{"id":63825,"date":"2016-09-21T09:42:53","date_gmt":"2016-09-21T13:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gunsamerica.com\/blog\/?p=63825"},"modified":"2016-09-21T09:42:53","modified_gmt":"2023-08-20T06:18:16","slug":"rcbs-pro-chucker-7-part-1-setup-first-operation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/rcbs-pro-chucker-7-part-1-setup-first-operation\/","title":{"rendered":"RCBS Pro-Chucker 7: Part 1 \u2013 Setup and First Operation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"rc_88911_prochucker7press\"<\/a>

The Pro-Chucker 7 basic package. (Photo: RCBS<\/em>)<\/p><\/div>\n

The new Pro-Chucker 7 is RCBS\u2019<\/a> offering to the reloader interested in productivity and efficiency.\u00a0 Whether you are new to reloading, even just considering it for the first time, or an old pro with several wildcat loads named after him \u2013 you\u2019ve heard of RCBS.<\/p>\n

Decades ago (more of them than I\u2019d rather admit to) I bought my first reloading press \u2013 the RCBS Rock Chucker. It was a single-stage press that was plenty good enough, until I starting shooting far faster than I could reload and expanded to a half-dozen calibers. At that point, one realizes the need for a more productive machine \u2013 one that can turn out a couple hundred rounds per hour or more, and do it consistently. That is where progressive machines come in, and RCBS is hoping to bring their long revered brand name into the mix. But first, a few words about reloading presses for the beginners.<\/p>\n

Reloading is a Hobby<\/h2>\n
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The Pro-Chucker 7 comes as a full kit that is ready to assemble and then start reloading.<\/p><\/div>\n

I always preach that reloading is and ought to be a hobby unto itself. Don\u2019t get into reloading to be self-reliant (unless you can manufacture brass, gunpowder, and primers you\u2019re fooling yourself anyway), or to save money (recovery of the startup cost will take years, even if you shoot every day). Get into it because you want another hobby that is directly related to your shooting passion, and one you\u2019re willing to put significant time and resources into. That\u2019s as far as I\u2019ll take the soapbox speech for this series!<\/p>\n

The first thing to know is the difference between a single-stage press and a multi-stage or \u201cprogressive\u201d press, sometimes called a “turret press.” As the name suggests, a single-stage press allows only one case and die to be used at a time. I still highly recommend them for beginners, as you\u2019ll be focused better and learn the fundamentals of reloading properly. The downside is, of course, it\u2019s slow. Performing one step at a time to a hundred cases and then changing dies to perform the next step, and so on. Where the single-stage press shines is for making rifle ammunition, especially the high-quality match stuff.<\/p>\n

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There is some commitment to where the machine will be located, so think it through first.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"Mounting<\/a>

Mounting and assembly will require tools, but nothing extravagant.<\/p><\/div>\n

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But I\u2019m a handgun cartridge reloader, and I want volume \u2013 which brings us to the multi-stage progressive press. Instead of one case at a time, the multi-stage has a shell plate that holds numerous cases and rotates \u2013 either by hand or automatic indexing (the Pro-Chucker 7 is auto-indexing). This is accompanied by a head that accepts all the dies needed for that cartridge, the powder measure, and some can even accept additional tools like component feeders and safety check systems. Once all the positions of the shell plate are filled, each pull of the handle produces a finished round of ammunition. Each position completes one or more of the steps in producing the round: De-capping, Sizing, Flaring, Charging, Seating, and Crimping. This is where the name \u201cprogressive\u201d comes from, lest you think the machine leans to the political left. The RCBS Pro-Chucker 7 is such a machine.<\/p>\n

Installing the Pro-Chucker 7<\/h2>\n

But this is not a \u201chow to reload\u201d piece, so let\u2019s talk about the RCBS Pro-Chucker 7 and start with the setup and initial operation of the machine. Nearly everything you need is in the box. I say “nearly” because you will need to provide some hardware to mount the press, and there are no tools supplied. RCBS can\u2019t know the thickness of the workspace you\u2019ll be mounting to, so they are forgiven for not providing those bolts. You\u2019ll need to go to the hardware store (or big-box facsimile) for those, and while you\u2019re there get a good set of hex wrenches and an adjustable wrench or two if you don\u2019t have them. You\u2019ll need those tools.<\/p>\n

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\"Testing<\/a>

Testing function of the primer feeding system during setup.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"Setting<\/a>

Setting the tension of the revolving shell plate is an important step for smooth function.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Having selected the space for mounting the press \u2013 something you\u2019ll want to do before you even open the box \u2013 it starts with unpacking the Pro-Chucker 7 and all the parts and accessories. Lay the parts out on your work table and identify them according to the parts list in the owner\u2019s manual. Getting organized now will save time and frustration later. The majority of the parts come in sealed plastic bags, complete with the RCBS logo \u2013 but without the benefit of any parts number, description, or even a reference number. This writer would very much have appreciated those labels, as several parts look very similar, and some are nearly identical save for the \u2018large\u2019 or \u2018small\u2019 detail that is not always easy to see.<\/p>\n

The setup of the machine was mostly straight-forward, but there are a few spots that are a little tough to understand. I have what I consider at the least to be average mechanical inclination, but sometimes you need help via good instructions and illustrations. The photos in the setup guide are poor quality, black and white, low contrast pictures that often make it nearly impossible to see the parts being described (I’ve seen clearer pictures of Bigfoot, LOL). Joking aside, there is certainly room for improvement there. But, I powered through and eventually got the Pro-Chucker 7 through the basic setup. If you are new to reloading or are all thumbs when it comes to assembling things, you may have some trouble. By a six pack for a friend who\u2019s a mechanical wizard and get help.<\/p>\n

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\"The<\/a>

The Pro-Chucker 7 gets its designation from the seven available working positions.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"Though<\/a>

Though handguns generally only require three dies plus the powder dispenser, there is ample room for additional productivity tools.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The footprint of the press is small. I mounted it on the edge of a workbench, and it only penetrates the tabletop about 5 inches from the front edge. Allowing at least a foot from the corner of the workspace is a good idea so that you have room to work. The machine operates smoothly and quietly. The efficiency of the ram\u2019s transfer of power means you don\u2019t need to lean on the handle to get things done.<\/p>\n

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The linkage that operates the powder dispenser ensures a consistent charge every time. To the right is the primer feeding tube.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"A<\/a>

A broken part prevented the shell plate from indexing and stopped the project until RCBS provided a replacement.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Mechanically, the Pro-Chucker 7 seems to work nicely upon first setup. One part failed, however \u2013 the shell plate indexer broke due to stress or defect, and I had to ask RCBS for a new one. Customer service was hassle-free and they sent the assembly for the part replacement. Installing that was a challenge, though, because the design puts the hex-key screw head right under the pivoting indexer. I had to cut my Allen wrench down to a nub to get even partial access to it. Clearly, this was not designed to be user-changed.<\/p>\n

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\"The<\/a>

The replacement assembly was a challenge to install, due to the location of the screw (arrow).<\/p><\/div>\n

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\"The<\/a>

The first round of 9mm falls from the shell plate.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n

All in all, the RCBS Pro-Chucker 7 looks like it brings something to the market. There is some fierce completion out there, with companies like Lee, Hornady, Lyman, and Dillon making progressive machines that sell very well. Here\u2019s where the Pro-Chucker 7 lines up against the others in terms of listed base price:<\/p>\n