Among the many types of single stage RCBS "O" frame presses -- let's exclude 50 BMG presses -- what are the differences? And, more importantly, which differences are significant in terms of ease of use, durability, or precision?

"... which differences are significant in terms of ease of use, durability, or precision?"

Ease of use - no significant differences other than personal preference and no one can make that judgement but you.

Durability - no user will ever wear any of them out.

Precision - no average, or consistant difference at all.<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Get the one that suits you. I prefer the cast iron presses, however.

The old RCBS Jr. press is a bit different. It doesn't have the compound leverage of the Rockchucker and newer presses. I've never found this a problem with .30-06 and smaller cases if there's enough case lube. The lever is held up by a washer spring that isn't quite enough, so it slams down on your knee once and a while. A 1 lb. Lyman lead ingot makes an effective counter weight. Priming is quite quick if the primers are on a pull out shelf on the right and the cases on the bench to the left. I bought mine in 1968 and haven't upgraded yet.

Bye
Jack

After we had a member post who had broken two Rockchucker frames (I can't recall the circumstances other than that he called himself ham-handed), I became even more appreciative of the Lee Classic Cast press. It is actually investment cast from salvaged train rail steel, which ought to be stronger than a gray iron casting. I got one, and one thing that's done differently from the other cast presses is that Lee gives you lots of handle leverage, but has stops to prevent overcamming. That makes damaging the press more difficult.

I'm not knocking the RCBS presses, but having been able to play with the newer Lee design for a spell, I think it is impressively strong and smooth working. If you are looking at a single-stage "O" press purchase, you would do well to consider it. The fact it is less expensive is nowhere on my radar with respect to my evaluation of it's quality (I already owned two Dillons, a Forster, a Lyman, and a couple of the smaller Lee presses when I got it). It is just something Lee has managed to do exceptionally well.

After we had a member post who had broken two Rockchucker frames (I can't recall the circumstances other than that he called himself ham-handed), I became even more appreciative of the Lee Classic Cast press. It is actually investment cast from salvaged train rail steel, which ought to be stronger than a gray iron casting. I got one, and one thing that's done differently from the other cast presses is that Lee gives you lots of handle leverage, but has stops to prevent overcamming. That makes damaging the press more difficult. well.

I remember that post/thread as well. I was near amazed that the poster had managed that on a rockchucker.

I'm very fond of my rockchucker. It has served me well for near thirty years. RCBS stands firmly behind it (even after that time).

I would also give the Lee Classic Cast a "look" if I were in the market.

Note that I am not "in the market", due to the fact, that I have a RCBS Rockchucker!

Cheezywan

I have several Rcbs presses, the oldest being a jr....I flopped the link and lever the second day and now pull the handle UP to seat a bullet or size a case, it works much better...( need a STOUT bench however) ...have full-length sized many 06 cases, and it's fine, it is NOT compound leverage however...in some ways, I like it better than the others, I can feel things better I think, it was my only press for years. I now pretty much leave it setup for my .223 stuff....one of the Rockchuckers I have is the # II, and it's really a great rig, LOTS of leverage, and requires a lot less effort to size cases....I'm in the process of getting the rest of them set up, I am gonna set up my new Supreme one day soon........the "Reloader Special 5" is an offset press, so's you can get your hands into the opening better......works very well, compound leverage, lots of room, and easy to size with also.....

"Durability" .... not a dime's worth of difference I can see they all will last much longer than I will.....I am not a fan of the "Partner" press however, a friend had one and I messed with it some, and just didn't like it...

if you want a recommendation for overall, you couldn't go wrong with a Rockchucker, but any of them will get it done.....

my room is starting to look like a factory....like those John Deer guys, I'm addicted to Green....I have too much "Stuff" ...... NOT ! :)

Of the "O" frame presses, the Lee Classic Cast, and the Redding Big Boss II both have better spent primer handling (through their hollow ram) than RCBS presses do. The Lee's handle is adjustable for left/right handedness, handle angle and length.

Non-O presses that I would prefer are both C-frame (more or less) presses that are just as, if not more, rigid as any O-frame press: the Redding UltraMag, and the Forster Co-Ax. The Co-Ax is a better design, but the UltraMag has a larger cartridge capacity.

Andy

. . . if you want a recommendation for overall, you couldn't go wrong with a Rockchucker, but any of them will get it done.....
I too, have a Rockchucker II bought used on eBay. Doubt if I will ever have the need for a stronger press. Also have a Reloader Special, the older one that has the same frame as the original "Jr." That one handles all of my handgun ammunition.

All of the presses previously mentioned are excellent choices. Their main theme is that they are big, strong, and durable enough to handle the most difficult tasks.

I started with and still use a "Partner" press, even this little press has compound leverage. The handle is shorter, so it takes more effort. I mainly use my RCBS turret press, which isn't an O Block frame, but works very well and is also very strong.

On any of the big cast "O' frame presses, they'll be strong enough to do most any relaoding you want so ergonomics is what will make a big deal as will case length capacity. How easy is it to reach in and swap cases for right or left handers and how much do you like the lever arm set up.

If you reload or want to in the future, reload something like a 300 Holland and Holland, 375 Holland and Holland or 300 Ultramag, you need to look at presses with a lot of room. I've got a couple cartridges that run to the long side and it is something to remember when shopping for a press.

Lee Classic Cast press. :D Best bang for your buck. Size, durabilty, excellent primer handling, adjustable lever and costs less than anyone else's comparable press.

There, I said it! :D ;) :p