Extreme RCBS Rock Chucker Torture Test: Will It Load?

We threw it in the river. We threw it off of the mountain. We roasted it in a campfire, and we shot it! After 24 hours of submersion in ice cold water, a tumble down the mountainside, being burnt to a crisp, and having a chunk blown off the frame we thought this thing had to give. Do you think this Rock Chucker will still function, let alone load? In this video, we’ll torture this RCBS Rock Chucker, load on it, shoot the ammo, and evaluate accuracy!

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About the RCBS Rock Chucker

The RCBS Rock Chucker is one of, if not the most classic, single-stage presses in existence.

We have loaded many rounds on this press and wanted to see just how far we could push this icon before it wouldn’t work.

From RCBS:

The Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Reloading Press is the Gold Standard other single-stage presses are measured against. For decades it has provided unparalleled versatility and strength to make it the top choice for both discerning novices and experienced alike. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for your first press or 10th you need a Rock Chucker on your bench.

The Rock Chucker Supreme combines easy operation, ambidextrous handle, outstanding strength, and versatility to earn that coveted spot on your reloading bench. Featuring a spacious 4.25″ loading window that is perfectly suited for loading longer magnum and a central pivot design that provides outstanding leverage to size the toughest cases. The Rock Chucker Supreme also has large mounting points, a long handle to ensure you can size your cases with ease and without fear of pulling your press off your bench.

Accessory Base Plate not included.

- Accepts Standard 7/8″-14 thread dies with bushing, and 1-1/4″-12 without bushing
- 4.25″ Operating Window
- On Press Priming
- Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Construction
- Ambidextrous
- Backed by Legendary RCBS Warranty
- Made in USA

Torture Test

We started with a brand-new Rock Chucker Supreme and I installed the handle and priming parts. While this test may seem a waste, we really wanted to see what would happen and tried any test we could come up with.

For our first test, we submerged the press in a cold river for 24 hours.

This resulted in minor rust.

Gavin Retrieving RCBS Rock Chucker from River After 24 hours of Submersion

We also threw it down the side of a mountain at the UR Ranch.

The press was in one piece but we lost our GoPro in the process.

To my surprise, the primer arm still worked and the arm was nice and smooth.

Next we set it to cook in the middle of a campfire for five minutes, using water to cool it off.

The water actually boiled off the press!

The spent primer catcher did melt off during this test.

As a final, yet somewhat unrealistic test, we mounted the press to some wood and shot it with the 7mm SWC, recording the encounter with our high speed camera.

The bullet took a chunk out of the rear of the press but left it standing!

The Aftermath

I brought the press in after all of its trials and mounted it on the bench.

Gavin Inspecting the Rock Chucker After Shooting It — Still Operating!

The bushing was a bit loose so I tightened it. The ram was a bit sticky so I added some PB Blaster — I didn’t even clean it.

To my astonishment, the press function was as smooth as glass and the priming arm remained intact!

I swapped the punch and cup from large primer to small primer, keeping the spring. I wasn’t getting full extension on the cup so I removed the spring and stretched it.

I suspect it was annealed in the fire, changing its properties. While functional, it may be prudent to replace it. As aforementioned, we lost the spent primer catcher to the fire, molten remnants still hanging to the battle-worn press. Be sure to watch the video to fully appreciate the results!

Loading and Shooting

I decided to load precision 223 ammunition to shoot through my trusty 223 Trainer.

I installed a 223 shellholder and sized, deprimed, and reprimed some annealed Lapua cases on the Rock Chucker Supreme.

The spent primers fell to the floor without a primer catch.

I elected to use the RCBS 223 supreme die set for this session as it comes with a sizing die, seating die, and case gauge!

After running each case through the gauge, I dispensed 23.5 grains of Varget using an RCBS MatchMaster and filled each case using the MatchMaster funnel kit.

Finally, I used a piece of Berger .22 cal. 77 Grain OTM factory ammunition as a reference cartridge to set up the die and seated Berger .22 Caliber 77 Grain OTM Bullets overtop.

I had no issues using with my torture-tested press!

I took the ammunition to the mid-mountain range and fired a 0.345” five-shot group at 100 yards with my 223 trainer. I was extremely pleased with this, especially since I didn’t confirm shoulder bump or seating depth.

Conclusion

While it’s not likely your Rock Chucker will end up shot, natural disasters may land a press in the middle of a fire or flood or thrown about.

The fact that this press still produced precision ammunition after all it endured is a testament to RCBS’s quality and shows that this press can survive. It is a lifetime investment!