Flush Mount Reloading Press to Replace 90's Rockchucker

[Riflman]

Hi guys. I have an old Rockchucker from the mid 90's that's been in storage the last ten years and I recently started loading again. I am setting up a Husky rolling Work Bench but it has no overhang. I was going to add one and maybe just replace the entire wood top, but this has been an issue before and I have decided it's just time to sell it and get something that will work without the need for the overhang. What is the best ram press for that where the ram does not pivot under the counter top? I've seen the Franklin but have no idea what to get. I'm also going to get an electric powder dispenser and am leaving towards the Chargemaster Link, but open to ideas there too.

Right now I'm mainly running Dillon S Type Match dies and a few RCBS dies. Eventually I might get some Wilson seaters and a small arbor press, but for now, I just want to replace my workhorse.

Suggestions?

 

[South Paw Sammy]

Why not just get this?

 

[M-61]

I have two RCBS Summits.
I think they are terrific, and I could mount them anywhere.
You could mount it in the center of a dining room table. No over hang.
The press has to fit your needs. Since they are single stage there is no mechanical advantage.
Therefore if your F/L sizing much over 308, it may not offer the advantage you need.
Any press has virtually nothing to do with the finished product. Merely comfort and where it can be mounted.
Like anything I post the above is not only my opinion but also about what I own and use.

 

[qec]

I have a FA M Press which I've had for just 2 months. It replaced a Lyman press. I picked it up over the holiday's when it was just $125. So far I really like it.

Features I like:
-I can use either hand or both
-Dies mount a into their own die block. It came with 3 and I purchased 6 more. I only do resizing on this press. Each caliber is setup in a block and adjusted. Easy to swap them out
- Built in light

Things to be aware of:
- The die blocks are aluminum and the set screw holding the die at a set depth can strip. I wrapped the die in plumbing teflon tape. Combined with the set screw nothing seems to be moving
- The spent primer tray is very small

I only have about 500 rounds through the press so far. I Only resize with the press. I prime and seat bullets with other equipment. Not because the press is not good at it but because I have other systems I like better.
I can't comment on the durability. However I don't expect any issues.
I summary it probably is not as bullet proof as some presses but I like the features and was willing to make some minor modification.

 

[Eagle Six]

There are a lot of great presses available. You might want to check out the Mec Marksman. It's sturdy, however I would not recommend it without also purchasing their stand.

 

[Oso]

Inline Fabrications is the source for mounting your press. There are two (2) options with the first being an elevated stand (depicted above in earlier post^^^) and the other option is a flush mounted unit that is at bench height. I have both and it just depends upon your bench height and personal height as to what will work best for you. Your bench top doesn't need to overhang the base for either of these two mounts.

The Flush Mount system can either be recessed into the benchtop or it can sit directly on top of the benchtop with the use of an adapter/spacer plate. I have both styles and there is no noticeable difference. The recessed mount is a cleaner look but if your benchtop isn't very thick or if you don't have the tools or confidence to cut the recess then then this is an easy answer.

Flush Mount System

Adapter Plate for Mounting on top of Benchtop

 

[ebb]

Bolt a 2x6 through the side of the husky box at a convenient height and let it stuck out the front or back and bolt the press to the 2x6.

 

[Andy Work]

and am leaving towards the Chargemaster Link

Suggestions?

Those are $50.00 off right now.

 

[DiffEQ]

If you like the height of your Husky, get an intermediate mounting plate, whether wood, aluminum or steel.
For stuff that I use only once in a while, I have intermediate plates that I use for quick removal.
I have my Dillon 650 on a strong mount, and I'm kind of 'meh' about it because all my other presses are mounted where I can sit down.

 

[DHD]

If you have the space, Inline Fabricators is a great solution. I have two of their stands and have every press mounted to a plate. I run single stage, turret, Dillon progressives, and RCBS lube sizers on those stands. I also use their wall mounts to keep the unused presses out of the way. They have multiple heights of stands also.

They have sales a few times a year also. Using their stuff cleaned up and organized my loading area.

 

[NCIowan]

Ditto the Inline Fabrication comments above. I use several of their products. Including the flush mount and the elevated stands. I highly recommend their products. The workmanship and customer service is top notch.
Duane

 

[nmkid]

I took a 1/4" thick piece of steel at about 5"x10" and bolted it on my table. Then the press worked just fine.

 

[Riflman]

Why not just get this?View attachment 1529646

I've seen those but like my press lower and if I'm going to spend another $80 I think I'll put that into a newer press, like some of the ones with a quick change option. I've had this press for 35 years so I'm ready to try something new. I had a Dillon XL650 for a while but sold it all 10 years ago for a move and never replaced it. One of these days I might get another. The M press for 125 sounds good but right now they are $219. Still pretty good and might go that route.

Also, I like to be able to easily remove the press when not in use. I use this rolling workbench for a bunch of other stuff including making videos and such, and might move again soon, so don't want to make things permanent.

 

[Oso]

I won't deny being a fan of Inline Fabrication's products. I originally started out with a few presses with dedicated "high rise" elevated mounts. Then they came out with their quick mount system with dedicated plated (match up to layout of each press). Now you only need one primary mount on your bench and can have dedicated plates for each specific press or bench tools (neck turning lathe, case prep station, etc.). It is easy to swap out reloading tools, plates are easier to store than entire stand, and reduces the overall cost (additional plate are 1/3 cost of a new dedicated mount).

Think of the cost as part of setting up your reloading bench. If you are a machinist, DIYer, or bare minimalist then by all means there are less expensive and/or bare minimum alternatives. But if you want a mounting system that is securely attached and can easily swap out equipment then Inline Fabrication is hard to beat.

Here is my Rockchucker mounted on a quick change plate installed in a flush mount system.





As you can see the mounting plate is designed with its own overhang (approx. 1")

 

[South Paw Sammy]

I've seen those but like my press lower and if I'm going to spend another $80 I think I'll put that into a newer press, like some of the ones with a quick change option. I've had this press for 35 years so I'm ready to try something new. I had a Dillon XL650 for a while but sold it all 10 years ago for a move and never replaced it. One of these days I might get another. The M press for 125 sounds good but right now they are $219. Still pretty good and might go that route.

Also, I like to be able to easily remove the press when not in use. I use this rolling workbench for a bunch of other stuff including making videos and such, and might move again soon, so don't want to make things permanent.

Completely understand, you have to have the press where you are comfortable, I have a 650 also and it sat for years due to not having enough space to set it up. I was able to set it back up about a year ago and have mercy, it was nice to get it running again.
Good luck on getting everything set up and if you need any help just holler.

 

[Oso]

I forgot to add the photo's of the Flush Mount QD System when installed on top of a reloading bench. I'm adding this for posterity and to whomever might review this post in the future.

In this configuration there is no need to router out a recess in the bench top. Instead, everything is simply bolted on top and a spacer plated is sandwiched in between the bench top and the QD Flush mount plate, which provides the required space/gap for the tapered end (fishtail) of the QD mounting plates to be secured properly.


In above picture the plate on the bottom (fishtail) is the mounting plate with hole drilled to align with the Rockchucker press. The plate in the picture is upside down to highlight the rear foot/tail that slides into/under the open slot in the Flush Mount QD Base Plate.


Flush Mount QD Bottom Plate secured on top of the bench top.

 

[jxb]

I had the same issue when I did a new bench and didn't account enough for the old chucker's deep undercut stroke. If you like Rockchucker, simply replace it with the current model. Mine is a
Rock Chucker® Supreme Press item No. 16-9356 and it's flush mount. I just waited for a sale, $151

 

[R.Morehouse]

I use a pair of these......Hollywood Senior......Amazingly smooth and like most presses, paired with quality dies your ammo will be all it can be....I pulled this pic from the internet.

Regards
Rick

 

[Fclassfool]

SAC Nexus will be my next one