Two names dominate the conversation for a first serious single-stage press: RCBS and Lee Precision. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit and the Lee Precision 90685 Cast Iron Reloading Hand Press represent fundamentally different philosophies. One is a comprehensive system, the other a focused tool. This isn’t just about a press; it’s about your entire reloading journey from the first primer to the thousandth round.
My honest assessment is that this choice defines your bench’s starting point. Are you investing in a complete ecosystem or acquiring a single, robust component? The answer depends entirely on your goals, budget, and patience. Let’s break down these two icons, feature by feature, to find your perfect match.
The Contenders in the Single-Stage Arena
The Rock Chucker Supreme kit is presented as a complete solution. It’s described as the “king of reloading kits,” built around the legendary press and packed with essential tools. The goal is clear: provide everything except dies and shell holders to start loading “like a pro.” This is the definitive out-of-the-box kit.
In stark contrast, the Lee 90685 is just the press. Its listing is brutally simple: a cast iron, single-stage press with a bottom-center handle. There’s no mention of scales, measures, or priming tools. Honestly speaking, Lee is offering a reputably strong foundation upon which you must build your own system. This fundamental difference in approach is the core of our press comparison.
Head-to-Head: Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
A side-by-side look reveals the stark contrast in what you’re actually purchasing. This table lays out the reloading kit versus the standalone press.
| Feature | RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit | Lee Precision 90685 Press |
|---|---|---|
| Core Product | Complete Master Reloading Kit | Cast Iron Reloading Hand Press Only |
| Press Frame | Cast Iron (Rock Chucker Supreme Press) | Cast Iron |
| Key Press Features | 4.25″ window, ambidextrous handle, compound leverage, central pivot | Handle location: bottom center |
| Included Accessories | Uniflow-III Powder Measure, M500 Scale, Hand Priming Tool, Case Lube Kit, Debur Tool, Funnel, Case Block, Hex Keys, Speer Manual | None listed |
| Primary Use Case | Starting from zero; needing a full suite of tools | Adding a robust press to an existing setup; budget-focused building |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Build Quality and Materials
Both presses boast a cast iron frame, the gold standard for rigidity in a single-stage press. This is crucial for consistent sizing and reloading accuracy, especially with tough rifle brass. The Rock Chucker emphasizes its “central pivot design” for outstanding leverage, a key aspect of its reputation. The Lee Classic Cast design (often associated with this model series) is also known for its stout, no-nonsense construction. From my honest perspective, while both use premium materials, RCBS provides more detailed engineering claims about its press’s operational advantages.
Included Accessories & The Value Proposition
This is where the comparison diverges completely. The RCBS kit is a treasure chest for a beginning reloader:
- Uniflow-III Powder Measure: Hailed as their most accurate ever, with tight tolerances for consistent charges.
- M500 Mechanical Scale: A magnetic-damped beam scale with 0.1-grain accuracy.
- Hand Priming Tool, Case Lube Kit, and all the basic peripherals.
- The Speer Reloading Manual an indispensable authority guide for load data.
The Lee 90685 includes none of this. You must source a scale, powder measure, priming system, and manuals separately. This makes a direct price comparison misleading. You must add the cost of quality components to the Lee’s price to match the RCBS kit’s capability. For a deeper dive on the press itself, our rcbs press review covers its strengths in detail.
Performance & User Experience: Real-World Reloading
Setup and First Sessions
For the true beginner, the RCBS kit is arguably the faster path to making ammunition. Everything is matched and designed to work together. You unpack, mount the press, and you have a functional station. The included manual gets you started safely. I honestly believe this integrated approach reduces initial frustration and decision fatigue.
The Lee press requires curation. You’ll need to research and select a scale (balance or digital?), a powder drop (drum or dipper?), and a priming method. This can be an advantage for the tinkerer or someone with specific brand preferences, but it’s a hurdle for someone eager to start.
Precision and Feel
Both presses are capable of excellent precision reloading. The Rock Chucker’s large 4.25″ window and compound linkage are specifically noted for handling long magnum cases with ease, a point worth considering for the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme kit vs Lee 90685 for rifle reloading debate. The smooth, leveraged operation can make sizing stubborn brass less of a chore.
The Lee’s performance is more of a known quantity from its longstanding reputation. The cast iron Classic Cast frame provides a solid, non-flexing base for precise die alignment. Without specific features listed, its feel is often described as robust and direct.
Long-Term Considerations
Competitors often miss discussing long-term ownership. Reloading press durability is excellent for both, but support networks differ. RCBS has a renowned warranty and customer service. Lee is known for value and innovation. Availability of replacement parts like specific linkage pins or primer catcher trays is generally good for both brands through their official channels like the official source or official source.
Resale value over time often favors the RCBS Rock Chucker, as it’s a perennial benchmark. Well-maintained kits hold value remarkably well. The Lee press retains strong value within the budget-conscious market. Speaking honestly, the RCBS kit’s comprehensiveness makes it a more attractive standalone used purchase.
Target Audience: Who Should Buy Which Press?
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Kit is for:
- The beginning reloader who wants a single, trusted purchase to start correctly.
- Someone who values time and convenience over hunting for individual components.
- The reloader focused on rifle cartridges, especially longer magnums, who needs the press’s large window and leverage.
- Anyone who appreciates the confidence of a matched system from a single manufacturer.
The Lee Precision 90685 Press is for:
- The budget-aware reloader who already owns a scale, powder measure, and other tools.
- Someone building a custom bench with hand-picked components from various brands.
- The reloader needing a dedicated, ultra-sturdy press for a single task like bullet swaging or heavy-duty sizing.
- Those who answer “which is better for a beginner RCBS Rock Chucker or Lee Precision?” with “I want to buy pieces separately to learn each tool.”
It’s also worth checking other configurations; for a different angle on this rivalry, see our comparison of another popular precision press matchup.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
This isn’t a case of one being universally “better.” It’s about the right tool for your specific situation. To be completely honest, if you are starting with nothing and your budget allows, the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit is the superior and simpler path. It removes guesswork and delivers a professional-grade foundation. The included components, particularly the Uniflow-III measure and M500 scale, are quality tools you won’t immediately need to upgrade.
The Lee Precision 90685 is the best value press if you define value as the cost of the press unit alone. Its strength is its singular focus and lower entry price. However, the true total cost of building a comparable setup around it will narrow the price gap significantly. You must factor in the cost and research time for additional essential gear, which are covered in guides like the authority guide or resources from organizations like the authority guide.
My honest take is this: View the RCBS as an investment in a complete, optimized system. View the Lee as an investment in a specific, high-quality component. For the question of long term durability Lee Classic Cast vs Rock Chucker, both will likely outlast their owners. The deciding factor is your desired starting line. Do you want a kit that lets you walk into the workshop and begin, or a project where you assemble your ideal bench piece by piece? Answer that, and your choice becomes clear. And for the record, that’s my Honest Opinion.
Pro Tip for Either Choice: Consider your bench ergonomics early. Companies like Inline Fabrication offer stands and mounting solutions that can dramatically improve the comfort and efficiency of any single-stage press, turning a great tool into a pleasure to use for years to come.