Two names dominate the conversation when shooters look for a serious single stage press: the Lee Precision 90045 and the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. These are the workhorses, the foundational tools for precision reloading and building consistent ammunition. For anyone stepping into reloading for beginners or seasoned veterans seeking ultimate control, this choice is pivotal. This isn’t just about a piece of reloading equipment; it’s about investing in the heart of your process.
Both presses promise durability and accuracy, but they approach the task from different philosophies. One is often hailed as the ultimate value champion, while the other is a benchmark for industrial strength. Let’s put them side by side and see which one earns its place on your reloading bench.
The Contenders: A Tale of Two Cast-Iron Giants
The Lee Precision 90045, often called the Lee Classic Cast, is a formidable O-frame design built from cast iron. Its the press that made high-quality, affordable single stage reloading accessible to the masses. On the other side stands the RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press, a legend in its own right. RCBS, a Vista Outdoor brand, has built its reputation on this press’s unwavering reliability. Its frequently cited in any best reloading press discussion for a reason.
Honestly speaking, you cant go wrong starting with either. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. The nuances in their construction and execution create two distinct experiences for the handloader.
Build & Construction: Cast Iron vs. Cast Iron
At first glance, both presses share a core material: solid cast iron. This provides the mass and rigidity needed for precision reloading, especially with rifle cartridges. The fight against flex is real, and both frames are up to the task. However, the specific engineering choices create a different feel.
The Rock Chucker Supremes frame is designed with a full four inches of ram-bearing surface. This massive support area for the one-inch diameter main ram is a key feature. It minimizes any potential ram play or deflection under heavy loads, like swaging bullet jackets or resizing stubborn military brass. The handle is made of solid steel with a comfortable ball-type grip, completing a package that feels industrial and unyielding.
The Lee Classic Cast also employs a robust cast iron O-frame design. In my honest opinion, the Lees build quality punches well above its price point. It feels substantial and capable. While the specific bearing surface dimensions aren’t highlighted in its core features, the press has earned a strong reputation for handling most reloading tasks with ease. The durability of Lee Classic Cast press over time is a common point of praise in user communities.
Press Strength Comparison
| Feature | Lee Precision 90045 | RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Frame Design | O-frame design | O-frame design |
| Ram Bearing Surface | Not Specified | Full 4 inches |
| Main Ram Diameter | Not Specified | 1 inch |
| Handle Construction | Not Specified | Solid steel with ball-type grip |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Key Features & Functionality Compared
This is where the philosophies truly diverge. The provided features tell a clear story about what each manufacturer prioritizes. The RCBS listing emphasizes material quality and specific engineering tolerances. The mention of the “highest quality materials” and the detailed ram support isn’t marketing fluff; it’s a statement of intent for shooters who demand absolute consistency.
The Lee 90045 listing is more succinct, simply stating “Reloading Press.” From my honest perspective, this reflects Lee’s approach: delivering core functionality at an exceptional price. You get a tremendously capable cast-iron single stage press without the frills. This often includes Lee’s famous compound linkage system, which provides significant mechanical advantage, making the press feel incredibly smooth even during tough operations.
A critical functional difference often comes down to spent primer disposal. The Rock Chucker Supreme includes a sophisticated, built-in primer catcher and tube system that directs spent primers neatly into a container. The Lee system is typically more basic. For a clean reloading bench, this is a non-trivial consideration. Speaking honestly, a messy primer disposal system can be a genuine annoyance during long reloading sessions.
Performance: Precision, Strength & Usability
For reloading accuracy, both presses are more than capable. The true precision comes from your dies, technique, and components. The press’s job is to provide a perfectly aligned, rigid platform that doesn’t introduce variation. Both the Lee Classic Cast and RCBS Supreme excel here. The debate on Lee 90045 vs Rock Chucker Supreme for precision rifle often concludes that both can produce match-grade ammunition.
Where the RCBS might have a slight edge is in perceived longevity under extreme, high-volume stress. That massive ram support and solid steel handle inspire confidence for a lifetime of use. The Lee press, while extremely durable, is often viewed through the lens of incredible value. Is the RCBS Rock Chucker worth the extra money? For a hobbyist who reloads a few hundred rounds a month, maybe not. For someone processing thousands of rounds of .308 or .30-06 annually, that investment in perceived over-engineering can be very appealing.
Usability is also key. The RCBS’s ball handle is widely praised for comfort. The Lee handle is functional, but some users choose to upgrade it. My honest take is that out of the box, the RCBS offers a more polished user experience, while the Lee offers unparalleled value that allows you to budget for upgrades like a better handle or an aftermarket mounting system from a company like Inline Fabrication.
The Wider Reloading Press Showdown
It’s worth noting that this isn’t a two-horse race. Other excellent presses like the Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic or the Frankford Arsenal M-Press exist. Hornady’s quick-change bushing system is a fantastic feature for die swapping, detailed in their official source. The Frankford Arsenal M-Press offers a unique modular design. However, the Lee vs. RCBS debate remains the classic entry point for this discussion, setting the standard for price and performance respectively.
Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?
This press comparison boils down to budget, volume, and personal philosophy. Heres my honest assessment broken down.
Choose the Lee Precision 90045 Classic Cast if:
- You are on a strict budget and want the most capable press for the least amount of money.
- You are a beginner wondering which is better for a beginner Lee or RCBS press and want to minimize initial investment.
- You reload in moderate volumes and value sheer mechanical capability over polished accessories.
- You don’t mind a simpler spent primer disposal system.
Honest to goodness, the Lee is the king of value. It gets you into the game with a tool that will not hold you back.
Choose the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme if:
- You view your press as a “buy once, cry once” lifetime investment.
- You frequently reload large rifle cartridges or perform strenuous tasks like swaging.
- You appreciate refined details like a superior primer catcher and a more comfortable handle out of the box.
- You want the reassurance of RCBS’s legendary customer service and warranty support (always check the official source for current details).
- The question is the RCBS Rock Chucker worth the extra money is answered with a “yes” for your peace of mind.
The RCBS is the benchmark. Its the press against which others are measured for a reason. For more detailed insights, our deep dive on the rcbs platform is a great resource.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” reloading press, only the best one for you. The Lee 90045 offers staggering performance per dollar, making premium single stage reloading accessible. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme embodies over-built reliability and refined execution. I honestly believe you could spend decades with either press and be perfectly satisfied, producing ammunition that rivals commercial match grade.
Your decision might come down to this: are you optimizing for cost or for a heirloom-quality tool? Both paths are valid. Before making any final decision, gathering more rcbs user experiences or checking manufacturer sites like Lee Precision for the latest manuals can provide further clarity. Remember, the press is just the beginning. Your skill, patience, and attention to detail will ultimately determine the quality of your ammunition. Thats the Honest Opinion from someone who has seen both create exceptional results.