Set-Up and Demo: RCBS Pro Chucker 7

Everyone recognizes the single-stage RCBS Rock Chucker, but are you familiar with the Pro Chucker 7, RCBS’s 7-station progressive reloading press?

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About the RCBS Pro Chucker 7

The RCBS Pro Chucker 7 is unique, starting with its seven stations.

Its Uniflow powder measure also holds a full pound of powder! (I’ve previously shown this press in my Progressive Press Shootout but wanted to provide an up-to-date in-depth look.)

From RCBS:

Take reloading to the elite level with the new RCBS Pro Chucker 7 Auto Index Progressive Press. The first seven-station auto-indexing press on the market, The Pro Chucker 7 features automatic indexing for maximum production, with a load rate of approximately 600 rounds per hour. The quick-change die plate allows fast caliber change over for even greater efficiency. Standard primer pick up tubes are used with the safety-shielded priming system. Spent primers are efficiently dropped from the bottom of the press to be captured in a trash receptacle.

Please Note: A shell plate is required to use the Pro Chucker 7 Press. Shop Shell Plates

The large powder capacity Quick Change powder measure reduces the number of times you have to fill the powder hopper. Plus, the Quick Change drain tube allows you to drain the powder measure without removing it from the press. QC metering assemblies allow shortened set up times when switching powders. Seven stations allows you to progressive load any way you want: Seat bullets and crimp separately. Use a bullet feeder but also use a Lock-Out or Powder Checker die. With seven stations, you can do it all.

- Seven-station auto indexing for maximum production, with a load rate of approximately 600 rounds per hour
- Primer pick up tubes are used with the safety-shielded priming system
- Quick-change die plate allows fast caliber change
- Quick Change powder measure
- Die cast aluminum frame with 4.625″ operating window
- Zerk fitting for lubrication
- Loaded cartridge bin
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Made in U.S.A.

What’s in the Box

The main press assembly comes with a Uniflow powder measure with integrated baffle, toolhead, press handle, storage bin and rack, discharge chute, priming system, and printed materials.

The priming system doesn’t just include large and small primer pickup tubes but also an explosion shield, spent primer drop tube, primer tubes (large and small), punches (large and small), tube base, sliders, and mounting hardware.

Press Set-Up

I used two RCBS accessory base plates in concert with the Ultimate Reloader Bench System.

One was for mounting the Pro Chucker 7 while the other could be used for accessories like a bullet feeder. The RCBS plates have pre-tapped holes for a variety of RCBS presses, making installation quick and painless.

Once I mounted the press, I removed the zip tie and lockout pin that keeps the press from cycling and installed the handle.

Next, I raised the shellplate and installed the appropriate primer punch. I decided to load .357 Mag, so I installed the large primer punch.

To complete the priming system installation, I added the primer slider actuator, slider, dispenser, primer slider guide, explosion shield, primer tube, and return spring — in that order.

To make shellplate installation easier, I used the lockout pin to prop up the ram so that the shellplate would be in the middle of the stroke.

I started with the indexing ball bearing and spring, then placed the plate over top in the proper orientation before securing it with a washer and a nylock nut. I hand-tightened the nut then backed off just enough to allow smooth indexing.

After testing the shellplate functionality, I added the discharge chute, case eject spring, and spent primer tube.

The toolhead drops in the top of the press. I rotated the toolhead to lock it then secured it with set screws.

One of the last steps was to set up the case-activated powder measure.

Before I put it together, I cleaned all of the internal parts with acetone, then installed the pistol drop tube, drum, hopper, micrometer, and baffle.

Acetone works to degrease the parts and remove any factory oil that may trap powder granules and negatively affect the consistency of your charges.

I installed the powder measure in station four.

Loading and Shooting

I decided to load .357 Magnum to a .38 Special load specifications with a new powder to me, Winchester 244 Ball Powder.

This powder has a copper-reduction agent and as a ball powder is ideal for use with a progressive press. I combined this powder with Berry’s .38/.357 125 Grain Flat Point-Thick Plate Bullets.

I installed the appropriate flat-point stem into an RCBS bullet seater and began setting up the dies.

I installed a sizing/depriming die in station one, an expander in station three, and the seater in station six.

In addition to the dies I had on hand, I also added an RCBS Seater/Taper Crimp die. This die set came with stems for both round nose and flat point bullets as well as a spacer to move easily between .357 Magnum and .38 Special. I removed the stem to use it as a dedicated crimp die in station seven.