaner - I am using a welder's tip cleaning kit
Additional Components Needed to get started:
- Set of Dies for each Caliber you Reload
- Case (Head) Holder for each Case Head Size you Reload
- Primer Pocket Swage (reamer) for smoothing the crimped primer pockets
of surplus military brass
- Calipers for case measuring
- Stand for Powder Measure if you can't mount it on a shelf over your
bench. RCBS sells one for $15 or so, but I made one with a pipe
flange, a 9 inch hunk of threaded pipe and two nuts for $6.30.
- I got some case tumbler media and some Dillon's case polish. I
am using the kids' rock tumbler kit as a small capacity case cleaner.
Upgrades after I get serious:
- Electronic Scale
- More reloading manuals (I have Hornady's 2-volume set)
- Dillon Case Tumbler and Media Separator
- Dillon RL500 or RL650
I purchased my kit from Natchez Shooter's Supply (800-251-7839) on a
Thursday and received it via UPS on the following Wednesday. Price was
$206.02 with S/H it came to $221.84. On top of this RCBS has a factory
rebate program going until March 31, 1994 which gets you back $20 of this.
Midway is higher, but Spartan Supply is also $206 (800-251-3904).
The kit comes mostly assembled with only the need to attach the operating
handle, the primer anvil, and the automatic feed kit to the press.
All-in-all this is a good deal for the starting reloader at a great price.
The retail price of the major components is over $300 and when combined with
the odds and ends included makes this a bargain too hard to pass up. The
quality of the press is top notch (Even Dillon's sells it.)