You’re looking for a reloading press that just works. A tool you can trust for precision and durability, year after year. For many Canadian reloaders, that search ends with the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. It’s a benchmark in the world of single stage presses, known for its unwavering consistency. But finding one up here, and at a fair price, is its own challenge. This review cuts through the noise to give you the straight facts on features, performance, and most importantly, Canadian retailers and availability.
If you’re ready to get started, the most reliable way to source this press is often through major online marketplaces. For this foundational piece of reloading equipment, many experienced shooters recommend the RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit, which bundles the press with essential tools. It’s a fantastic value proposition for someone building their bench from the ground up.
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme: A Detailed Breakdown
Let’s get into what makes this press a perennial favorite. The Rock Chucker Supreme isn’t flashy. Its strength lies in robust engineering and thoughtful design that addresses the real-world frustrations reloaders face.
Core Features & Specifications
At its heart, this is a heavy-duty single stage press. That means you perform one reloading operation at a timesizing, priming, charging, seating. It’s the best method for learning the craft and achieving maximum precision for rifle cartridges. The press boasts a 4-inch ram stroke and a massive 1-1/4 inch diameter ram, providing exceptional leverage and stability.
- Cast Iron Construction: This isn’t lightweight aluminum. The main frame is solid cast iron, which absorbs vibration and resists flexing under pressure. This translates directly to more consistent ammunition.
- Priming System: It features both a handy on-press priming arm and the option for hand priming. The primer catcher is a simple but effective design that actually works, keeping spent primers contained.
- Spent Primer Chute: A dedicated tube directs spent primers away from the mechanism and into a container. A small feature that makes a huge difference in bench cleanliness.
- Universal Shell Holder System: It uses the industry-standard RCBS shell holder design, giving you access to a vast library of holders for nearly any cartridge.
For a deeper dive into every nut and bolt, our comprehensive rcbs press review covers it in extreme detail.
Availability & Pricing in Canada: The Real Hunt
This is the section you likely came for. Finding the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme in Canada requires a bit more strategy than a simple Google search. Supply can be inconsistent, and prices vary significantly between retailers.
Where to Buy RCBS in Canada
Your best bets are a mix of specialized shooting sports retailers and larger outdoor chains. Stock fluctuates, so it’s wise to check a few. Some of the most reliable Canadian retailers for reloading press Canada searches include:
- Reliable Gun (Vancouver)
- Wanstall’s (Maple Ridge)
- Al Flaherty’s (Toronto)
- Cabela’s/Bass Pro Shops (Nationwide)
- Bullseye London (London)
- Ellwood Epps (Orillia)
Always call ahead to confirm stock. The question “Where can I buy an RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme in Canada?” is best answered with a quick phone call or live chat inquiry.
Understanding the Rock Chucker Supreme Price
As of late 2023, expect the press-only unit to range from approximately $280 to $350 CAD before taxes, depending on the retailer and any sales. The Master Reloading Kit, which includes a scale, powder measure, and other essentials, typically runs between $550 and $650 CAD. While not cheap, it’s an investment in a tool that will last a lifetime. When evaluating cost, consider the decades of service it will provide. Is the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme worth the money? For a serious reloader focused on rifle ammunition or precision pistol loads, the answer is almost always yes.
Performance & User Experience Review
How does it actually feel to use? In a word: solid. The press operates with a smooth, confident feel. There’s no slop or wiggle. Resizing tough rifle brass, like .308 or .30-06, is handled with ease thanks to the tremendous mechanical advantage and rigid frame.
Setup and Daily Use
Mounting is straightforward, though you’ll want a sturdy bench. The cast iron construction is heavythis is a feature, not a bug. Once bolted down, it’s not going anywhere. The handle angle is comfortable, and the compound linkage makes the final bit of sizing smoother. The spent primer system is a standout. No more chasing little brass cups around your floor.
One nuance: while the on-press priming works well, many seasoned reloaders still prefer a separate hand-priming tool for the ultimate “feel.” The press accommodates both methods seamlessly.
Comparison & Final Verdict
No RCBS press review is complete without seeing how it stacks up. It’s not the only player in the game.
Key Alternatives to Consider
The most common comparison is against the Lee Classic Cast press. The Lee is also a robust, cast-iron single stage press and often comes at a lower price point. How does the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme compare to the Lee Classic Cast? The RCBS generally has a slight edge in perceived finish and the refinement of its spent primer management system. The Lee is a fantastic value and a tremendous performer. The choice often comes down to brand preference and specific feature weightings. We’ve even put them to the test in a dedicated accuracy comparison to see if the differences translate to the target.
Other notable alternatives include the Redding Big Boss II and the Lyman Ideal Supreme. All are capable presses.
Accessorizing Your Press
Part of the joy of a platform this popular is the ecosystem. What are the best accessories for the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme? Start with a good inline fabrication roller handle for ergonomics. A dedicated bullet seating stand can streamline your workflow. And don’t overlook a good lighting system for your benchit’s critical for seeing powder levels clearly.
The Bottom Line for Canadian Reloaders
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme remains a top-tier choice for the best single stage press. Its legendary durability, consistent performance, and thoughtful design justify its reputation and price. For Canadians, the hurdle is availability, not quality. By checking the right retailers and being patient for sales, you can secure this cornerstone of reloading equipment. It’s a press you buy once. It won’t be the limiting factor in your ammunition’s precision. That responsibility, thankfully, remains firmly in the hands of the operatorwhere it belongs.