Press upgrade. Rebel, rock chucker, or coax

[Phys86]

Hi, I need to replace my Lee hand press with a big boy press. I've been using it for about 5 years now as my only press and I'd like more consistent shoulder bump.

I'm looking at the rcbs rebel, rock chucker, and Forster coax.

I'm on a budget. I have a Scheels gift card that would get me to $150 on a rebel. Or, I could find a used rock chucker in classifieds or ebay. Or, wait until a coax comes up in the classifieds that I can afford. $150 for the rebel seems like a good deal.

I don't mind screwing/unscrewing dies, so the "easy" part of die install for the coax is a bit moot.

This press will likely live in one spot, so I'm not concerned with weight.

I don't want to have to buy a bunch of brand specific bits and pieces to use the press.

Thoughts?

 

[Eagle Six]

You don't seem to have any specifics which would favor one over the other. I think either of the three would suit your needs and make a good investment. I've had several RCBS presses over the years and they have all served well. If it were me I would also keep the Lee hand press. There are many other presses members will probably suggest and those using the coax will most likely swear by it. I'm currently using a Mec, but cannot say it is any better than the three you list.

 

[karrarararararar]

I would buy the Rebel. Also keep in mind that Scheels will price match if you find it cheaper online.

Edit: Looks like a few retailers online have it cheaper that you should be able to use to price match . https://www.wikiarms.com/guns?q=604544630442

 

[Phys86]

Yes I figured the hand press would be useful for priming, depriming, loading at the range, seating bullets. It's does all of those very very well.

 

[Phys86]

I would buy the Rebel. Also keep in mind that Scheels will price match if you find it cheaper online.

Edit: Looks like a few retailers online have it cheaper that you should be able to use to price match . https://www.wikiarms.com/guns?q=604544630442

I had found it a little cheaper elsewhere online... I forgot about their price match. With my gift card, that will make it very cheap. I think I'll pursue that!

 

[6Creed73]

The Rebel is a great press. For 150, I wouldn't give it another thought...that press will last a lifetime.

 

[nakneker]

I’ve used all three of the presses you mention. I have 32 years of experience on my Rock Chucker and still use it a lot. I have a Co-Ax but I’m just use to the RC. The Co-Ax is nice, just how it shook out with me. There’s no wrong choice in my view, if I was you I’d buy the Rebel and start enjoying it. Easy and done.

 

[Chris Edmondson]

My only thought is it's important to recognize that the Forster CoAx press in not just an expensive Rock Chucker press, if that were the case, then buy the RC and enjoy the savings.

 

[Dimner]

I bought a rock chucker after my lee single stage. Love it. No regrets. I also was considering the coax vs the rock chucker as well

 

[R.Morehouse]

The Lee Classic Cast is a good one.

Regards
Rick

 

[KMW 1954]

I have and use regularly a RCBS JR3 press that I picked up on ebay for like $45.00 shipped. Basicall purchased it for just processing short rifle brass like 223 and 243 stuff. So far it works fantastic and holds a headspace to within .001 and I still think some of tat deviation is the brass itself.

So I guess I would lean towards the Rebel.

 

[Owens85]

I really like my rock chucker press. Does everything I need it to do.

 

[Murray Brook]

The Lee Classic Cast is a good one.

Regards
Rick

Great press. Lots of good features.

 

[SeabeeKen]

My Forster sits more than its used. I prefer my Redding Big Boss 2. No difference is accuracy between them when using the same dies.

 

[Henryrifle]

I'd vote for the Co-Ax. The sliding jaws instead of a shell holder, adjustable depth priming, spent primer collection and unique/simple die holding capabilities set it apart from the others. If you keep it clean and properly lubricated it will last a lifetime or two. While all of the others you mention have an unlimited selection of aftermarket support, so does the Co-Ax. Great lighting options, storage, die holders, handle lengths and designs and bench mounted stands.

That said, it is pretty perfect the way it comes. As others have said, there are no bad decisions among the presses you list. I have a RC as well but it has been sitting under the reloading bench since the Co-Ax arrived.

Hank

 

[Wingnut00]

I would in no way buy the coax unless for decapping only. It’s fantastic for popping primers but that’s it. I would say yes on the rebel but I would push you towards the Redding Big Boss II.

 

[Toms]

Hi, I need to replace my Lee hand press with a big boy press. I've been using it for about 5 years now as my only press and I'd like more consistent shoulder bump.

I'm looking at the rcbs rebel, rock chucker, and Forster coax.

I'm on a budget. I have a Scheels gift card that would get me to $150 on a rebel. Or, I could find a used rock chucker in classifieds or ebay. Or, wait until a coax comes up in the classifieds that I can afford. $150 for the rebel seems like a good deal.

I don't mind screwing/unscrewing dies, so the "easy" part of die install for the coax is a bit moot.

This press will likely live in one spot, so I'm not concerned with weight.

I don't want to have to buy a bunch of brand specific bits and pieces to use the press.

Thoughts?

I have a bonanza co axel in very good shape I would sell. Contact me if interested. Thanks Tom

 

[PhilC]

I have 32 years of experience on my Rock Chucker and still use it a lot. I have a Co-Ax but I’m just use to the RC.

I have 3 single stage presses, an RCII purchased new in 1986 when I started reloading, a superb original RC (with nuts vs circlips) I got a great deal on about 4yrs ago, and a nice Echo converted to accept slip in shellholders. Guess which I default to every time, the one I've had from the start.

 

[209jones]

After wanting a Co-Ax for 30yrs +, couldn't afford it when I bought the Rockchucker, at that time the RC kit was cheaper than a Bonanza Co-Ax, somewhat glad I waited, as the Co-Ax has had upgrades since then, picked it up about 12yrs ago. I do like the jaws and die swapping features, universal is exactly that, but it has limits like anything universal, doesn't like the thick rims on my 218Bee, or the large dia rim on the 450-400NE I had. Also bought a new MEC since then, like it better than the old RC. I don't see any real advantage to the Rebel over the RC, RC is more versatile, and comes in a better kit, kinda baffles me why RCBS doesn't sell a Rebel kit with a beam scale.

 

[piie]

Why are you not also looking at turret presses? The T-7 is a great press, and it makes it easier to set once and forget, and with additional turrets, you can have alot of preset dies at hand.