RCBS Rockchuckers having Red Chinese castings?

[Naphtali]

Several years ago RCBS obtained "O" frame castings from Red China, I have been informed. Presses manufactured from these castings were reputed to have numerous and severe problems, so severe that RCBS canceled whatever contract they had and reverted to American-manufactured castings.

I queried RCBS several years ago to ask how to identify Rockchuckers based on Red Chinese castings - to avoid them. RCBS would not furnish the information.

How does one identify such presses without buying a press and discovering its precision is poor?

[jcwit]

Have no idea how one would tell. However I doubt the precision of the machining would be poor as it was machined here in the U.S.A.

And remember RCBS has a No Questions Asked Guarantee, so there would be no problem if it did break other than the down time due to shipping time.

[Char-Gar]

Several years back there was a Handloader magazine article that said RCBS used Chinese casting. RCBS says that is wrong and all casting come from the USA and always have.

[ReloaderFred]

As stated, RCBS maintains that their castings are made in the USA, and always have been. Also as stated, RCBS backs their equipment for life. That's the life of the equipment, not yours. I've called them for parts for a machine I bought on ebay, and they shipped them free, even after I told them I wasn't the original owner.

They also replaced a Rockchucker press that I had bought used back in the early 1980's. The pivot pins had finally frozen up inside the casting, and I couldn't free them up. When I called them to see how to repair it, they had me send the press to them and in just a little over a week, I had a brand new press on my front porch.

There is no worry about purchasing RCBS equipment.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[Colorado4wheel]

Buy a Lee Classic Cast instead .

[UNIQUEDOT]

I queried RCBS several years ago to ask how to identify Rockchuckers based on Red Chinese castings - to avoid them. RCBS would not furnish the information.

They won't furnish the information because the castings are still coming from China.

[Naphtali]

As stated, RCBS maintains that their castings are made in the USA, and always have been. Also as stated, RCBS backs their equipment for life. That's the life of the equipment, not yours. I've called them for parts for a machine I bought on ebay, and they shipped them free, even after I told them I wasn't the original owner.

They also replaced a Rockchucker press that I had bought used back in the early 1980's. The pivot pins had finally frozen up inside the casting, and I couldn't free them up. When I called them to see how to repair it, they had me send the press to them and in just a little over a week, I had a brand new press on my front porch.

There is no worry about purchasing RCBS equipment.

Hope this helps.

Fred

While I did buy a Lee cast iron "O" press - an exceptionally well-made machine regardless of price - your reply tells me precisely what I want to know.

Many thanks.

[jcwit]

They won't furnish the information because the castings are still coming from China.

Can you substantiate this statement!

[Kevin Rohrer]

I read the same Handloader article. It quoted a company official who said the castings are made in China (and showed a crate of them) and said the machining is done here.

[Char-Gar]

Yes, that is what it said and I suspect it was the truth. It caused quite a backlash and RCBS began to deny and back and fill. You will note I said.."RCBS said that was wrong." If the casting ever did come from China, RCBS quit that as soon as it came to light. I have wondered what happend to that RCBS employee who made that statment that appeared
in print.

[jcwit]

He's working for Smart Reloader!

[KohlerK91]

Everything is being outsourced........Just got a brand new DO ALL band saw and you think it made in the USA.......not 100%.....they even left the cheesy little "made in china" stickers on some of the parts!!!!!!!!!! RCBS and any other company will do the same thing just to improve the bottom line

[jcwit]

Can anyone imagine the EPA regs regarding casting metals, other than lead at this point in time anyway.

[1hole]

".....they even left the cheesy little "made in china" stickers on some of the parts!!!!!!!"

Federal law says they had better place and leave those labels.

If you think all Chinese stuff is 'cheezy' don't look at the 'Made in' labels on your electric scales, reloading branded digital powder dumpsters - caliper - micrometer, cell or cordless telephone, computer, modem, router, TV, small kitchen appliances, hand tools, electric power tools, etc. Or the castings for RCBS presses.

[mtgrs737]

Outsourcing from other countries and stabbing American workers in the back has been going on for some time now it is the "Dark side" of capitalism. It was enhanced by NAFDA and The GATT agreements signed into law back in the first Bush administration. Like Ross Perot said you will be able to hear the sucking sound of jobs leaving America if we let them get away with this. The constructors of the Consitution knew what they were doing by enacting tariffs on cheap imported goods, we have let them down and ourselves by allowing it to be circumvented. Just how long after America is totaly bankrupt and starving will the masses wake up?

I have owned a RCBS Rockchucker press for 40 years and I think it is a great press. I like and buy current RCBS products but if I were looking for a new single stage press I would buy a Redding Big Boss II press due to tighter tolerances. Just do a hands on comparison and you will see what I am talking about.

[Brithunter]

I don't know how old my RCBS Rockchucker is as I brought it used from an estate sale about 12 years ago, I also brought a Uniflow. Now the Uniflow needs a new handle part as it's about to fall apart. One day I'll send it back.

In the mean time I mislaid my RCBS case champher/deburrign tool so went to get a new one. Not only was the new one terribly expensive but to be frank it was rubbish. Really cheaply made and coverd in what looked like black paint. I would not have paid one quarter of the asking price for this rubbish so returned home without one.. Spent several hours turning the place upside down and found my original one

It's obvious that RCBS quality is going downhill............................. very sad.

[Houndog]

I don't know how old my RCBS Rockchucker is as I brought it used from an estate sale about 12 years ago, I also brought a Uniflow. Now the Uniflow needs a new handle part as it's about to fall apart. One day I'll send it back.

In the mean time I mislaid my RCBS case champher/deburrign tool so went to get a new one. Not only was the new one terribly expensive but to be frank it was rubbish. Really cheaply made and coverd in what looked like black paint. I would not have paid one quarter of the asking price for this rubbish so returned home without one.. Spent several hours turning the place upside down and found my original one

It's obvious that RCBS quality is going downhill............................. very sad.

Not to hijack this thread, but if you want a QUALITY deburing tool, look to L.E. Wilson or Redding.

[jcwit]

Looks like they all run $15 to $25 bucks today.

[Char-Gar]

Well, I am using a cast steel RCBS A2 made in the mid-1950's, so I know it is American made. This 55 year old press, is just as good as new. They don't wear out or break. When you can find them used they are not cheap, going from $150.00 to $225.00.

If a fellow wants a brute strong lifetime single stage press that can't be broken, then hunt one up.

P.S. The A2 had a bushing in the top that could be removed to use those big shotshell dies. The production date is on top of the press under this bushing. Toward the end of production RCBS went to cast iron instead of cast steel and eliminated the bushing. So, if you shop for an A@ get one with the bushing, it will be steel instead of iron.

[mtgrs737]

+1 on the older RCBS presses, I wouldn't take a new price for mine, they don't wear out if kept oiled and clean. I have had several dealings with RCBS and find them to be more than fair, often replacing parts that I screwed up for free. I will always consider them for my needs.

The older Rockchuckers do come up here in the selling and swaping area and Ebay from time to time so those looking for one keep an eye out.