RCBS Rockchucker or Hornady Lock-n-Load?

[rmcrob]

I'm getting ready to do some handloading. I have decided to start small, just loading 10mm to get my feet wet.

I'm trying to decide between two presses, both of which come in nice kits with other stuff:

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Press Master Kit - MidwayUSA

Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Kit - MidwayUSA

I could use some advice. Is the Hornady bushing system all that? Is the RCBS press sturdier? Is there some compelling reason to choose one over the other?

I hope I'm not opening a can of worms here, but it doesn't seem like people get as passionate about presses as they do about brands of guns.

 

[JetGirl]

Not that I'm one that advice should be taken from, because I'm new to it, myself.
However...in all the searching I've done, I've been told to always go with cast iron over alloy or aluminum. That RCBS you linked is cast iron.
YMMV

 

[hornadylnl]

The lock n load bushing system is a very sweet setup. You get your die setup in the bushing to where you want it and lock the ring down. Twist it out and drop another die in and twist and you're done. It's a good idea to check them every now and then but if you just want to throw a die in to do a single piece of brass or something, it's almost instant.

I have an older lock and load single stage. They aren't cast iron but if you break any single stage on the market, you're doing something wrong. I will say that the handle on the Lee cast press is hollow and will bend. The wood knob fell off in short order as well.

 

[mospeada]

I'd go Lock n Load for the convenience. It doesn't take a lot of pressure to reload, if it does, you're doing it wrong.

 

[m_deaner]

I would go with a lock and load progressive. You'll probably end up with a progressive anyway...

 

[BE Mike]

Not that I'm one that advice should be taken from, because I'm new to it, myself.
However...in all the searching I've done, I've been told to always go with cast iron over alloy or aluminum. That RCBS you linked is cast iron.
YMMV

I've been reloading for over 35 years. I'll have to go along with Annie on this. Go green. I like over-engineered reloading stuff. If you ever start reloading bottle-necked rifle cases, you'll be glad you bought the RCBS.

 

[uniquejohn]

I have the LNL and love the quck change bushings, have not loaded any large caliber bottle neck's, onlyn 223, but it works awesome and is very strong also.

 

[Robert Richardson]

+1 for the RCBS,any press will do pistol rounds easily but,if you start doing rifle rounds the RCBS will handle just about anything.

 

[gunselman]

reloading press

I am in your exact same shoes. I have been looking to get into reloading for 10mm also. From everything i have found the RCBS rockchucker seems to be the most heavily regarded press out there. If you are going to go single stage RCBS rockchucker is the way to go (from all of the research i have done). I bought my dad one for Christmas and it is pure BEEF. I have looked for quite some time and the cheapest one i have found is at Bass Pro Shops ~$125; they normally have them in stock.

If progressive is something you are looking at then Dillon all the way. Buy once cry once.

10mm factory ammo is loaded to weak for my taste also.

 

[Slow Hand]

The Rockchucker has been around for decades for a reason. It's a great, solid press and will last generations!! It takes about ten seconds to screw in a die and once you get it set where you want it, you lock down the locking ring, so it's set to screw back in to the same spot time after time. LNL is a gimmick as far as I'm concerned. Adds a slight bit to convenience and a bigger bit to cost.

RCBS is great product in general and especially the RockChucker.

Doug K

 

[Mudcat]

The lock and load is a really nice set up. You won't break anything on the Hornady or the RCBS so there is no advantage there. Either will serve you well for many generations to come.

 

[samrothstein01]

I have always been a tremendous supporter of RCBS. Quality is an understatement. As a matter of fact, I am still using a single stage (20+years old) that was my fathers, went through a flood in the basement, and is still churning like new.

I have no experience with the Hornady, and it may be nice as well, but I can certainly tell you that you can't go wrong with the RCBS.

 

[Josh Ward]

RCBS all day long....

 

[XtremeVel]

Buy the RCBS and don't look back. If you decide later you want a bit more convience, you can always buy the conversion kit and modify the rock chucker to use the lock-N-load system. I believe the newer rock chuckers still use a 1-1/4 x 12 thread. I know the older ones did.

 

[Aszerigan]

+1 for RCBS. I have several setups including a Dillon Progressive, and I keep coming back to my RCBS for precision work.

 

[RachelMarie]

I have a RCBS Rock chucker on the way, AS WE SPEAK. I'm just a tad excited...

 

[JetGirl]

I have a RCBS Rock chucker on the way, AS WE SPEAK. I'm just a tad excited...

Told you you'd like this thread!

 

[SSGSAD]

I have been using a RCBS Rock Chucker, single stage press, for over 30 years, still works, and not 1 malfunction.....

 

[6birds]

They aren't cast iron but if you break any single stage on the market, you're doing something wrong.

... and typically the reload manufacturers have excellent customer service, for whatever problems you may have.

 

[LAZY DOG]

ROCK CHUCKER ALL THE WAY. I'VE USED MINE FOR 25 YEARS . .THE ROCK CHUCKEER WILL LOAD THE SMALLEST PISTOL ROUND OR THE LARGEST RIFLE ROUND. IF U WOULD HAVE TO APPLY PRESSURE FOR WHAT EVER REASON.FOR EXAMPLE;A STUCK CASE . YOU WONT HURT THE ROCK CHUCKER.