Is this typical of Rock Chucker Press

Conaso

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 8, 2011
1,259
2,001
Virginia
I recently purchased this RCBS RCS4 from OP. Awaiting Inline Tech. stand so I used a clamp to hold it down to examine. Working the press it drags feels "gritty," and I noticed machine marks on the ram. I sent online email to RCBS, awaiting response. Is this typical? Should I attempt to polish or bug RCBS to replace. I can't see OP sucking it up for a manufacturer's mess.
 

Attachments

  • 20190829_163123.jpg
    20190829_163123.jpg
    510 KB · Views: 294
  • 20190829_162827.jpg
    20190829_162827.jpg
    392.1 KB · Views: 249
  • Like
Reactions: CBeck
Disassemble ram and remove from body. Chamfer and polish the lower port. I had this issue on one years ago. Took less than 30 minutes to resolve the issue. Never had it before or since. So per my experience 1 out of 8 had this issue. Hope this helps.
 
Lower port and downward is O.K., the ram from that port upwards is where the striations (?) are located. I guess some fine steel wool will smooth it out. Would really appreciate a response from RCBS.

Thx for advice.
 
Never said that, bro. You implied rcbs has the best CSR, just saying Dillon is famous for taking an old clapped broken down press and replacing everything wore out for free. Not sure rcbs would do that.
 
The rock chucker is a solid press, easily rcbs best press, call them or polish it yourself. If your handy with tools, it's an easy task. If not, send it back to rcbs and wait a month.
 
Never said that, bro. You implied rcbs has the best CSR, just saying Dillon is famous for taking an old clapped broken down press and replacing everything wore out for free. Not sure rcbs would do that.
You should read my post again. Pretty hard to get that I said they are the best from 'may be one of the best.' But yeah, RCBS is well know for swapping stuff that people believe is broke, is actually broke, or whatever. Now as for what you said about Dillon... I don't use them so no clue.
 
  • Like
Reactions: kcary1776
Contacted RCBS, they recommended using Vaseline as a lubricant. (Wife gave me odd looks seeing me go down to the basement with a jar.) Anyway, still "chattered," sounded raspy. Sent them photos of ram, no argument, they sent me a new one, arrived in four days. Touched 1000 grit sandpaper to pivot points, i.e., ram, ram tube, pin, and pin holes(?). reassembled. Very smooth, problem solved.
 
  • Like
Reactions: antithesis
I found the Lyman (pistol), Hornady (rifle) and Redding (precision) shellholders fit SOLID, no vertical movement like on my 35-year-old Hornady/Pacific press. Also, the linkage in the RCBS is tight. Had to put spacers in my H/P, which now will be used for decapping only.