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How to spot a old Rock Crusher.
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outdoors-man
new member
posted
Hi all,
I'm trying to pick up a old rock crusher. I've been checking online, and at gun shows. My question is how to spot one. If anyone has pic's, and a approximate age of the press that be great. I'm trying to find a all American made press. No China cast ones. I've been told the old ones are better made than the new.

Thanks
 
Posts: 6 | Registered: 03 June 2008Reply With Quote
Tailgunner
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Do you mean the RCBS "Rock Chucker" or the Lyman "Orange Crusher" press?
As far as ID'ing one, the old ones and the new ones look the same (the new ones have a taller opening), check out the current photos of the lever linkage system (that being the big difference between the Rock Chucker and RCBSs smaller presses)
 
Posts: 2124 | Location: Whittemore, MI, USA | Registered: 07 March 2002Reply With Quote
Alan W
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Remove the reducer with an inch and a half socket. There will be a two digit date (year) stamped on the rim.
 
Posts: 50 | Registered: 18 July 2008Reply With Quote
outdoors-man
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posted Hide Post
RCBS Rock Chucker
 
Posts: 6 | Registered: 03 June 2008Reply With Quote
foxhound
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This is probably dead wrong, but I thought I read somewhere that the new ones only had one hole for the handle, vs. 2 on the new ones.?

Rick


DRSS
 
Posts: 710 | Location: Gulf coast SW Fla. USA | Registered: 21 December 2006Reply With Quote
Winchester 69
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posted Hide Post
The new one has the ambidextrous handle, taller frame, and RCBS IV cast into the frame.

The earlier ones have RCBS II cast into the frame.


________________________
"Every country has the government it deserves." - Joseph de Maistre
 
Posts: 1184 | Registered: 21 April 2007Reply With Quote
Jim C. <><
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My old one has RC II cast into the rear post. But, if I were to buy a new press to replace it I'd carefully find a Lee Classic Cast instead. Over all, the CC is better press, totally made in the US of old railroad rail steel, not cheaper/weaker cast iron.

Anyone thinking Rock Chuckers are totally rigid simply hasn't put a dial indicator on one when FL sizing anything bigger than .22 Hornet. I have, and it kinda popped my faith bubble.
 
Posts: 1615 | Location: South Western North Carolina | Registered: 16 September 2005Reply With Quote
SR4759
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The older Rock Chuckers had green wrinkle paint.
The date is stamped into the unpainted top flat near the die bushing threads.
 
Posts: 13978 | Location: http://www.tarawaontheweb.org/tarawa2.jpg | Registered: 03 December 2008Reply With Quote
airgun1
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posted Hide Post
I have a spare from the mid 70's that I may part with. It is marked RC; it is the 2d variation with the newer style pin with E-clipos instead of the first style with a nut and bolt arrangement. This has the black bicycle grip handle. It is in fine working condition but could use TLC in the appearance department. I think it will fit in the large flat rate box if disassembled a bit. Make me an offer.


PA Bear Hunter, NRA Benefactor
 
Posts: 1625 | Location: Potter County, Pennsylvania | Registered: 22 June 2005Reply With Quote
US1
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They are not made in China the RC is made in USA.

If you don't beleive me call RCBS.


Eagles from above
 
Posts: 147 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 03 February 2003Reply With Quote
Winchester 69
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posted Hide Post
RCBS seems to be vague on the point. Here's a reply from them to a direct request for clarification. It's borrowed from another forum.

quote:
This topic came up in a thread back in December of '06. I emailed RCBS and asked them about it.

Here's the thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/sho...ht=RCBS+China&page=3

Here is the response I got from RCBS.

Well, here's what RCBS responded to me with. Vague, but I kind of expected that. (I cut out the email addresses for spam/abuse prevention.)

----- Original Message ----
From: rcbs tech
To: kamicosmos
Sent: Wednesday, January 3, 2007 6:16:36 PM
Subject: RE: rcbs.com - Ask RCBS Form

Thank you for contacting RCBS with your concern. Most of our products
are still produced right here in our factory in Oroville CA. However,
we do purchase some items from China or other countries around the
world. Any items we source outside of our operation are closely
monitored to insure they meet our quality expectations. The only reason
we choose certain items to be produced over seas is to provide our
customers with the best possible products for the lowest possible cost,
or in other words, to give you the best value for your hard earned
dollars.

It is important for us to here from our customers and we appreciate you
taking the time to provide us with your input.

-----Original Message-----


________________________
"Every country has the government it deserves." - Joseph de Maistre
 
Posts: 1184 | Registered: 21 April 2007Reply With Quote
Jim C. <><
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"They are not made in China the RC is made in USA. If you don't beleive me call RCBS."

They now made in China but "finished and assembled here". (You think maybe they would like to con you about it?)
\
Outdoors, buy a Lee Classic Cast instead. It's a better press and ALL USA, plus it's a LOT less expensive!
 
Posts: 1615 | Location: South Western North Carolina | Registered: 16 September 2005Reply With Quote
outdoors-man
new member
posted Hide Post
Hey guys,
Thanks for the help. I just got my hands on a vintage Rock Crusher. Wrinkly paint, cast with a rc, and a green bicycle handle. It was a little dusty with some spot rust on the primer arm which I cleaned up. The best is it's tight. I was at Cabela's the other day they had a new one on display. If you pull the handle down, there's a little play in the piston where as the old one I have has none.
Thanks again for the help.
 
Posts: 6 | Registered: 03 June 2008Reply With Quote
airgun1
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I'll second that the old ones have zero wobble in the ram; the RC II or newer all have slop. I have a new ram for an RC II and it fits worse than the one it was to replace!


PA Bear Hunter, NRA Benefactor
 
Posts: 1625 | Location: Potter County, Pennsylvania | Registered: 22 June 2005Reply With Quote
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