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Pro chucker 5 mini review (Page 4 of 6)
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Dan at inlinefab came through with what I think is a amazing upgrade to this press.
Roller handle with a 4 in quick detachable mount. 
I'm amazed at how solid this mount is and I love how it puts the press right in my work space instead of at my stomach. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
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Nice looking handle and mount. BTW I set the toggle on this thread to keep out of the archives. So anytime you want to find this thread OP, click My Topics in this forum, and there it will be. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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Ok so I have de primed and sized 3 k of .45.
A couple of things. The primer drop tube doesn't drop primers straight down. You are going to have to put a tube on it that runs into your primer bucket. While punching out primers if you have one that doesn't clear the SP the press goes on lock down And you will have to clear the primer before you can cam forward. 
I did this by removing the case and pushing the primer down the tube. Easy enough and didn't happen that often. Last thing is to remove the primer transfer bar while doing brass prep (why risk a breakage if you don't have to) |
| Quick question: Is the "spent primers hanging in the shellplate" problem due to the dies not pushing them clear of the case, (needing spring ejecting primer pins or deeper primer pin adjustment) or is it due to some friction thing...or even flash in the shellplate/sub-shellplate area, that tilts the spent primers sometimes as they drop.....or perhaps some other problem? |
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Originally Posted By GWhis:
Quick question: Is the "spent primers hanging in the shellplate" problem due to the dies not pushing them clear of the case, (needing spring ejecting primer pins or deeper primer pin adjustment) or is it due to some friction thing...or even flash in the shellplate/sub-shellplate area, that tilts the spent primers sometimes as they drop.....or perhaps some other problem? It doesn't happen enough for me to investigate, it does push clear of the case. I'm using a Lee universal de capping die . I could see where a power punch die would eliminate the problem . |
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Got to say it a shame that RCBS is using the primer slide as the sacrificial lamb, and I'm not buying the whole part about not making the same mistake twice bit from them when you snap the first one.
The fact that if you have a primer type jam for any reason with the primer slide all the way forward under the shell plate and you handle back up, your never going to feel the primer slide jam before the pin sheers off the primer side. At least with the AP, the primer slider roller guide wire is set to break away parts are broken. Hence the first thing I see as the update on the machine that RCBS does, is come up with a break away guide system, which will allow them to use a slider that will last long term instead. As it it now, RCBS may as well throw a hand full of sliders for both large and small in the kits to at least get you to the 20K mark on the machine. Really, the Pro chucker has some great upgrades features over the AP; short of the priming slide system now. The indexing with lock pin for the shell holder that does not need constant adjustments, the fouling releif in the sub plate channel for the primer slide so the slightest amount of fouling in the channel does not cause problem, and has a quick change tool plate that will hold the powder feed in place (instead of having to wedge the powder assembly in place on the AP machine). If they can come up with a break away slide guide system that will allow them to use a better primer slider to solve the parts breakage problem, and a case feed system that work as well as the Dillon (instead of the sub standard system on the AP), should be a good machine in the end when the prices drops down on the Pro 7's (since the 7 is pretty much a Pro 5 anyways with just a few parts changes that have no extra cost to assembly them as either a 5 or 7 at the factory). |
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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Damn is he trying to break the press?
No reason to cam down that hard unless the die plate is not installed correctly. If you watch the die plate it moves a little and that tells me it's not centered . 
If the set screws aren't centered in the divots it will be off. Ask me how I know 
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Originally Posted By bm3:
Damn is he trying to break the press? No reason to cam down that hard unless the die plate is not installed correctly. If you watch the die plate it moves a little and that tells me it's not centered . http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x332/Mike_Boles/A6B1EE78-6E19-48C3-8821-CBE32ABD257F_zps74zrlu25.jpg If the set screws aren't centered in the divots it will be off. Ask me how I know
Ditto on the sizer die being set down to far and is just going to over flex the machine, and even start to mar the bearing sides of the shell plate shaft guide over time as well.As you want the video, you can tell that he is having to cam over the handle at the bottom of the stroke with way too much effect for 45, and this is doing nothing good for the machine. Hell, if you are having a sizing problem on bottle neck cases (should not be having this problem on a pistol round since you are not trying to resize the web section of the case), then just take a few thousands off the bottom of the sizer with a lathe so you can set it correctly and not cause handle cam over problems at the bottom of the lever stroke. Also a note. If you thread the depriming rod down so the decrimping pin holder kiss the top of the web in the case, then raise it up about 1 turn before locking it home, it solves a lot of problems if you come across a military primer that is crimped in. Since the pin is protruding long enough down through the primer pocket to drive the primer through the bottom of the shell holder channel as well, it prevent a jam of the primer not clearing the bottom of the shell holder primer channel as the machine goes to index (will pick the problem up on the primer insertion when the primer will not seat correctly, and you can pull the case to either swagger the primer pocket them, or leave the case out to primer pocket swagger it later). As for the die plate, not sure why RCBS even bothers to divot the tabs to being with or even bothered to use set screws, instead of drop in pins. Hence any variances from shell plate to shell plate for the index center rod through them and a single die head, will change what the die head need to be to "Centered" in the machine to match the shell plate instead. Rather with only three of the die head tabs having set screws, makes me think that the plate was really designed more as a semi floater to sell align (with the set screws only lightly snugged down instead). Hell even on a 650, you can still run into a slightly off tool head that you may have to re-index the sub plate to match the tool head, so make me wonder why RCBS does not use blunt tip set screws for all the die head tabs /tabs not dimpled, and supplies an alignment tool from the start instead (it not like shell holders don't have run out that would require the tool head to be adjusted to them). This would allow you to drop in a new tool head fully loaded, index is against the new shell holder perfectly and tighten the down the set screws; Hence would only add seconds to a tool changer over with tool perfectly aligned to the shell in the shell holder below. P.S, Anyone got any word/see any photo's on the new case feeder system yet for the Chucker pro????? |
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.
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
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36640
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WA, USA
I got the feeling from his Pro 2000 review a few years ago that he was sabotaging RCBS. He screwed up that review too, by raising primers off the APS strip one on top of another! That's a great demo on how you can light primers!  I commented on that on his page, and showed him how to use APS correctly. His response was to remove the comment.....and therefore he probably removes all critical comments no matter how friendly or helpful they try to be.
Appears he's trying to do the same thing with this new press to me. If he doesn't like RCBS, he ought to quit getting free samples from them to review. I won't bother to comment this time......he'll just erase it. |
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I've always said that RCBS's weakest link is Marketing. The guys in marketing who send him his free "review" presses, obviously don't reload.....or they would have cleaned his plow on the first review. That one was a joke, too.
Then there was his review on the RCBS rifle bullet feeder.......where he used it to feed, but not to seat......using up two stations like a Mr. Bullet Feeder does. The main feature of the design was to be able to feed and seat in one station, which it does as well as any seater short of a Wilson Arbor mount. IMO. My point on the rifle bullet feeder review is this: If you are going to use a competition seater anyway, then just buy a Mr. Bullet Feeder......then you can do rifle and pistol on one collator.....a better much more efficient one....that flips bullets. The ONE real advantage of RCBS's rifle feeder he totally ignored. Sheesh. |
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I didnt think the review was horrible. It was a quick, down and dirty setup of the press, showing how it works. I raised an eyebrow with the box of loose primers as well, but hey, its his bench. I wish that some of the reviews would show a little more detail and show some of the potential issues, instead of just running a few rounds, and calling it good.
The flex in his bench is weird at best. He is using the RCBS plate for the bottom of the press, in combination with 1 1/2" of plywood, over a bench that is fairly sturdy. Shouldn't be moving that much. My bench uses 1 1/8" HP laminate, with another block to attach the press to, and I get no flex or shake like that. You guys are right, he is dropping the sizer down too far. No need for that, especially on 45 ACP. Just seemed like he is working the entire thing too much. The plate for the dies moving is, well, unusual? Are they supposed to float or move like that? |
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Originally Posted By Kaldor:
I didnt think the review was horrible. It was a quick, down and dirty setup of the press, showing how it works. I raised an eyebrow with the box of loose primers as well, but hey, its his bench. I wish that some of the reviews would show a little more detail and show some of the potential issues, instead of just running a few rounds, and calling it good. The flex in his bench is weird at best. He is using the RCBS plate for the bottom of the press, in combination with 1 1/2" of plywood, over a bench that is fairly sturdy. Shouldn't be moving that much. My bench uses 1 1/8" HP laminate, with another block to attach the press to, and I get no flex or shake like that. You guys are right, he is dropping the sizer down too far. No need for that, especially on 45 ACP. Just seemed like he is working the entire thing too much. The plate for the dies moving is, well, unusual? Are they supposed to float or move like that? If the DP is installed right it doesn't move at all. |
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Originally Posted By jself24:
I noticed midwayusa has already put the shell plates and tool heads on clearance. You think that is just to get stock levels under control or is RCBS already giving up on this one? WOW!! A lot of them for the 5 and 7 are $14-$18 each. That is crazy! |
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Originally Posted By jlficken:
WOW!! A lot of them for the 5 and 7 are $14-$18 each. That is crazy! Originally Posted By jlficken:
Originally Posted By jself24:
I noticed midwayusa has already put the shell plates and tool heads on clearance. You think that is just to get stock levels under control or is RCBS already giving up on this one? WOW!! A lot of them for the 5 and 7 are $14-$18 each. That is crazy! I wonder if they are changing the design, and just want to flush old inventory? |
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Originally Posted By Kaldor:
I wonder if they are changing the design, and just want to flush old inventory? Originally Posted By Kaldor:
Originally Posted By jlficken:
Originally Posted By jself24:
I noticed midwayusa has already put the shell plates and tool heads on clearance. You think that is just to get stock levels under control or is RCBS already giving up on this one? WOW!! A lot of them for the 5 and 7 are $14-$18 each. That is crazy! I wonder if they are changing the design, and just want to flush old inventory? This is what I'm thinking. |
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Originally Posted By bm3:
This is what I'm thinking. Originally Posted By bm3:
Originally Posted By Kaldor:
Originally Posted By jlficken:
Originally Posted By jself24:
I noticed midwayusa has already put the shell plates and tool heads on clearance. You think that is just to get stock levels under control or is RCBS already giving up on this one? WOW!! A lot of them for the 5 and 7 are $14-$18 each. That is crazy! I wonder if they are changing the design, and just want to flush old inventory? This is what I'm thinking. Be interesting to see what changes they are making. 
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Originally Posted By Kaldor:
I wonder if they are changing the design, and just want to flush old inventory? Originally Posted By Kaldor:
Originally Posted By jlficken:
Originally Posted By jself24:
I noticed midwayusa has already put the shell plates and tool heads on clearance. You think that is just to get stock levels under control or is RCBS already giving up on this one? WOW!! A lot of them for the 5 and 7 are $14-$18 each. That is crazy! I wonder if they are changing the design, and just want to flush old inventory? Midway does weird stuff with their clearance sales. I bought 2000 of Sierra's 77 gr tipped match king for about 40% off on "clearance" a month or two ago. They've been back at full price ever since. I think their computer has some algorithm for clearing shelf space if they stock too much stuff. I wouldn't read anything at all into the fact that Midway puts something on clearance. |
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Seeing that RCBS has not released anything on it case feeder system, makes you wonder if the shell plate design may had to be redesigned to work with it, leaving the old shell holder as parts that will need to be upgraded when the shell feeder system comes out.
Hell, take a look at the shell feed side of the press, and with all the bolting location on it, you can tell that RCBS already had a shell feeder system in mind when they designed the press to begin with (use the same they guide that they are on the primer system on the other side). But chances are, it was going to be the weak type system of the Hornday AP that does not have controlled feeding, and now in the redesign phase of a new system instead. Bluntly, I really like the Chucker pro and see great potential in it, since the majority of the parts solved the short falls of the Hornday AP system instead (indexing, primer slide derbies releif slot/dump channel, swap able tool heads). Also, it solves the flash over problem blowing a primer, and greatly reduces the chances of a blow primer spark reaching the rest of the tube stack (blowing a primer in a progressive press is pretty much the norm once in a blue moon, but what you don't want is that blow primer spark from reaching the rest of the primers in the tube like a black powder revolver flash over problem to the next cylinder) So what is needed now on the Chucker pro as upgrades, like break away primer guide system that will allow them to use a better primer slider with roller maybe even use a primer slider centering pin like on the 1050, and even redesign the primer block so the end the primer tube seats flush with top channel in the block as well*. On the shell feeder system, since the case is loaded up into the shell holder, this leave room for a shell guide chute, but may have to send your sub plate back in for a retro fit for a new shell system. *Note, this slight reshaping of the housing channel tapering may have semi worked, but the better solution would have been to chuck the primer tubes up in a lathe, and just OD stepped the end of the tubes,step mill the ID of the block bottom channel so the end of the tube is flush to the surface of the block instead. With the step now of the block between it and the bottom of the tube, it's still possible to have a small primer drop down out of the tube enough and slip over if a primer comes back in the slider. Hence , its going to cause a binding problem as the slide tries to move forward again. With the end of the tube to the bottom of the slider housing instead (no step), if the bottom primer needs to be pushed back up in the tube with rest of the stack, nothing to bind the primer from being pushed back up with the rest in the stack instead. Also the top of the primer slide primer channel needs to beveled as well for the same reason. Hence the primer in the channel will be sitting slightly lower than the top of the slide, and if the primer slide comes back with a primer it in, then as the bottom primer in the tube drops down into the slider on top of the primer it in, as the slider goes to move forward with two primers in the slider channel, the top beveled edge of the slider primer channel will clean sweep/ push the top primer straight back up into the tube instead of a binding jam. As for primer drop tubes, Brass would have been a better design that the aluminum tubes for longevity on a machine that comes with a life time warrently. 
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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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How long did it take previous presses to get their issues sorted out?
Really hankering to get into reloading this month. Would you guys say a Pro Chucker 7 is preferable to a Dillon 550B or a 650? They're about the same price once you factor in the Dillon "As it should be" option. |
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RCBS has not released a case feed system for the Pro chucker presses.
So until RCBS does release one (and it not a total failure like on the Hornady AP) and maybe solves a few teething problems on the chucker Pro's (like the priming system), The pro chucker is not really ready for prime time and suggest holding off on buying one just yet. |
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 Dano523:
RCBS has not released a case feed system for the Pro chucker presses. So until RCBS does release one (and it not a total failure like on the Hornady AP) and maybe solves a few teething problems on the chucker Pro's (like the priming system), The pro chucker is not really ready for prime time and suggest holding off on buying one just yet. Case feeders of this type are all pretty much the same design. Hell, the feedplates from the Dillon and the Hornady can be used interchangeably. Not sure Id call the Hornady case feeder a "total failure". Is it as reliable as a Dillon? Nope. Does that make it bad? Nope. The issue with the Hornady feeder is not so much the feeder, as it is with the subplate on the press itself. More specifically the small gap the gap the brass has to jump for the case retainer spring, which is problematic with tall skinny cases like .223, or maybe 9mm once in awhile. The other issue is brass bouncing off the subplate, but is easily fixed with nothing more than a shotgun shell and a zip tie. Being that the ProChucker uses a solid plate much like a Dillon, it will not to jump the case retainer spring like the LnL. So that issues solved. What needs to happen is that RCBS needs to design the case feeder so that it keeps the case captive all the way into the shell plate. Doing it it without trying to sell us a $500 case feeder is another story. Any yes, I agree with you on the primer feed issues. Plastic sacrificial parts are BS. Design the thing with a fail safe that pops loose like a LnL does instead of breaking. |
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I know we have some pro chucker users here and I would like to get some feed back on how yours is running and the problems you might be having.
Please post in this thread and pics would help if your having any problems. I can't help you unless I can see what's going on . |
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Originally Posted By ChevelleDave:
Gavin got another vid up on the ProChucker.  https://youtu.be/osyAGoqwSZIOh man someone should tell him how to use that DP. Again its not tight and moves around. |
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Originally Posted By gasdoc09:
Midway does weird stuff with their clearance sales. I bought 2000 of Sierra's 77 gr tipped match king for about 40% off on "clearance" a month or two ago. They've been back at full price ever since. I think their computer has some algorithm for clearing shelf space if they stock too much stuff. I wouldn't read anything at all into the fact that Midway puts something on clearance. Originally Posted By gasdoc09:
Originally Posted By Kaldor:
Originally Posted By jlficken:
Originally Posted By jself24:
I noticed midwayusa has already put the shell plates and tool heads on clearance. You think that is just to get stock levels under control or is RCBS already giving up on this one? WOW!! A lot of them for the 5 and 7 are $14-$18 each. That is crazy! I wonder if they are changing the design, and just want to flush old inventory? Midway does weird stuff with their clearance sales. I bought 2000 of Sierra's 77 gr tipped match king for about 40% off on "clearance" a month or two ago. They've been back at full price ever since. I think their computer has some algorithm for clearing shelf space if they stock too much stuff. I wouldn't read anything at all into the fact that Midway puts something on clearance. This. ^ I've picked up Hornady 178gr BTHPs, LnL case feeder, feeder plates, even Forster dies (IIRC) on 'clearance' - they seem to only put a fixed number of them on 'clearance' then it's back to the normal prices. If you see something you like/want on 'clearance' prices, better to jump on it, unless you KNOW it's actually being discontinued - I think it's as stated, to clear specific inventory, or as a temporary 'flash sale' to drum up additional business, etc. |
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RCBS sent me a new shell plate holder. It's suppose to be a updated part .
The new shell plate holder has no tool marks so that's great. I installed it and it's much smother. 
Heres a pick of the old one. Note the milling marks. 
I'll run some ammo this weekend and report back. |
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Talk about such a wasted opportunity on a new sub plate design!!!!
Primer slider for a 1050, and notice the channel in front of the primer channel for a indexing pin. 
Now take a look at the pro chucker sub plate.
The channel for the sub plate could have been milled longer for a longer tip primer slider that does use a indexing pin to make sure that the primer is in the correct position, a frame slider indexing pin added to the machine to match up with the receiver channel already on the sub plate currently (same type for the shell plate, just made shorter to work with the primer slider only instead), and with just a change to the primer slide guide system that would allow a kick out of the guide system on a jam, steel or brass sliders with side roller instead. Plus, since the slider does use a rear top retainer plate to hold the slider in place, that could have been changed out to a hooded design plate so a push spring could fit into the cover hood so a rear spring would push the back of the slider, instead to the spring now that pulls it forward and wears out so quickly instead. So bluntly any debris in the slider channel in front of the slider as it's moving forward are dumped through the indexing pin channel before a base pin comes up through it, and since the indexing pin will center the primer of the slider over the ram as the pin comes up through the slider indexer channel to center it (read slightly pull it back), the slider does not have to index off the end of the channel ,that if debris do build up, will still not cause a problem with the primer not center over the ram. So the primer system is easy to solve on the Chucker Pro if push comes to shove after the fact with mods, and now just need to see what RCBS is releasing for a case feed system next to see if that cat is worth skinning as well. |
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 Johnson184:
How long did it take previous presses to get their issues sorted out? Really hankering to get into reloading this month. Would you guys say a Pro Chucker 7 is preferable to a Dillon 550B or a 650? They're about the same price once you factor in the Dillon "As it should be" option. I do not have a RCBS progressive. But the Dillon line is GTG. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
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EE: 100% (1)
WA, USA
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Originally Posted By steelworker: I do not have a RCBS progressive. But the Dillon line is GTG. Originally Posted By steelworker: Originally Posted By Johnson184: How long did it take previous presses to get their issues sorted out? Really hankering to get into reloading this month. Would you guys say a Pro Chucker 7 is preferable to a Dillon 550B or a 650? They're about the same price once you factor in the Dillon "As it should be" option. I do not have a RCBS progressive. But the Dillon line is GTG. This is a RCBS thread, please keep comments on topic and discuss the RCBS press this thread is dedicated to. You want to talk Dillon's, start your own thread. dryflash3 |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
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A big thanks to everyone who has participated in this thread, especially bm3. There are a lot of good answers to questions throughout.
I purchased a Pro Chucker 5 and am in the process of setting it up. But I'm finding that the die plate doesn't seem to align with the shell holders. I installed the die plate as instructed (securing top left set screw/divot first, then bottom right, then bottom left), and I'm sure the set screws are centered in the divots. But when I put in 5 empty cases and raise the shell plate, they are nowhere near the center of the holes for the dies. I called support and they seemed surprised, but recommended just not using the divots and trying to align the die plate manually before locking it down with the set screws. Has anyone else run into a similar situation? I guess there's nothing magical about using the divots vs not using them, but it seems odd that the alignment is significantly off. As a sanity check, I ordered another die plate (thinking the divots in the original may have been bad), but the new one fits the same way. Regards Xanthin |
Pro chucker 5 mini review (Page 4 of 6)
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