How to spot a old Rock Crusher.

26 September 2009, 02:35

outdoors-man

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

26 September 2009, 02:59

Tailgunner

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)

26 September 2009, 03:00

Alan W

Remove the reducer with an inch and a half socket. There will be a two digit date (year) stamped on the rim.

26 September 2009, 03:19

outdoors-man

RCBS Rock Chucker

26 September 2009, 04:03

foxhound

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

26 September 2009, 05:49

Winchester 69

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.

27 September 2009, 00:44

Jim C. <><

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.

27 September 2009, 01:30

SR4759

The older Rock Chuckers had green wrinkle paint.
The date is stamped into the unpainted top flat near the die bushing threads.

27 September 2009, 17:25

airgun1

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.

27 September 2009, 21:30

US1

They are not made in China the RC is made in USA.

If you don't beleive me call RCBS.

28 September 2009, 13:08

Winchester 69

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-----

28 September 2009, 17:05

Jim C. <><

"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!

10 October 2009, 22:49

outdoors-man

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.