There’s a new single-stage reloading press in town from RCBS, and it’s called the Rebel! I was fortunate to get my hands on the first “public copy” of the press, and in this article I’ll tell you all about it! A more massive successor to the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme, this press is built like a TANK. Let’s get straight to it!
**Note: Correction: The RCBS Rebel has a slightly wider mounting pattern compared to the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. Be aware of this if you order an Inline Fabrication Ultramount. The correct mount/plate is #26 (Summit / Rebel).
RCBS Rebel Specs and Info
The RCBS Rebel will be available as a press only, or as a part of multiple reloading kit SKUs. Here’s the info for each!
RCBS Rebel Single Stage Press (RCBS #9353)
From the RCBS Rebel Product Page:
The RCBS Rebel Press is the next evolution in single stage press technology. Machined from tough-as-nails cast iron this press will not let you down.
-
- Heavy Duty Cast Iron Frame (22% heaver than the Rock Chucker Supreme)
- Wide Base for Extra Stability
- Tallest Opening of Any RCBS Single Stage Press
- Machined Qualified Surfaces
- Extremely Tight Tolerances
- Bottom of Ram Primer Ejection
- Ambidextrous Handle
- Zerk Fitting
- RCBS Limited Lifetime Warranty
RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit (RCBS #9251)
From the RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit Product Page:
The Rebel Master Reloading Kit is the ideal kit for anyone looking to start reloading and will find a perfect home for someone just starting out handloading or has been handloading for decades.
- Rebel Single Stage Reloading Press
- Uniflow-III Powder Measure
- 1,500 grain digital pocket scale
- Hand priming tool
- Speer #15 manual
- Powder Funnel, Hand priming tool, fold-up hex key set, accessory handle 2 with case neck brushes, primer pocket brushes, deburring tool, case loading block and case slick spray lube
RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit (RCBS #9252)
From the RCBS Rebel Plus Reloading Kit Product Page:
The Rebel Plus Reloading Kit is our most robust reloading kit offering extra tools over our other kits that that make handloading more enjoyable
- Rebel Single Stage Reloading Press
- Uniflow-III Powder Measure and Advanced Powder Measure Stand
- 1,500 grain digital pocket scale
- Hand priming tool
- Speer #15 manual
- Pow’r Pull bullet pulling kit
- Stainless Steel Calipers
- Powder Funnel, Hand priming tool, fold-up hex key set, accessory handle 2 with case neck brushes, primer pocket brushes, deburring tool, case loading block and case slick spray lube, six die lock rings and shellholders (#3, #4, #10, #16, #27)
What’s In the Box (Rebel Press)
The RCBS Rebel press is very straightforward, there are only three things in the box!
- Press main assembly
- Handle
- Instruction booklet
Mounting and Setting up the Rebel
Getting your Rebel ready to load will consist of the following:
- Mounting the press to a mount or directly to your bench (I’m using an Inline Fabrication Quick-Change Ultramount) – same mounting pattern as most other presses including the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme.
- Screwing in the handle and tightening with a 9/16″ wrench
That’s it! I found the RCBS Rebel to work very smoothly, and the positive stop (as opposed to cam-over action) was very pronounced and “solid”. The shellholder retention is positive (with a nice click) but not requiring of excessive force to insert and remove shellholders. Leverage was great when full-length sizing 6.5 Creedmoor brass, and bullet seating was super-smooth.
RCBS Rebel -vs- RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme
The RCBS Rebel is cut from the same cloth as the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme, but there are some differences:
- The frame on the Rebel is much more massive (22% more frame mass), and has more bench contact area
- The frame opening on the Rebel measures 4.590″ compared to 4.530″ on the Rock Chucker Supreme
- The Rebel does not have an on-press priming option like the Rock Chucker Supreme
- The linkage has been updated (Rock Chucker Supreme has cast, Rebel’s are machined)
- Spent primers are ejected downward on the Rebel as opposed to rearward on the Rock Chucker Supreme
Those are the biggest differences! Both presses show a high degree of quality, and you’ll want to check out how well the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme did in my 14 press comparison story!
That’s it for our initial installment, but there’s more RCBS Rebel content coming!
Get Yours From Midsouth Shooters Supply
These presses will be available shortly at Midsouth Shooters Supply, and you can find the related Rebel press and kits HERE:
Don’t miss out on Ultimate Reloader updates, make sure you’re subscribed!
Thanks,
Gavin
I was hoping you were going to check the ram alignment. What’s up with that? No sense buying a press if a misaligned ram causes run out. I like that it’s got a hard stop.
Plus an announcement at the end of the video your not going to want to miss? Are you kidding me with that lame routine? LMAO. Cut the cheesy comments please. If I want to hear that crap I’ll watch the news.
Are you going to give a demonstration on the alignment of the RCBS Rebel ram? I’m interested, but want to see if there is poor ram alignment that may cause run out. My days of buying things before knowing the manufacturer’s quality control are over.
Wondering how the Rebel stacks up vs. the Summit? What advantages do each have.
Good video.
I have owned an RC for years. Its a very good press, but the spent primer catch is not the best.
Can u use colbin dies in the rebel press
I’ve had the new Rebel for a couple months now. Previous press was a Rockchucker 1st generation I bought new in 1978 and have loaded many thousands of rounds on. My thoughts ? The Rebel’s fit and finish are nice and it is big. On arrival is was sloppy as heck, about 1/8″ sideways play in the lower toggle ling and the top screw pins for the arms were loose as well. Unlike the Rockchucker there are no wave washers to help tension anything and remove any slop. There are also no instructions of any kind with the press that indicate any method of set-up or how to adjust the tightness of the arms… so you’re on your own there. The ram, at top stroke does have some visual play, which seems to be able to be lessened if you run the lower link arms really right. In general, my advice is if you have a Rockchucker already, you will be underwhelmed with the Rebel. Just stay with what you already have. I just can’t see that much improvement, especially when a top of the line press is delivered loose as a Goose. A zerk fitting and hole through the ram for primers isn’t all that valuable, necessitating a change. I wonder if this is another of the RCBS Chinese presses ? It has that Harbor Freight feel…. if not I’d have expected more.