How to Set Up Your RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press

So you’ve got the legendary RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme on your bench. Smart choice. It’s the workhorse of the single-stage world, known for its cast-iron durability and consistent precision. But even the best press is only as good as its setup. A sloppy installation leads to sloppy ammunition. This guide walks you through the entire process, from unboxing to your first perfectly resized case.

Think of this as your companion to the official RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme manual. We’ll cover the nuances they sometimes gloss over. A pro tip right off the bat: ergonomics matter. If your bench is low, you might find yourself hunching over. For this project, many professionals recommend using the SORQINOTER Riser System which is available here. It lifts the press to a more comfortable working height, reducing strain during long reloading sessions. It’s a simple upgrade with a big impact on your workflow.

Step 1: Unboxing, Parts Identification, and Initial Lubrication

Open the box and lay everything out. You should have the main press frame, the ram, the handle, and a small hardware kit. The first step in any reloading press installation is knowing what you’re working with. Identify the priming arm seat and the threaded hole for the spent primer chute. Check the ram for smooth travel; it might feel stiff from factory grease.

Now, lubrication. This is a critical pre-start ritual. Don’t skip it. The best practices for lubricating a Rock Chucker press involve a light machine oil or a dedicated press lubricant. Focus on a few key points:

• The linkage pivot points where the handle connects.
• The ram itself. Wipe off the heavy factory grease and apply a thin coat of oil.
• The threads on the press frame where the die lock ring will seat.

A well-lubricated press operates smoothly and lasts for decades. This initial care is a core part of your long-term press maintenance guide.

What’s in the Box and What It All Does

Beyond the big pieces, find the shellholder retaining pin and the primer arm. The Priming Arm is a small but vital component for safe primer seating. Familiarize yourself with its spring and how it snaps into the ram. Understanding these RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme instructions now prevents confusion later when you’re trying to seat a primer.

Step 2: Securing Your Press to a Stable Bench

This is where many setups fail. The Rock Chucker is heavy, but it generates significant leverage. A wobbly bench ruins precision and safety. Your reloading bench setup needs to be rock-solid. We’re talking about mounting a reloading press for the long haul.

How to mount an RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme to a bench correctly isn’t complicated, but it requires the right hardware. Use the provided bolts, washers, and lock nuts. If your bench is thick, you may need longer bolts from the hardware store. The goal is complete immobility.

• Location: Mount it so the handle has full, unobstructed swing. You don’t want to hit a wall or a shelf on the downstroke.
• Bench Material: At least 1.5 inches of solid wood or, better yet, a laminated top. Particle board will compress and loosen over time.
• Procedure: Drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your bolts. Use large washers under the bench to distribute the load. Tighten the lock nuts securely.

Give the press a firm shake once mounted. There should be zero play. If it moves, your bench isn’t stout enough. This foundational stability is non-negotiable for accurate how to set up a single stage press.

Step 3: Installing Dies, Shellholders, and the Priming System

Now for the heart of the operation: getting your tools in place. This is where the single stage reloading press setup comes together for actual reloading.

Shellholder and Die Installation

Start with the Shellholder. It slides into the ram’s shellholder slot and is secured with the retaining pin. Ensure it’s fully seated and the pin is engaged. Next, screw your first die (usually a resizing/depriming die) into the press’s threaded opening. Hand-tighten it until it makes contact with the ram at the top of its stroke.

Here’s the key to setting up reloading dies and proper die adjustment for reloading: you must “cam over.” With a case in the shellholder, run the ram all the way up. Screw the die down until it contacts the case, then lower the ram. For a full-length sizing die, screw it in an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn. This ensures the press linkage slightly “cams over” center, applying full, consistent pressure. Secure the die’s Lock Ring at this position. This step by step guide to setting up RCBS dies ensures repeatable results every time.

Priming Arm Installation

The RCBS priming tool setup is straightforward but detail-oriented. The priming arm assembly slides into the slot on the front of the ram. You’ll feel it click into place. The primer punch (large or small) is inserted from below and held by a set screw.

Common issue? If your RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme priming system not working, check three things: Is the correct primer punch installed (large vs. small)? Is the priming arm fully seated and its spring providing tension? Is the primer slide clean and free of debris? Most problems are solved here. For a deeper look at the press’s capabilities, check out our RCBS Rock Chucker review.

Step 4: Final Checks, Calibration, and Ongoing Maintenance

You’re almost ready to load. But first, a systems check. Cycle the handle through its full range with no case or die installed. Feel for smoothness. Install a dummy case or a spent casing and run it through your die setup. Does the primer arm pick up and seat a dummy primer correctly?

Calibration and First Runs

Your first real cartridges are for calibration. Don’t use premium components. Load a few dummy rounds (no powder or primer) to check seating depth and crimp. Use a cartridge gauge to verify headspace and overall length. This dry run confirms your die adjustment for reloading is correct before committing live components.

Keeping Your Press in Supreme Condition

Maintenance isn’t a yearly chore. It’s part of the session. A quick wipe-down after use prevents corrosive primer residue buildup. A drop of oil on the linkage every few hundred rounds keeps things silky. Periodically check the tightness of the bench bolts. Compare its steadfast performance to other models in our RCBS Rebel comparison.

Create a simple maintenance log. It helps track wear and reminds you of scheduled tasks.

The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme rewards a meticulous setup. The time you invest now in a stable mount, precise die adjustment, and understanding the priming system pays dividends in ammunition consistency and reloading enjoyment. It’s a tool built to outlast you. Treat it with care, follow these RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme instructions, and it will produce flawless ammunition for a lifetime. Now go make some rounds.