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Pro Chucker 7 (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 12/22/2015 9:54:01 AM EDT
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Just purchased a Pro Chucker 7. I got everything set up and was running some test checking everything out. I was watching the primer transfer bar since it has some know issue's. I broke a transfer bar after 50 cycles or so due to the primer seat not retracting completely which held the transfer bar and snapped the dowel as soon as it hit the guide. During the testing, the shell plate started to have problems indexing properly. The indexer started hitting the bottom of the shell plate not indexing. When it would hit the hole to start the index process it would not move the shell plate far enough forward for the locating pin to line the shell plate up. After a few up, down movements with the handle it would line up and jump forward. The index mount was found to be broken. I called RCBS and had the ship a new index mount, indexer and primer transfer bar.
Has anyone else had the indexing problem with the shell plate? |
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Might want to keep this topic in this thread,
http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/446378_Pro_chucker_5_mini_review.html As for indexing breakage problems, it comes back to shell plate/primer slide binding issues. Hence could have been the primer slider breakage that lead to the indexing breakage, something as stupid as just not having the de-priming rod set low enough and a spent primer jam to the shell plate causing the problems instead, or the shell plate nut set too tight with the shell plate binding there isntead. Trust be told, I think the aircraft nylon lock nut for the shell plate is a stupid idea, and after rolling bearing the plate to top nut so the plate can be firmed up and still rotate, take a regular nut and drill it for side brass tip allen set screws that you lock the nut in place instead. Also, check the shell plate anti rocker to make sure that it set correctly, and fully retracting down when not in use, and not preventing the shell plate from fulling indexing as well. 
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Posted By PlaymoreMinds:
'Twas not the <cough> sweet and innocent <cough> PlaymoreMinds...
<---skips away in frilly skirts to Candyland, leaving gutters and snorkels FAR behind.
'Twas not the <cough> sweet and innocent <cough> PlaymoreMinds...
<---skips away in frilly skirts to Candyland, leaving gutters and snorkels FAR behind.
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Originally Posted By jdmac:
Just purchased a Pro Chucker 7. I got everything set up and was running some test checking everything out. I was watching the primer transfer bar since it has some know issue's. I broke a transfer bar after 50 cycles or so due to the primer seat not retracting completely which held the transfer bar and snapped the dowel as soon as it hit the guide. During the testing, the shell plate started to have problems indexing properly. The indexer started hitting the bottom of the shell plate not indexing. When it would hit the hole to start the index process it would not move the shell plate far enough forward for the locating pin to line the shell plate up. After a few up, down movements with the handle it would line up and jump forward. The index mount was found to be broken. I called RCBS and had the ship a new index mount, indexer and primer transfer bar. Has anyone else had the indexing problem with the shell plate? Loosen the shell plate a little and it should index properly. If its to tight it won't rotate all the way and you will brake the index rod. I've seen this on some others pro chuckers . |
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I was so drawn to the 7 stations that I went ahead and ordered one this morning. Optics planet matched the Midway price (and optics planet had free shipping).
I am a little worried about the reviews but that's expected with a new press. I plan on phasing it into my reloading room slowly hoping to replace my LNL. I am finding very quickly there is no perfect press. I love my 1050 but there are so many bad things to say about even it. If it had more stations, I would love it more. I was reloading 30-30 the other day on it and I couldn't see the powder. I NEED to see it.. I don't trust the stupid powder measure which I know can bridge on some powders. I also want to run a bullet feeder, seat and crimp dies. Not enough positions and the powder is in the back. Really bad place for powder IMO. |
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My view so far on the PC 7. I have only ran 1K of 9mm through the PC 7. I will start with the problems that I have had; I have noticed the top die plate either worked loose or was not seated properly from the start, either way I had a issue with the plate being loose. I lined the plated up tightened it down and no problems since. I had a problem with the press indexing properly which ended up being the index arm itself wasn't opened up enough to index the shell plate far enough forward. I ordered a new index arm and comparing the two the new one had a shorter distance between the arm and the dog leg of the index arm. I put in a new index arm and it works perfectly. The last problem I had and still having is the plastic primer feeder snapping the dowel off. I have noticed that the primer seat gets clogged from debris(spilled gun powder from the lock-out or occasional jump in the indexing that caused spillage) the primer seat will not retract all the way thus not allowing the primer feeder to move and snap the plastic dowel off as soon as the shell plate is raised. I have had the primer feeder occasionally get hung up picking up a new primer drop and not move back towards the shell plate. RCBS customer service is top notch and sent me replacement parts and also sent a updated spring that isn't as strong for the primer feeder, I haven't ran it yet with the new spring but has not had a problem in 50 test cycles.
I believe a stronger spring on the primer seat would definitely help the plunger retract back down and allow the primer feeder to move freely. I think the primer feeder being a metal one would solve the issue and not damage anything in the process but I am not sure of what other problems might be caused by that. |
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Called RCBS for some more primer slides. They said new ones with plastic coated metal tabs are in production. Hopefully she is right.
I also asked about possability of getting more die plates without the gigantic hopper. She got really angry and frustrated. I sensed she gets that question a lot. She said not going to happen. So.. I contacted one of the after market companies about possibly getting some cnc'ed plates made. I am going to let them borrow a plate to see if they can do it cheap enough to make it economical. I am in for 20 myself if they are cheap enough. I will keep thread updated if anyone is interested. |
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Originally Posted By djryan13:
Called RCBS for some more primer slides. They said new ones with plastic coated metal tabs are in production. Hopefully she is right. I also asked about possability of getting more die plates without the gigantic hopper. She got really angry and frustrated. I sensed she gets that question a lot. She said not going to happen. So.. I contacted one of the after market companies about possibly getting some cnc'ed plates made. I am going to let them borrow a plate to see if they can do it cheap enough to make it economical. I am in for 20 myself if they are cheap enough. I will keep thread updated if anyone is interested. The cost of conversions is what kept me from getting the 7. Can't wait to see the new ptimer slides. |
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Originally Posted By bm3:
The cost of conversions is what kept me from getting the 7. Can't wait to see the new ptimer slides. Originally Posted By bm3:
Originally Posted By djryan13:
Called RCBS for some more primer slides. They said new ones with plastic coated metal tabs are in production. Hopefully she is right. I also asked about possability of getting more die plates without the gigantic hopper. She got really angry and frustrated. I sensed she gets that question a lot. She said not going to happen. So.. I contacted one of the after market companies about possibly getting some cnc'ed plates made. I am going to let them borrow a plate to see if they can do it cheap enough to make it economical. I am in for 20 myself if they are cheap enough. I will keep thread updated if anyone is interested. The cost of conversions is what kept me from getting the 7. Can't wait to see the new ptimer slides. I have absolutely loved 7 stations. I don't always use all 7. But I love it. I have a MBF hanging from an angle iron above the press (no case feeder!). I have a powder check, separate crimp, and separate flare die. Fantastic... The conversion cost is outrageous. I wouldn't mind paying 40-60 for a die plate. I can swing that... Just buy a few here and there. But 250-300 with that god awful huge powder measure is crazy. It just isn't nearly as smooth as the Hornady measure. I could not even get it to work with 44-40. It crushed every case. FYI... it has an extremely thin case mouth. The Hornady works perfectly. Not a single crushed case. Smooth.... The problem with not having die plates for each caliber is that resetting the die each time is a PITA. You can't use true locking rings with the PC7 since they don't fit. Hornady lock rings don't fit. I have been using Dillon lock rings since those fit easiest but they don't lock. Those are the easiest to get on/off and the only ones that allow room enough for a wrench to tighten them. Even the RCBS lock rings can't be tightened on a PC7 die plate. There is no room to get a wrench between them. |
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Primer Slide issue Discovered and Resolved.
I have had similar issues with my setup as most above. Shell Plate, too tight, Shell plate with burrs not allowing the case to eject. I tuned and fixed these issues. So my 1 remaining issue was the primer slide catching. RCBS told me to bevel the drop tube mount and use the softer spring they sent me. Well this worked a little better. Then I switched from CCI primers to Winchester and the problem was worse. Thinking about it I decided to measure the height of each of the primers. Winchester Primers are 2-3 thousandths shorter than CCI. This had me thinking. I promptly took the slide assembly apart and measured the depth of the primer pocket in the slide. It was 2 hundredths taller than the CCI primers. Solution: Using 2000 grit sandpaper I thinned the primer slide until it was close to 3 thousandths taller than the primers. End result 400 rounds loaded without a single hangup. That was until the cam follower broke from the previous 700 rounds where the slide was hanging regularly. I am now dead in the water until my new slides come from RCBS. I need my parts... I have 1000 bullets sitting on my bench waiting for a home.. |
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I have had several issues and if I could send it back I would.
1. Small primer slide too thick. Beveling works fine just don't cycle without a shell in the primer position. One primer jammed and broke the second primer slide. RCBS sent two new ones and springs which broke within the first 600 rounds now they are out of stock and I'm down. Also, if you are finishing a run or have to run without a shell in the primer position remember to remove the primer slide spring and slide the slide all the way to the rear until you are ready to run again. I am working one a spring loaded device to move the primer slide so when issue occur the spring will allow the issue to occur without breaking things. I'm going to add a rear lock so when no shell is present or you are finishing a run the slide will not engage. 2. Running 38/357 shells the ejector rod on too much of an angel to eject without jamming. When it jams is shakes power out of every shell and ends up bending the shell plate advancing lever/rod which has to be re-bent in order to advance the shell plate to the correct position each time. I relocated the eject 1/2 inch further around the shell plate and made a longer ejector rod. Ejects smoothly now. This was also a bad design that should have been found and resolved before release. 3. The bullet loading die will not work with pre-lubed lead bullets. RCBS sent me new inserts and but it still will not work. Another case where I'll be engineering something myself. Also, why can't a progressive be designed so the empty shell goes in at the front of the process. This would have been my first suggestion to RCBS. We do not work in a perfect world when it comes to reloading and RCBS has built the Pro Chuck 7 with no tolerance for deviation. They should have published a list of components that what work in this press. Of course that would have killed their sales real quick. |
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Originally Posted By Roland6250:
I have had several issues and if I could send it back I would. 1. Small primer slide too thick. Beveling works fine just don't cycle without a shell in the primer position. One primer jammed and broke the second primer slide. RCBS sent two new ones and springs which broke within the first 600 rounds now they are out of stock and I'm down. Also, if you are finishing a run or have to run without a shell in the primer position remember to remove the primer slide spring and slide the slide all the way to the rear until you are ready to run again. I am working one a spring loaded device to move the primer slide so when issue occur the spring will allow the issue to occur without breaking things. I'm going to add a rear lock so when no shell is present or you are finishing a run the slide will not engage. 2. Running 38/357 shells the ejector rod on too much of an angel to eject without jamming. When it jams is shakes power out of every shell and ends up bending the shell plate advancing lever/rod which has to be re-bent in order to advance the shell plate to the correct position each time. I relocated the eject 1/2 inch further around the shell plate and made a longer ejector rod. Ejects smoothly now. This was also a bad design that should have been found and resolved before release. 3. The bullet loading die will not work with pre-lubed lead bullets. RCBS sent me new inserts and but it still will not work. Another case where I'll be engineering something myself. Also, why can't a progressive be designed so the empty shell goes in at the front of the process. This would have been my first suggestion to RCBS. We do not work in a perfect world when it comes to reloading and RCBS has built the Pro Chuck 7 with no tolerance for deviation. They should have published a list of components that what work in this press. Of course that would have killed their sales real quick. 1. Lets hope the new primer slides are better. They are due out soon. 2. I have run about 1500 357 rounds. Didnt have ejector issues. The key is to have the bar right behind the shell in 7th position which is harder with larger calibers like 45 colt. I suspect someone will figure out a better system for the ejector. There has to be a way to engineer that better. But this design is the same bad design as their old press so its not a new issue to PC7. 3. You are judging the PC7 based on a bullet feeding die running lubed bullets? None of them work with lubed bullets. Once the lube builds in die, game over. I would not give up my 7 stations for anything. |
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1. Lets hope the new primer slides are better. They are due out soon. 2. I have run about 1500 357 rounds. Didnt have ejector issues. The key is to have the bar right behind the shell in 7th position which is harder with larger calibers like 45 colt. I suspect someone will figure out a better system for the ejector. There has to be a way to engineer that better. But this design is the same bad design as their old press so its not a new issue to PC7. 3. You are judging the PC7 based on a bullet feeding die running lubed bullets? None of them work with lubed bullets. Once the lube builds in die, game over. I would not give up my 7 stations for anything. I found that the leading edge of the shell plate has burrs or machining marks. These need to be polished or the cases may stick. |
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Anyone see that RCBS came out with the Case Feeder?
RCBS Case Feeder |
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Originally Posted By HDGator66:
Anyone see that RCBS came out with the Case Feeder? RCBS Case Feeder http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/451499_Confirmed__RCBS_case_feeder.html |
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Grafs is listing it now tho out of stock.....so it must be soon.
http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/search?keywords=RCBS+case+feeder |
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Originally Posted By GWhis:
Grafs is listing it now tho out of stock.....so it must be soon. http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/search?keywords=RCBS+case+feeder Don't be so hopeful. I had the Hornady LNL Rifle bullet feeder on backorder with graf's for 8-9 months I think before they called to say it was finally available. Grafs just puts it on their website early. |
What, you don't believe RCBS's ad.....April Release????? When have they ever let us down. I'm staying positive on this one. They've been testing for months now....and after the last fiasco with their primer feed.....I'm betting they got the feeder right. Add the time-tested Dillon collator to it, and I see something beautiful.....
If you early adopters prove me right, I'll buy a 7 before the politicians can ruin everything in November....maybe late summer. 
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Hello, I'm new to the forum and not exactly an expert on the formalities, etc of the group here, so please bear with me. After typing a very lengthy post, I have deleted most of it because I'm a newbie here and I was limited on my length of post  . I am following this thread because of my interest in the RCBS Pro Chucker 7, and I recognize some names here from other forums and the experiences on RCBS progressives. So, I have waited many years to upgrade and when I was about to pull the trigger on the Pro 2000, the PC-5 & 7 show up on the market. I began my waiting process all over again as I still cranked out good ammo on the older equipment. The PC-5 & 7 are still relatively new and that is where we are today. As a machinist with plenty of skill to fabricate parts, etc it completely blows my mind that they released this press without working the bugs out. Some bugs are still being found and I understand the case feeder sans the collator (a very critical piece to this advanced design press) is not planned for production. Also there is the issue of the tool heads only with powder measure, what's up with that? Since I do have some background to comment, product development is very expensive in the earlier stages and you don't want to blow it by releasing "prototypes' that have not been thoroughly tested by the R&D team with all sorts of caliber combinations and other variables, like powders, primers, etc. My comments are more of a "I can't believe this", since I would like a 7 station press from RCBS without any issues like the ones being talked about here & on the PC-5 thread. RCBS has had at least 8 progressive presses over the past 30 years, prior to the release of the PC series and all of them are discontinued and soon to be obsolete. I am really questioning whether this will be a commercial success after the list of problems and lack of choice between APS strips versus tubes. While I ponder on it, I'll continue to use the old presses. 
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Thank you & yes, I do remember Hornady's teething problems with the early LNL AP presses. I had one of the pre-7000 serial number units and it was plagued with problems that still leaves a bad impression of their equipment. One of the bigger issues was the priming system problems, along with a sub-plate that wouldn't accept their newly unveiled case feeder (they'd gladly sell you one!). The deal breaker for me was the entire ram, etc would rotate 5-10 degrees (no alignment pin like RCBS) while seating primers, which caused the primer punch nut to loosen & punch the primer off center. Enough of that, the LNL is behind me, thank goodness!
I just thought RCBS would learn from their earlier progressive press mistakes, and those of others to produce something the market would accept and embrace. So far, that does not appear to be happening on any scale. You are right, there is no perfect press but some are considerably better than others. For now, I'll keep my (2) Rockchuckers, Piggyback 2s, and Ammomaster APs to get the job done. In the mean time, we'll wait and see how this plays out over time. Sorry some of you have to be their "guinea pigs", their last rebate offer "Bullets or Bucks" nearly made me trade it all for Blue. 
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Welcome to the Reloading Forum. Some advice, due to the format here please double space after each complete sentence. Like I'm doing here. Makes your post easy to read. If you run out of space in a post, end it and continue in another post. This will go away after 50 posts. |
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Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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Originally Posted By MrMagoo157: Thanks for the advice dryflash3! I will post with double spacing as you have suggested. I was just following the format of the OP of the thread. Is it OK to double post to the Pro Chucker 5 thread since so many features, issues, & fixes are shared? Thanks If you run out of space in a post, end it and continue in another post. Any thread. |
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Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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Having had my press for 2 months and about 3000 rounds later here are some of the things I have learned.
1. RCBS Support has a clue as to how to treat a customer. I have had to call due to my own stupid mistakes. They have, without hesitation, sent me parts at no cost to me. 2. The Primer slide issue. There is no defense for RCBS on this. The theory behind the operation was good but the execution has issues. My guess is that the pre-production slides were better than production and they started seeing too late the flaws in their thinking. 3. A new slide is being designed. There is an interim design that still has issues. 4. Primer slides break for 2 reasons that I have seen. 1. When retracted the slide is taller than a single primer. This causes the stacked primers to "catch" on the slide. When they catch and the ram lowers the slide may release and slam forward under the spring tension. This causes the follower to snap off as it hits the cam. 2. I have seen when setting up a caliber that a primer will dislodge from the slide, possibly turn and cause the slide to hang. Raise the ram and the stuck primer WILL cause the follower to snap off. |
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Continued..
5. If you ever accidentally drop the ram for whatever reason plan on replacing the indexing arm. This gets bent and then the shell play will not index properly. It is also brittle and is not too forgiving on trying to re-shape it. 6. Some once fired brass will have issues with the shell plates. Some shell plates are rough inside the and will cause the shells to hang on the ejector spring. Just what i have learned for now... |
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Thanks for your review, Mr Gator.
I have had similar issues but always excellent service from RCBS. The biggest primer issue I had was that the plunger would not pop down out of the slide after seating a primer. Friction would lock it into the primer slide. Upon raising ram, the slide arm would immediately break. I polished the plunger a bit to stop this. Did you create a slope on primer pocket in slide? I use a chamfer tool (little at a time) until the primers flow out of tube without catching next primer. The saddest issue I had was that the I stripped the threads in set screw hole that holds die plates. It was my fault. RCBS had to replace frame. The Dillon toolhead pins in 550 are a better system. Hornady has a trip system on their primer rod that prevents the slide from breaking. RCBS could have learned from them. Overall I am still quite pleased. |
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Originally Posted By djryan13:
Thanks for your review, Mr Gator. I have had similar issues but always excellent service from RCBS. The biggest primer issue I had was that the plunger would not pop down out of the slide after seating a primer. Friction would lock it into the primer slide. Upon raising ram, the slide arm would immediately break. I polished the plunger a bit to stop this. Did you create a slope on primer pocket in slide? I use a chamfer tool (little at a time) until the primers flow out of tube without catching next primer. The saddest issue I had was that the I stripped the threads in set screw hole that holds die plates. It was my fault. RCBS had to replace frame. The Dillon toolhead pins in 550 are a better system. Hornady has a trip system on their primer rod that prevents the slide from breaking. RCBS could have learned from them. Overall I am still quite pleased. Djryan13, Stripping the threads? Can you confirm that was the set screw closest to position #1? I had a similar issue. I noticed that the Die plate moves a little up and down if the set screws are not tight. However I had some stiff cases going into my sizing die. It looked as though the set screw was "PUSHED" up and stripped the threads in the frame. After sending my press in I noticed that the set screw they replaced it with is longer getting more purchase on the frame. Beveling the primer slide... Check Primer Plunger... No check. So far not an issue. |
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Great News PC7 owners. I have been in contact with one of the reloading vendors to urge them to manufacture and sell a die plate.
If you don't know, PC7 die plates are not for sale individually. RCBS refuses to sell them without PM. You have to buy the huge PM with it at a price tag of normally around $250 (although often cheaper on sale). Well, today, the vendor sent me a sample of the most beautiful CNC'ed die plate. I plan on writing up a review as soon as I fix a sudden issue in reloading room (rain damage)... I dont know the future price tag of shellplates. I can say I am super impressed with them. So as long as they are not outrageous, I hope to be the first buyer. And No, I am in no way financially tied to vendor. I am also getting nothing for free and no benefit except to stop having to buy the crap RCBS plates. I run over 25 calibers (adding more all the time) and have so far purchased 9 RCBS die plates.... I can't wait to have an alternative. More info to come! |
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Originally Posted By djryan13:
Great News PC7 owners. I have been in contact with one of the reloading vendors to urge them to manufacture and sell a die plate. If you don't know, PC7 die plates are not for sale individually. RCBS refuses to sell them without PM. You have to buy the huge PM with it at a price tag of normally around $250 (although often cheaper on sale). Well, today, the vendor sent me a sample of the most beautiful CNC'ed die plate. I plan on writing up a review as soon as I fix a sudden issue in reloading room (rain damage)... I dont know the future price tag of shellplates. I can say I am super impressed with them. So as long as they are not outrageous, I hope to be the first buyer. And No, I am in no way financially tied to vendor. I am also getting nothing for free and no benefit except to stop having to buy the crap RCBS plates. I run over 25 calibers (adding more all the time) and have so far purchased 9 RCBS die plates.... I can't wait to have an alternative. More info to come! Thats good news. I like the RCBS presses, but that entire forcing you to spend $250 for a plate was ridiculous, which was a big turn off for me. |
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Originally Posted By djryan13:
Great News PC7 owners. I have been in contact with one of the reloading vendors to urge them to manufacture and sell a die plate. If you don't know, PC7 die plates are not for sale individually. RCBS refuses to sell them without PM. You have to buy the huge PM with it at a price tag of normally around $250 (although often cheaper on sale). Well, today, the vendor sent me a sample of the most beautiful CNC'ed die plate. I plan on writing up a review as soon as I fix a sudden issue in reloading room (rain damage)... I dont know the future price tag of shellplates. I can say I am super impressed with them. So as long as they are not outrageous, I hope to be the first buyer. And No, I am in no way financially tied to vendor. I am also getting nothing for free and no benefit except to stop having to buy the crap RCBS plates. I run over 25 calibers (adding more all the time) and have so far purchased 9 RCBS die plates.... I can't wait to have an alternative. More info to come! Nice, if it's a reliable source I'll switch over. |
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The vendor who I have been talking to is Lee at http://www.uniquetek.com/.
Definitely a reliable source for reloading stuff. He is trying to determine whether there is a demand for this product. If you are at all interested, do me a favor and send him a note. I really want this alternative die plate out there. You will see why in my review below. He is not sure there is enough demand to launch this new product. It's a big investment for him. As I stated in previous post, I did not expect to receive anything for testing the prototype. I actually sent him an RCBS die plate (at my shipping cost) to get it measured for the prototype. Obviously they shipped it back (since it cost me so dang much). My goal is to get a better alternative to the RCBS die plate. You will see why in my review below. Full disclosure, I asked Lee if I could keep the die plate for at least another week to test a few things. He replied, "that's yours to keep". Of course, I was super happy about that and certainly didn't expect it. First thing you will notice is the Uniquetek die plate is very beefy. About 2x the weight of the RCBS version. Weighed on my Kitchen scale to be 15.5 oz vs the 8.5-8.6oz (I measured two) RCBS forged version. It is slightly thinner than the RCBS die plate but only about 0.1" thinner. To me, this is better. I almost would prefer it even thinner if the material can handle the forces. Why? Thinner is better for short trim die (if using Dillon trimmer). I haven't used Dillon trimmer on the PC7 yet. I use it on my 550 and 1050 all the time. Uniquetek is not the manufacturer but Lee works works with a number of CNC shops to make such products. Of course, you have to expect the price to not be as cheap as a forged plate. It's a much more costly process. I talked to Lee a bit about pricing. It obviously will depend on demand (and how many he can order and keep in inventory). Since the RCBS version isn't sold by itself (and will likely never be), it's hard to compare. I really hate the large powder measures sold with the RCBS version. I would rather not have to store that many powder measures. So, for me, I am willing to pay for the quality of the CNC version as long as its still cheaper than the RCBS version with PM. The RCBS die plate is forged. Obviously no where near as perfect as the CNC'ed prototype. Threading die into the prototype is smooth. Many times, the threads on the RCBS Die plate are so rough that I have to use a wrench to get die into plate. Very sad, RCBS... 
Both die plates require a round cut out on the bottom. This allows the case plate nut to clear the die plate at top position. Like many of you, I use the cut out for my plate holder: 
Here I am loading some test rounds for 6.5 swede. Last night, I used the plate to resize them. All worked well: 
So, the only critiques are the following: 1. I would have liked to see a hole for skylight (LED). After talking to Lee, we agreed it was better to leave as is. It would cost more and there are a number of available LED lights out there. I have been wanting better lighting for the PC7. I asked Dan at Inline to take a look but he hasn't posted anything yet. I have tried Dan's 1050 LED on the PC7 but it doesn't work without modification. The RCBS die plate is not beefy enough to drill a hole in the center (IMO). Lee suggested I drill a hole in his prototype to the diameter I need. I think I like that idea better. I have no concern with using his CNC die plate with such a modification. It is just much beefier. 2. If it can handle the forces, thinning it out for trim die would be fantastic. Either having a trim die version or just making the standard one thinner. I have to assume the CNC shop and Lee determine what size is best (and to be honest, I didn't do that well in my Mechanical Engineering courses in college). Again, if you like this die plate and would like to see it available, drop him a note. Contact info on his website. I told him I want to be the first customer though. I just bought two new die sets last week and still have a number of others needing plates. |
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Originally Posted By jefflebowski:
Any design updates from RCBS? How about updates on usage from owners? I have not heard of any changes. Unfortunately, this press just hasnt caught on as well as I hoped. With primer issue resolved, it is much more reliable than my LNL... Biggest issues: 1. too many small parts.. especially in case feeder. I have reverted back to feeding cases by hand. Just overall faster for me. Bullets mostly fed by MBF which makes it go pretty fast. 2. $$$ of die plate.. tried to get aftermarket (post above) but no apparent interest. 3. PM just doesnt compare to smoothness of Hornady's PM Good stuff: 1. Indexing is fantastic. Not ruining cases like my LNL... 44-40 are my gauge. One little tap on a die by edge of case and its ruined. Really thin mouth. I have yet to ruin one on PC7. The LNL killed many. 2. Seven stations!!! and not the fake seven stations that my 1050 has... True 7 useable stations. I can size, expand, powder charge, check powder, feed bullet, seat and then crimp all separately. Cant beat it. 3. Great customer service. I would say most of my issues have been user caused. No problems getting something fixed. 4. Left side case feed.. just more ergonomic compared to my 550. What I would like to see? 1. A light up the shell plate better. I tried using the Inline fab 1050 version of LED.. It doesnt quite fit. It has a loop that attaches to die but the loop to edge of upper press is not long enough. I have a lamp hanging down over it.. 2. Cheap die plates without the PM (too bulky) 3. Better case feeder... not that I would buy it.. But it would give more credibility to these RCBS presses (and more sales)... Which could help with aftermarket product stuff. In general, the fact that there are no fixes and fiddles that have to be done to make this press work well (unlike others) should be a sign that the press is well designed in many ways. |
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I can't afford these. I will have to stick with my Pro 2000, until they come to their senses and offer die plates without Uniflows.......period. I already have 3 Uniflows. If I bought a Pro Chucker 7 that would make 4. ENOUGH!
If I ever buy one, I would at least want another 4 die plates for it ...... but that would mean 4 more Uniflows, at $265 each! That's another $1,060 after you buy the press, just so you can load 5 calibers? Who's doing their marketing, Dillon? Do they want to sell these or not! Dillon's got to be laughing their heads off. |
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Originally Posted By GWhis:
I can't afford these. I will have to stick with my Pro 2000, until they come to their senses and offer die plates without Uniflows.......period. I already have 3 Uniflows. If I bought a Pro Chucker 7 that would make 4. ENOUGH! If I ever buy one, I would at least want another 4 die plates for it ...... but that would mean 4 more Uniflows, at $265 each! That's another $1,060 after you buy the press, just so you can load 5 calibers? Who's doing their marketing, Dillon? Do they want to sell these or not! Dillon's got to be laughing their heads off. What we need to do is wake them up with a letter or email campaign! Nothing's going to change until we do...... I have bought a bunch of die plates already.. but not at 265. I keep one in my cart on Amazon. About once every 3-4 months, Amazon gets sick of looking at them and puts them down to $125-140. Still not great I admit... I just wish the nice CNC'ed one took off. He let me keep the prototype and it is fantastic. |
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The Unitek ones are nice but they too are way expensive.
What we need to do is wake RCBS up with a letter or email campaign! Nothing's going to change until we do...... They put their 7 station press flat out out of reach for most of us with that asinine move. |
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Originally Posted By djryan13:
No.. but as far as manufacturers of presses are concerned, the ONLY press that has a true "swaging solution" is the 1050. The Hornady swager works quite well... and it fits THEIR press so the 1050 isn't the only solution. And since the 1050 only has a 1 year warranty, it's not better than a 650xl with a Swage IT. |
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Originally Posted By AR-Bossman:
The Hornady swager works quite well... and it fits THEIR press so the 1050 isn't the only solution. And since the 1050 only has a 1 year warranty, it's not better than a 650xl with a Swage IT. Originally Posted By AR-Bossman:
Originally Posted By djryan13:
No.. but as far as manufacturers of presses are concerned, the ONLY press that has a true "swaging solution" is the 1050. The Hornady swager works quite well... and it fits THEIR press so the 1050 isn't the only solution. And since the 1050 only has a 1 year warranty, it's not better than a 650xl with a Swage IT. I dont disagree that the Swage It is a fine aftermarket device but it is not manufacturer approved. The Hornady swaging system is also a fine item but an afterthought that requires another pass. A real solution would have been designed into the press and not require another pass. Just my opinion... If you were starting from scratch, why not? |
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Originally Posted By djryan13:
I dont disagree that the Swage It is a fine aftermarket device but it is not manufacturer approved. The Hornady swaging system is also a fine item but an afterthought that requires another pass. A real solution would have been designed into the press and not require another pass. Just my opinion... If you were starting from scratch, why not? That's a fair assessment. Even I wish that RCBS had done a true clean sheet press. They took a 5 station and SQUEEZED in 2 extra stations. Then FORCED the buyers that wanted extra tool heads to also pay for and extra powder measure. They had meetings on this. They sat in their board meeting with engineers and everyone nodded their heads in approval.. "Great idea Johnson... great IDEA! Corner office for you!!!" They had a chance to take a real piece of the pie. |
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Earlier in this thread, I stated that I'd probably have a PC7 by election day. Didn't happen. Only reason is the forced die plate/powder measure combo. Just makes it too expensive for what you get. It isn't a Dillon 1050......no swager, no cast iron frame.....but they seem to think it should be priced to approach it, by overloading a customers bench with 10 giant hoppered Uniflows.....I don't get it.
AR-Bossman posted that RCBS shoulda started with a new slate. In a way they did... the PC5 is upgradable to the PC7.....that's a new idea nobody has done. Nobody excepting RCBS with the Pro 2000. Meaning the upgrade-ability from manual advance (Dillon 550 style) to auto advance (Dillon 650 style). The idea: start cheaper and upgrade later. OK, Nothing wrong with that, but in the ProChucker line, shellplates and dieplates have to be upgraded too...........so every PC5 plate you buy is a throw-away if you upgrade........and......you are then sucked into the money pit........the PC7 dieplate/powdermeasure atrocity. Everyone here knows I have a history with RCBS. Goes back 45 years. I've liked near everything they used to make. I have a pretty fair green collection. But now I agree they need to start with a new slate ......the product (P.C. line) is fine (well except I'd prefer a cast iron frame that won't break, like the Pro2K and the Dillon 1050).....and I don't need a built-in swager....the new slate? an all new pro-customer RCBS marketing dept! 
They need to dump the PC7 forced dieplate/powdermeasure combination before this product dies prematurely. What part of the "Quick Change" in the new Uniflows don't they understand! We don't need or want 7-10 Uniflows! What we NEED is a "Quick Change" lower sold like Hornady does and available as a separate product from their outlets like Midway. See below: Hornady on the left.....RCBS parts bought from their parts dept on the right (and only from the parts dept) 
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GW...
I have tried to offer RCBS the criticism to change the policy a few times. Once in email... and every time I call customer service. The problem with such a large company is the people at RCBS dont do the sales or marketing. Thats up to people in the mother company (forget name). So, it allows them to say, "sorry, we dont have a say in how these things are sold and marketed". Essentially, the RCBS employees dont feel empowered and don't really seem to care. I agree 100% with you.. just dont know who to complain to... who will actually listen. |
Yes, I know.......which is why I just got through emailing Vista Outdoors through their "Concerns or Complaints" page. I'll let you all know if I hear back..........I also went to RCBS and entered their "New Product Idea" process.......My idea? Ha. A new die plate product for the Pro Chucker 7............a die plate/powder measure lower combo!  My point was.......all die plates need a lower screwed in.......so then you would have a setup to "Quick-Change" to, right?
One possible glitch with that idea.........what if they start offering that combo, instead of the one with the P.M....................................................at the same price! If they do I'll be running and ducking....and not laughing. |
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Originally Posted By GWhis:
Yes, I know.......which is why I just got through emailing Vista Outdoors through their "Concerns or Complaints" page. I'll let you all know if I hear back..........I also went to RCBS and entered their "New Product Idea" process.......My idea? Ha. A new die plate product for the Pro Chucker 7............a die plate/powder measure lower combo! My point was.......all die plates need a lower screwed in.......so then you would have a setup to "Quick-Change" to, right?
One possible glitch with that idea.........what if they start offering that combo, instead of the one with the P.M....................................................at the same price! If they do I'll be running and ducking....and not laughing. Would really support that saying, "careful what you wish for" |
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Just got an email from Lee at Uniquetek... He said the PC7 die plates will be available tomorrow for sale. I am in for at least 2 now and a couple more by Summer.
I know they are a bit more expensive than most might want but still way cheaper than the RCBS option. They really are a much better toolhead so I am buying based on three things: 1. Quality 2. Cheaper than RCBS alternative 3. Don't have to store that huge hopper... I had actually given up on this toolhead actually happening since I hadnt heard from Lee in a while. Apparently, it was just waiting in the manufacturing queue. Truth is I HATE the RCBS hopper. I actually just had to contact them a second time for a drum that didnt fit the hopper. Sure they are sending me a replacement... but it's a PITA. I love my Hornady hoppers. I plan to use with the Hornady powder die. |
Pro Chucker 7 (Page 1 of 2)
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