Press recommendation for .338 Lapua

[DIBBS]

I'm currently using a mid 70's vintage Rock Chucker for most of my rifles and a Dillon 550 for pistols. I'm having a 338 Lapua built, and am wondering if I need to look at purchasing a larger reloading press .. ie a Co- Ax or big redding perhaps? Thoughts?

 

[hoz53]

I'm currently using a mid 70's vintage Rock Chucker for most of my rifles and a Dillon 550 for pistols. I'm having a 338 Lapua built, and am wondering if I need to look at purchasing a larger reloading press .. ie a Co- Ax or big redding perhaps? Thoughts?

Do you mean for sizing? I have no experience with 338 lapua but the dies come in std 7/8 threads so I sure would try it in your rock chucker. I’ve got the dies,brass and rock chucker— I could size one and let you know but I bet many others will answer your question and now you’ve got me thinking I need to buy a gun to go with the dies

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

I'm currently using a mid 70's vintage Rock Chucker for most of my rifles and a Dillon 550 for pistols. I'm having a 338 Lapua built, and am wondering if I need to look at purchasing a larger reloading press .. ie a Co- Ax or big redding perhaps? Thoughts?

I believe you'll be fine using the RCBS Rock-Chucker press, - You may need to tilt the loaded round just a little coming out of the shell-holder after seating the bullet, depending on what you establish for COAL. - The Rock-Chucker has plenty of compound leverage to F/L size your brass.
I load the Improved version of 338 Lapua for 3 different rifles and am using an Ammo-Master / 50 cal RCBS press. - But I owned a Rock-Chucker in my early days & wish that I still had it, especially for 308 Win & smaller cartridges.

- Ron -

 

[Clancy]

You know... one time I had plans to build one of these. A friend who owned one let me try it out in a way.

He asked that I sit down at the bench and tear 5 $5 bills in half, then said if I still wanted one he’d help me spec it out

Sorry, I just had to... good luck, and I’ll be watching the thread for curiosity’s sake.

 

[Prose]

The older RC might not have the same clearance as a newer one. I believe they added a 1/2" or so some years back. Other then potentially minor clearance issues there is certainly no reason the RC would not be up to the task strength wise.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

The rc will be fine. I use a lyman orange crush but its just my preference. Lube is the ticket here- use imperial die wax on the body only (not on the shoulder or neck at all) and youll be fine. I prefer an o-frame press for a case that big. A redding big boss is another good choice if your rock chucker ends up being too short as was said above.

 

[shortthroat]

I am using a 30 year old Rock Chucker for 338 LM with no problems. It has less opening than the new ones, but FL sizes just fine. To use the Forster micrometer seating die, you have to hold the bullet at the case neck and thread it into the die. The technique is easy to learn and works quite well. Happy loading!

 

[2tuf4u]

Redding ultramag

 

[338 dude]

I'm currently using a mid 70's vintage Rock Chucker for most of my rifles and a Dillon 550 for pistols. I'm having a 338 Lapua built, and am wondering if I need to look at purchasing a larger reloading press .. ie a Co- Ax or big redding perhaps? Thoughts?

I use a Reading ultra mag and I love it plenty of leverage more importantly the bullet fits on top of the case without having to point it inside the die first

 

[Twoboxer]

IME, the Hornady Classic single stage works fine and easy for 338LM. We're not reforming brass, we're just resizing lubed brass. Can't imagine the RC doesn't have enough leverage (and clearance) to do the job just as well.

 

[Jefferson]

Alberta Tactical Rifle Supply makes a stunning large caliber ores, it has to be seen to be believed and you get it for 30% off
Jeff

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

I use an A4 on mine. It works for such diverse cartridges at .500 NE 3" and a .45-120 (3.25") Sharps. The 338LM works great.

It also works for the 50 BMG...

 

[Sniper338]

I use a egg rock chucker... about 8 year old one... no problems.

 

[MagnumManiac]

I load for 338-416 Rigby Improved, 416 Rigby, 500 NE 3 1/4” and 505 Gibbs on a RockChucker Supreme press. The latter 2 cartridges have 1” die bodies and the large opening is very adequate for all cartridges listed. Even the huge 505 Gibbs has heaps of room to place a bullet atop the case mouth prior to seating it. I had a Redding Big Boss II and an RCBS Ammomaster, both had handles that were too long and cumbersome, giving me back problems using them. Sitting too far away from the press was the problem.
The original RockChucker is rather limited in the opening size for the Lapua, even loading 375H&H on mine was a chore. I got plenty of pinched fingers loading that case on my original RockChucker.

Cheers.

 

[Jefferson]

I load for 338-416 Rigby Improved, 416 Rigby, 500 NE 3 1/4” and 505 Gibbs on a RockChucker Supreme press. The latter 2 cartridges have 1” die bodies and the large opening is very adequate for all cartridges listed. Even the huge 505 Gibbs has heaps of room to place a bullet atop the case mouth prior to seating it. I had a Redding Big Boss II and an RCBS Ammomaster, both had handles that were too long and cumbersome, giving me back problems using them. Sitting too far away from the press was the problem.
The original RockChucker is rather limited in the opening size for the Lapua, even loading 375H&H on mine was a chore. I got plenty of pinched fingers loading that case on my original RockChucker.

Cheers.

Perhaps someone could post the ATRS press pictures I spoke of here, it solves all the problems and I am not related to them and live almost 4 hours away just like good products and this is the best Jeff

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Perhaps someone could post the ATRS press pictures I spoke of here, it solves all the problems and I am not related to them and live almost 4 hours away just like good products and this is the best Jeff

Wish i could get one of those but thats rolls royce pricing

 

[hoz53]

View attachment 1066485 View attachment 1066486

Wish i could get one of those but thats rolls royce pricing

Did you ever think about making a press

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Did you ever think about making a press

I may some day. My timeline was when i built a 50/20mm. I bought the brass so im on the first step. I may build some like that one in a more believable size for the more discriminating reloader who likes high class stuff.

 

[hoz53]

I may some day. My timeline was when i built a 50/20mm. I bought the brass so im on the first step. I may build some like that one in a more believable size for the more discriminating reloader who likes high class stuff.

I don’t want to hijack the OPs thread but I’ll contact you about the 50/20 Thanks

 

[JRS]

Check-out the press in the video that Alan Warner is using where he is forming brass.