Rock Chucker IV aka Supreme?

[demarpaint1]

TIA my Rock Chucker IV was binding, quite a bit suddenly, so I took the ram out to clean and oil it and discovered a shard of iron [on tape], and marks on the ram [below the tape]. Aside from the mark in the picture which is raised slightly when I run a finger nail on it there are no other marks. The bore the ram rides in appears OK. My question is do I try with a Dremel to grind out the mark, clean it up, lube it and put it back together hoping it doesn't bind? Or do I try and get another ram and hope for the best? If the Dremel works and it doesn't bind can I rely on the ammo it produces?

 

[Herzo]

That "gouge " will continue to accumulate grit and eventually score the mating bore. RCBS has a reputation for standing behind their products. I would contact them - they should make it right. That could be an occlusion in the material, happens rarely, but happens.

 

[demarpaint1]

Thanks for the reply. I reached out to them earlier via their website, I'm waiting for a reply. Now you have me thinking I better have another look at the cylinder the ram rides in, that could be scored too possibly posing a problem for a new ram? I'm the original owner but have no proof of purchase, which is what the website states I need for a warranty claim. I'm hoping it's not time for a new press.

 

[Conaso]

When I bought my Mk IV/Supreme the ram had machinery marks that caused chatter. Wrote to RCBS and included pictures. They apologized and sent me a new one without question.

 

[demarpaint1]

When I bought my Mk IV/Supreme the ram had machinery marks that caused chatter. Wrote to RCBS and included pictures. They apologized and sent me a new one without question.

Good to know. I know they're a reputable company, and make quality products. IIRC I bought this press within the first year it was made, so its been around quite a while, and worked flawlessly until today. I emailed them via the site late in the day, I should hear back within a day or so I would think. As I mentioned earlier according to their website I need proof of purchase which I don't have. Worst case is I buy a ram if the sleeve it rides in is not scarred, or I use it to pop primers after smoothing out the blemish and pitch it when it's worn out.

It was bond up pretty tight and I was pretty rough with before I decided to pull the ram out. Hopefully that didn't mess something else up.

 

[McGrew]

If all companies had customer service like RCBS the world would be a much better place. They replaced parts on my 45 year old case trimmer without question and even sent me a spring loaded decapping pin no charge when I was having problems with my 40 year old 45acp dies. The standard decapping pin was pulling the primers back into the pocket and it created problems on my Dillon 750. I told them it wasn’t their problem as I never had the problem in my Rock Chucker. A couple days later I had a new spring loaded decapping setup and it works great. RCBS cs is second to none! Danny

 

[Herzo]

Chances are slim that the bore is damaged, while it may be lightly scored, it will not catch any grit. Just clean it with a solvent soaked rag and lube it prior to reassembly

 

[Herzo]

In looking at the ops photo, it looks like there was an occlusion in the parent material that was missed by QC during processing (Chinese steel?).

 

[demarpaint1]

In looking at the ops photo, it looks like there was an occlusion in the parent material that was missed by QC during processing (Chinese steel?).

I think this unit was made in the USA prior to them outsourcing parts from China, I base that on the age of it. Although I could be wrong. It was bought shortly after they introduced it. I don't recall seeing that blemish on the ram, when I had the ram out to clean and lube many years ago.

I was searching online for parts, and a ram is not something I see listed anywhere.

 

[dgeesaman]

I’d replace that. Yes you could grind out the rough spot and it will probably perform fine but there is always the chance a primer anvil or other dirt will get caught in the pocket and cause more trouble.

Interesting that the steel surface broke down before the cast iron housing.

 

[Fuj]

One thing bad about wet and sticky types of lubes on a press ram is it's
ability to grab and trap dirt and grit. I went to using a dry lubricant many
years ago.

 

[Herzo]

I think this unit was made in the USA prior to them outsourcing parts from China, I base that on the age of it. Although I could be wrong. It was bought shortly after they introduced it. I don't recall seeing that blemish on the ram, when I had the ram out to clean and lube many years ago.

I was searching online for parts, and a ram is not something I see listed anywhere.

Made in USA does not mean that the material is from an American steel mill. The Chinese have been selling their steel in this country for over 30 years that I know of.

 

[demarpaint1]

Made in USA does not mean that the material is from an American steel mill. The Chinese have been selling their steel in this country for over 30 years that I know of.

True but IIRC RCBS wasn't sourcing from them, at least that's what I read. You might very well be right.

 

[demarpaint1]

Update: I spoke with a gentleman from RCBS, he asked I send them the ram. They will replace it w/o any hesitation, questions, or red tape. Outstanding CS, great reps! They will be getting more business and referrals from me for sure. My experience mirrors what others stated in this thread.

Thanks to all those who replied!