You’re building a serious reloading setup. Maybe you’re a precision rifle shooter chasing tiny groups, or a handgunner looking for cost-effective, consistent practice ammo. The foundation of that entire operation is your press. For decades, one name has been synonymous with robust, reliable single-stage performance: the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. But RCBS sells it as part of a comprehensive packagethe Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit. The question isn’t just about the press, but whether the whole kit is the right starting point for your ammo reloading journey.
For many experienced reloaders, the answer is a resounding yes. This kit is often cited as the gold standard for a beginner’s first serious foray into the craft or for a seasoned shooter who wants a dedicated, ultra-precise single stage press. If you’re looking for a top-tier foundation, many professionals point directly to the RCBS Rock Chucker. It’s the heart of the system we’re about to dissect.
What is the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit?
Think of it as a turnkey solution. Instead of piecing together a dozen components from different manufacturers, RCBS bundles their flagship press with virtually every essential tool you need to start reloading rifle and pistol cartridges. It’s designed to get you from a box of components to finished, safe ammunition with one purchase. The core philosophy is durability and precision. This isn’t a lightweight kit; it’s built for a lifetime of use on a sturdy reloading bench. The central question for many is: is the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit worth it? Let’s open the box and see.
Detailed Breakdown: Everything Included in the Box
Unboxing this kit feels like Christmas for a gear-oriented shooter. You’re not just getting a press; you’re getting a system. Heres the complete inventory of reloading accessories that answers what comes in the Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit.
The Core Components
- Rock Chucker Supreme Press: The 4-inch “O” frame press is cast iron, offering immense rigidity and leverage. It features a patented primer arm system that handles both large and small primers without changing parts.
- Uniflow III Powder Measure: This is a workhorse. Made from cast iron and aluminum, it delivers consistent powder throws for both rifle and pistol charges. It comes with two metering cylinders (large and small) for versatility across different powder types.
- RCBS 5-0-5 Scale: A beam scale known for its accuracy and reliability. It requires no batteries, making it a permanent, trustworthy part of your reloading setup.
- Hand Priming Tool: Allows for sensitive, controlled primer seating off the pressa step many prefer for better feel.
- Case Lube Kit & Case Loading Block
- Hex Key Set and Case Prep Tools (deburring/chamfering tool)
- Powder Funnel and Primer Catcher
The inclusion of the Uniflow III Powder Measure and a quality beam scale is significant. These are tools you’d buy separately in many other kits, and here they are premium versions.
Performance Review: Accuracy, Durability, and Ease of Use
This is where the kit justifies its reputation. The single stage press design is inherently accurate. You perform one operation on all cases before moving to the next, minimizing error and allowing for meticulous inspection at each stage.
Accuracy & Consistency
The press’s lack of flex is its superpower. Full-length resizing tough rifle brass? No problem. The compound linkage provides smooth, effortless operation, ensuring each stroke is consistent. Consistency in operation leads to consistency in ammunition. The Uniflow III, when used with extruded rifle powders, benefits from a consistent technique (a firm tap on the handle before each throw), but it delivers remarkably stable charges for ball and flake powders right out of the box.
Durability & Feel
This kit is heavy. In the world of reloading tools, weight equals stability and longevity. The press will outlive you. The handle has a solid, confident feel with no slop. The primer disposal system (Primer Catcher) is simple and effective, though some users add a tube for longer-term collection. It’s a system designed for thousands of rounds, not hundreds.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
Setting it up is straightforward. How to set up the RCBS Master Reloading Kit involves bolting the press to a solid bench, calibrating the 5-0-5 scale, and attaching the powder measure. The instructions are clear. However, the kit assumes you have or will seek out the fundamental knowledge of the reloading process. It provides the tools, not the step-by-step manual. For that, you should consult an authority guide like the one from the NSSF. This is a kit for someone willing to learn.
Pros and Cons: Who Should Buy This Kit?
No piece of gear is perfect for everyone. Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses to see if this aligns with your needs.
The Advantages
- Unmatched Durability: This is a buy-once, cry-once purchase. The components are commercial-grade.
- Exceptional Value: Purchasing these items individually costs significantly more. The bundle savings are substantial.
- Precision Foundation: It fosters good habits. The single-stage process teaches you to focus on each step, which is ideal for beginners and precision shooters alike.
- Comprehensive: You can literally start reloading after mounting it, assuming you have dies, components, and manuals.
The Drawbacks & Considerations
- Not for High-Volume Production: If you’re loading 500 rounds of 9mm for a weekend competition, a progressive press is better suited. This is for precision or low-to-medium volume.
- Beam Scale Learning Curve: While supremely accurate, a beam scale is slower than a digital scale. Many users eventually add a digital scale like the rcbs Chargemaster for speed, but keep the 5-0-5 for verification.
- Initial Investment: It’s a premium-priced kit. You’re paying for lifetime quality.
So, who’s the ideal buyer? The beginner who is serious about learning correctly. The precision rifle shooter. The hunter who reloads a few hundred rounds of match-grade ammo per year. If you value process, consistency, and gear that won’t quit, this is your kit.
Final Verdict & Alternatives
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit isn’t just a collection of tools; it’s an institution. It sets a benchmark for what a premium reloading kit should be. For those wondering if it’s worth it, the answer hinges on your goals. If you prioritize ultimate precision, durability, and learning the craft the right way, it is an outstanding investment.
How It Stacks Up: The Competitive Landscape
Naturally, people compare it to other major brands. In the debate of RCBS vs Hornady vs Lee, each has its philosophy.
- Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit: Often seen as the direct competitor. It features a good press with a quick-change bushing system (very convenient) and generally includes a digital scale. The press may feel slightly less robust than the Rock Chucker to some, but it’s an excellent system, especially if you value speed of die changes.
- Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit: The budget champion. It gets you reloading for significantly less money. The components are functional but not built to the same heirloom standard. It’s a fantastic way to try reloading with minimal investment, but you may outgrow or upgrade parts over time.
The Rock Chucker kit sits at the top for build quality and long-term value. It’s the kit you won’t replace. For a detailed look at another option within the RCBS family, check out our comparison of the rcbs Rebel versus this model.
Building On The Foundation
Even a master kit can be enhanced. Thinking about the best accessories to add to Rock Chucker kit? Consider a dedicated case trimmer, a digital scale for faster charge throwing, and a good vibratory case tumbler for cleaning brass. The kit gives you the core; you can expand your capabilities from there.
In the search for the best single stage reloading kit, the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit remains a definitive answer. It demands a serious commitment from the user but rewards that commitment with unparalleled consistency, durability, and the deep satisfaction of crafting exceptional ammunition on a tool built to last generations. It’s not the cheapest path into reloading, but for many, it’s the most correct one.