RCBS Pro Chucker 5: Press Assembly Part I

Now that we’ve unboxed and mounted the RCBS Pro Chucker 5, it’s time to finish assembling the press so that we can start reloading some ammo! In this post (and video, see below) I’ll cover the first steps involved in assembling the RCBS Pro Chucker 5. In my next post, I’ll finish press assembly. The RCBS Pro Chucker 5 comes “mostly assembled”, there’s just a few things that are left to the purchaser of the press to do, including:

  1. Installing priming system parts and components
  2. Installing the shellplate and related parts
  3. Installing the spent primer drop tube
  4. Installing the toolhead
  5. Assembling and installing the powder measure (will be covered in the next post)

Here’s what the press will look like when the steps covered in this post are completed:

RCBS Pro Chucker 5 side 550

These assembly procedures are simple and straightforward as you can see in this video:

I’ll admit, at this point I’m starting to feel anxious to start loading with the Pro Chucker 5. But patience pays, and I want to make sure that I’m taking my time so that I can document the process, record my thoughts, etc. We’ll get to loading here soon!

Here’s a view of the top of the press frame, showing the all-new toolhead design that’s implemented on the Pro Chucker 5 (and 7, in a very similar form).

RCBS Pro Chucker 5 with toolhead 600

Next up, we’ll put together the updated-and-improved RCBS Uniflow powder measure. There’s some cool new features that I’m sure you all will find interesting- so stick around!

Thanks,
Gavin

3 thoughts on “RCBS Pro Chucker 5: Press Assembly Part I”

  1. Remarkable how similar this new press appears to be compared to the Hornady LNL AP. Not that this is a bad thing as I have an LNL and am very curious/interested in the Pro Chucker 7. With the exception of the removable toolhead, the presses seem amazingly similar.

    1. Jagen
      Close, but more like an evolution of it. One of the LnL’s weak points is its indexing system. For better or worse, its adjustable. The indexing system on this press is stupid simple using the flip lever. I think there is also a lock out pin that forces the press into correct index on the top and bottom of the strokes which is excellent. The primer shuttle can only really be designed so many ways, so yep sort of a copy.

      Gavin,
      I asked this on Youtube, but I thought it bears asking here as well. There has been alot of issues reported on the plastic primer slide, and it breaking easily. Do you see any issues with yours? And your thoughts on making sacrificial parts that break easily?

      I really want to like this press, but not having a case feeder and a key part potentially engineered incorrectly is a big ding for me.

      Corey

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