Mounting your RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme correctly isn’t just a setup step; it’s the foundation for every round you’ll load. A solid, stable mount directly influences the precision and consistency of your reloading process. Get it wrong, and you’ll fight vibration, misalignment, and frustration. Get it right, and your press becomes a reliable, repeatable tool that feels like an extension of your bench.
This guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing hardware to advanced stability tricks. We’ll cover the critical details often missed in the manual, like bench preparation and vibration dampening. For those looking for a versatile mounting solution that allows quick press removal, many professionals recommend the Trick-Tools Versa-Mount Vise. It’s a robust plate system that can simplify your reloading bench setup significantly.
Essential Mounting Hardware & Tools
Before you touch a drill, gather the right components. The Rock Chucker’s base has a specific press bolt pattern you must match. Using undersized or weak fasteners is the most common mistake in reloading press installation.
You’ll need the following items:
- Bolts: For permanent mounting, 3/8″-16 or 5/16″-18 bolts are standard. The exact length depends entirely on your bench thickness. A common question is what size bolts to mount RCBS Rock Chucker? You need bolts long enough to pass through the bench and accept a washer, lock washer, and nut underneath.
- Washers & Lock Washers: Large fender washers spread the load. Lock washers or nylon-insert lock nuts prevent loosening from vibration.
- Lag Screws: An alternative for thick, solid wood benches. They offer strong holding power but are less secure than true through-bolting.
- Tools: Wrenches, socket set, drill with bits for pilot holes and clearance, carpenter’s square, and a high-quality level.
The official RCBS Rock Chucker mounting kit provides hardware, but many reloaders upgrade for maximum reloading stability. Your hardware choice sets the stage for everything that follows.
Preparing Your Reloading Bench
Your bench is the anchor. Its mass and construction determine final performance. A wobbly bench will ruin the feel of even the best-mounted press.
Bench Selection & Material
Heavier is almost always better. A bench made from laminated hardwood or thick plywood (1.5″ minimum) provides the necessary mass. Ask yourself: do I need to reinforce my bench for a Rock Chucker? If your bench is lightweight or has flex, the answer is yes. Adding a stiffening frame or bolting it to a wall can work wonders.
The Mounting Surface
The area where the press sits must be flat and clear. Remove any finish or veneer where the press base contacts the wood for a solid seat. This is a key step in your reloading press mount plan. Consider the press’s operating strokeensure you have full handle clearance without hitting the wall or shelf.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Now for the main event: the bench drilling and physical installation. Follow these steps for a flawless setup.
1. Positioning and Marking
Place the press on the bench in your preferred operating position. Consider your stance, lighting, and access to components. Once located, use a pencil to mark the center of each mounting hole through the press base. Double-check alignment with the bench edge using a square.
2. Drilling Pilot Holes
Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your bolt’s shaft diameter. This prevents wood splitting and ensures precise alignment. For through-bolting, you’ll drill completely through the bench. For lag screws, drill a pilot hole depth matching the screw’s length.
3. Securing the Press
Place the press over the holes. Insert bolts from the top with washers. Underneath, add a washer, lock washer, and nut. Tighten firmly in a crisscross pattern, like lug nuts on a car. This is the core of how to secure reloading press hardware properly. Don’t overtighten and crush the wood.
Achieving Perfect Alignment & Level
A press that’s not level or square can cause uneven shell holder wear and subtle sizing issues. It’s a nuance that separates a good setup from a great one.
The question of how to level a Rock Chucker Supreme on a bench is straightforward. Place a machinist’s level across the front of the press ram or on the flat top of the frame. Shim between the press base and the bench as needed. Use metal or durable plastic shims, not cardboard.
Also check for plumb. The press frame should be vertical relative to the bench top. A small carpenter’s square works well here. This alignment ensures the full force of your stroke is directed straight into the dies, a critical factor for consistent ammunition. For more on the press’s capabilities, see our detailed RCBS Rock Chucker review.
Tips for Maximum Stability & Performance
Installation is complete, but fine-tuning unlocks top-tier performance. These best practices for mounting Rock Chucker presses address real-world use.
Combating Vibration
Vibration is the enemy of smooth operation, especially during sensitive tasks like priming. Vibration dampening techniques are simple but effective. The best way to reduce Rock Chucker vibration when priming often involves adding mass or isolation.
- Add weight to the bench’s lower shelf (sandbags, lead ingots).
- Use rubber or neoprene pads between the press base and bench.
- Ensure every bolt in the bench frame is tight.
Advanced Mounting: The Bench Dog Method
For ultimate non-permanent stability, use a bench dog or planing stop. This involves installing a stout vertical post in a bench dog hole directly behind the press base. It prevents any rearward tilt during the sizing stroke, a common issue on lighter benches. It’s a pro-tier trick that costs little but adds immense rigidity.
Maintenance Checks
Periodically check mount bolt tightness. Vibration can work things loose over time. A quick check every few hundred rounds maintains your reloading stability. Also inspect the bench itself for any developing cracks or flex points.
Comparison Context
It’s worth noting how this classic single-stage compares to newer designs. If you’re curious about how mounting needs might differ, our RCBS Rebel comparison explores another excellent option from the same brand.
Final Thoughts
A properly mounted Rock Chucker Supreme is a joy to use. It feels solid, predictable, and precise. The time invested in correct hardware, careful bench drilling, and alignment pays dividends with every pull of the handle. It transforms the press from a tool bolted to a bench into the solid heart of your reloading operation. Start with a strong foundation, and everything you build on it will be better. Now go make some ammo.