The Best RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit Review in 2024!

RCBS has a new single-stage reloading press. And, you are here because you want to know more about this press and the kits in detail. We have all the details you need because this is the Best RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit Review available online.

Read a comparison of RCBS’s best single-stage reloading presses here.

The Rebel Plus kits include almost all the reloading equipment one might need to begin reloading, besides the consumables, such as gunpowder and projectile. The only things that are lacking in these reloading kits are a case tumbler, a case trimmer & die bushings.

More details on what the kit includes are right after I point out what is special about the RCBS Rebel Single Stage Reloading Press. Read our single-stage reloading press comparison article to find out the best reloading press.

The RCBS Rebel Reloading Press

Just taking the reloading press out of the box is a light workout. Its cast-iron frame is thicker than the Rock Chucker and has a larger mounting platform, making it more stable, durable & resistant to flex while performing full-length sizing, and this makes it heavier. The weight of the RCBS Rebel Press is about 22 pounds (9.98 kg) which is 22% heavier than the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press. Just like its predecessor the new press also has an ‘O’ frame, with an operable opening of about 4.5 inches.

Just looking at the presses side by side shows the thickness of the new press.

Another welcoming minute detail is its wider, flatter base, unlike other Rock chucker reloading presses. This flat wide base has ample hand rest space for easier case changing and also enhances the stability of the press.  

While initially looking at the press you will also notice that it does not have any on-press priming system. It’s a very thoughtful exclusion because many (like me) avoid the hassle of inserting a primer by hand on the primer arm, and eventually end up using the bench primer or a hand priming tool.

You will also notice that the spent primer ejection is now sent down through the ram below the press. A small chamber to catch all the spent primers installed right behind the ram would be just perfect. This is a definitive improvement on the Rock Chucker’s spent primer catching system which was not that efficient.

The ambidextrous handle has excellent leverage and along with the zerk fitting on the ram for easier lubrication, using the handle for bulk reloading is not strength challenging.

The bushing is 7/8 14 standard, which is removable and can be replaced with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load or Lee Breech Lock quick die-changing system.

The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press can last a lifetime, but this new rebel press can be used to teach your grandchildren the basics of reloading.

RCBS Rebel Reloading Kit

The RCBS Rebel press comes in two different Reloading Kit. The Rebel master reloading kit and the Rebel Plus reloading kits contain more products with a higher price tag but some must-have products (keep reading to find out).

The items that are listed below are present in both The RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit & RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit.

1. The Reloading Press.
2. Uniflow III Powder Measure. Most updated and the tight tolerances ensure consistent loads.
3. Hand Priming Tool.
4. Reloading manual — Speer #15.
5. 1,500 Grain Digital Pocket Scale for those accurate charges.
6. Universal Powder Funnel.
7. Two case neck brushes and Primer Pocket Brushes for both small and large cases, which are attachable with a handle (included) for easier operation.
8. Deburring tools.
9. Universal Case Loading Block.
10. Case Slick Spray Lube.
11. Fold up Hex key set — accessory handle.
12. Powder Trickler.

Besides the items mentioned, the Rebel Plus Reloading Kit comes with some more items. Listed below;

13. An advanced powder measure stands, for the Uniflow — III.
14. Pow’r Pull kit — containing collet for all sizes of bullets. This is one of those must-have tools for beginner reloaders.
15. Stainless steel Calipers — 6-inch calipers for precision reloading.
16. Six die lock rings.
17. Shell holders set containing #3, #4, 10, #16 & #27.

The RCBS Rebel Plus kit is one of those kits that come with an almost complete set to begin reloading. The only things that are missing are the consumables (projectile, powder), dies, a case trimmer, and a case tumbler.

Need help in choosing a case trimming or Tumbler?

Setting up the Rebel Single Stage Press

Before setting up the press make sure you have the following product ready.

• 2 3/8″ bolts, long enough for the thickness of the press the bench, and the nuts and washer.
• 9/16″ open-end wrench to lock down the handle in position.

With the product arranged, you are now ready to set up the press. It is quite easy actually.

1. Measure the distance between the mounting cutouts. And Drill holes on the bench accordingly.
2. Use the 3/8″ bolts to secure the press in position.
3. Screw the handle and hold it in position tighten the nut underneath using a 9/16″ wrench.
4. Slide in the shell holder in the ram.

And with that, you are ready to use the press for reloading.

RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit Review in Summary

Your grandchildren will use this reloading press and say, “This is the same press my granddad used for precision reloading”.

Now about the kits. The RCBS Rebel Reloading Kit is quite extensive in what it includes for a beginner reloader looking to begin the reloading experience. The kinetic bullet puller, stainless steel dial caliper,  1500 grain digital pocket scale & a set of Hex Key (Allen ranges) are a welcoming inclusion. Users can save money and spend less time in the market to choose these products individually. The Press is also equipped with a limited lifetime warranty.

The kit does include a case prep kit, which contains deburring tools, case neck brushes & primer pocket cleaner, but not a case trimmer. For the least investment buying the Lee ‘Deluxe or Value’ Quick Trim case Trimmer would be a wonderful addition to the kit. Or you can find out which is the best-case trimmer here.

The only negative aspect of this press, some may point out, is its weight but personally, I do not mind the weight, because it comes with durability, stability & improved flex resistance. The kit might look expensive at first but when you notice all the items the kit includes, it justifies the price.

In Our Honest Opinion, the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit is an amazing beginners’ entry-level kit & if not the kit the press can come in handy for professional expert reloaders.