Which is better for .470 rounds? The RC Supreme or Redding Ultramag? I like the fact that I can get the Rock Chucker as a kit but would get the Ultramag if there's a good reason and assemble the rest of the components individually. I know this has been covered before, but if anyone has used both and sees a real advantage to one or the other, I'd appreciate the info. Thanks.
S.

SEQ
That's a tough question.
Personally I use a Bonanza Co Ax with Redding and RCBS dies. I like the nearly universal shell holder feature. Not sure if they make an accessory shell holder for the 470.
Everything I've used from Redding has been top drawer. And the dies and such from RCBS has been just a good in function but not nearly as nice in fit and finish.
Had had a set of dies made for a 375 Whelen that should have been riding in a burgundy velvet lined box.
I'd opt for the Redding press.
Jim

First to answer Arkypete's comment on the fit and finish of RCBS dies vrs Redding dies.

I have many sets of each but all of the Reddings are new within the last five years. The RCBS dies range from new bushing dies to dies made in the 1960's.

The Redding dies do not have as good a fit and finish on the inside of the dies as the RCBS dies. I have had three sets of Redding FL dies that needed polishing inside due to sloppy rough finishes. Also I have had one very rough Redding expanding button.

Two other undesireable Redding features is their in your face so called customer service and the fact that Redding FL dies do not come with air vent holes. All RCBS FL rifle dies have air vent holes. I have had numerous dents on the bodies of 270 and 7mm WSM cases from new Redding FL dies. I have replaced the dies with RCBS dies at my expense.

On the otherhand the new RCBS Supreme press has a design flaw. It sends the ram way up into the top portion of the press to gain lots of stroke which it has but then the die does not stick out of the bottom of the top portion of the press. This means that when seating bullets you loose control of the bullet between the die and the case neck. I would look at other designs.

The Co Ax's handle is way up there and you have to reach for it. My first press, that I still have, an Lyman Eze Loader is like that and it's not easy!

I use the rcbs supreme
loads 470 NE just fine

As far as the press, buy an RCBS Big Max...if they can load 50BMG on it you can do anything. I got mine to load 45-120. That case is 3.25oal, and I stuff 540gr spitzer case bullets in the casemouth and have room to do so in the press.

Rich

I use an RCBS RCII and have no real problems with 470's after modifying the 470 RCBS shellholder slightly. Only 'special' tool I have is a Forster big 50 trimmer as my Lyman Universal won't handle them.

Another vote for the RC Supreme. I reload for my 470 on it and it works great. I sold my original RC because it wouldn't handle the 470 length cases....the Supreme is great.
My $.02.

Good luck.

Gary

The Rockchucker is fine for 470's if the shellholder is modified to allow the case with the bullet inserted to be slipped into the die for seating. No problem sizing and only takes 10 minutes with a flex shaft die grinder to relieve the shellholder to permit easy seating with no compromise of strength of shellholder. It's a little slower but I rarely load very many 470's at one time.

Thanks for all the advice. I went with the Rock Chucker Supreme. Seems to be the most popular. I guess there's a way around the design flaw.
S.

Yes, put a rug on the floor under the bench. Then when the bullets fall out of your fingers you can pick them up and wipe them off.

RCBS customer support is superb. My dad bought a Rock Chucker when I was a kid (41 yrs old now) and handed it down to me. There were several parts missing; primer arm and such. I asked RCBS about buying some replacement parts. Instead they simply sent me all replacement parts -- FREE!!! Yes, they knew I was not the original owner either.

I would take the redding ultramag, much nicer in all aspects and heaps of leverage.

Cheers
/JOHAN

RCBS supreme ~$110 retail
Redding Ultramag $235 retail

both do the same job?

Seg,
the "design flaw" is for the rockchucker press, not the supreme. I can load 470 NE in mine with no mods.

jeffe

Price aside, I think the Redding equipment is superio in its leverage. The build quality is unbeatable. I go for what is best usually, not which is cheaper. My primary press is a Bonanza Co Ax press. Over 100K rounds and no problems.

Leonard,
your position is perfect! I totally agree, with you, with the caveat that I generally spend enough to get the job done.

j

Thanks again for the additional info. (I had stopped monitoring this forum after I made the order). The press should arrive tomorrow. I already got Graeme Wright's "Shooting the British Double Rifle" and I found a local guy who teaches reloading but he can't seem to fill a class, so I guess its books and videos. So what's the best video out there for reloading for big bores?

S.

If you wanted to do things on the cheap check out the lee classic cast. It was designed for 50 bmg. It was a little rougher than my rcbs but only cost 60 bucks. I only bough mine to load 416 rigby and 505 gibbs. Has enough room for those.