RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory Review

Why the RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory Might Be Right for You

For any dedicated reloader, efficiency and consistency are paramount, especially when dealing with a progressive press like the RCBS Pro Chucker. The RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory, specifically the Tube Case Feeder Small/Large Feed Tube Kits, is designed to tackle a common bottleneck: case feeding. My own reloading bench, a space that has seen countless rounds come to life across various disciplines, often battles with the monotonous task of manually dropping cases. This kit promised to alleviate that tedium, directly addressing the 20% of cases the standard feeder might miss. Upon receiving the small, well-packaged kit, my initial impression was one of sturdy, functional simplicity – the hallmarks of RCBS gear. I had briefly considered trying to jury-rig a solution myself, but the promise of a purpose-built, reliable accessory from a reputable manufacturer like RCBS made the decision easy. My first reaction was a quiet satisfaction, knowing this small addition could potentially streamline hours of future reloading sessions.

Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing ground for this accessory was my primary reloading bench, a dedicated space in my workshop where precision and repeatability are key. The scenarios involved loading a mix of handgun and rifle cartridges, pushing the case feeder through its paces with both common and slightly less common case head sizes. I specifically focused on how well the small and large tubes integrated with the existing RCBS Pro Chucker Tube Case Feeder setup. The initial setup was remarkably straightforward; attaching the new tubes and adapters took mere minutes, without requiring any specialized tools or complex instructions.

After the initial installation, I immediately noticed an improvement in the flow of cases, especially for those calibers that had previously required manual intervention. There were no glaring issues or surprises during this first use, which, given my experience with aftermarket reloading components, was a welcome relief. The adapters fit snugly, and the tubes themselves felt robust enough to handle repeated drops of brass.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and multiple reloading sessions, the RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory has proven its worth. I’ve loaded thousands of rounds using these feeder tubes, encompassing a variety of common pistol and rifle calibers. The small tube has become indispensable for smaller pistol cases like 9mm and .38 Special, while the large tube handles larger rifle cases like .223 Remington and .308 Winchester with equal aplomb.

Durability has been excellent; there are no signs of cracks, warping, or any stiffness in the tubes or their connection points, even after being frequently filled and emptied. Maintenance has been practically non-existent, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any stray brass dust. Compared to the occasional frustration of feeding issues with the stock feeder for certain calibers, these added tubes provide a noticeable upgrade in reliability and a significant reduction in manual case handling. This kit truly lives up to its promise of extending the versatility of the original case feeder.

Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory

Specifications

This kit includes both a small feeder tube and a large feeder tube, along with the necessary tube adapters. The primary function of these components is to ensure that a wider range of case calibers can be automatically fed into the RCBS Pro Chucker progressive press. The tubes themselves are constructed from a durable, opaque plastic, designed to withstand repeated use without becoming brittle or cracking.

The small tube is ideal for smaller pistol cases, while the large tube is engineered to accommodate larger rifle cases that might not fit or feed reliably through the standard tube. The included adapters are crucial for a secure and proper fit with the existing case feeder mechanism. This expands the press’s capability by covering approximately 20% of cases the original feeder might miss.

Performance & Functionality

The core job of the RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory is to ensure a consistent and reliable flow of cases to the progressive press. In this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The small tube has been flawless for feeding common pistol calibers, eliminating the need to manually drop cases for rounds like 9mm Luger. Similarly, the large tube has significantly improved the efficiency of loading rifle cartridges, making the entire process smoother and faster.

The main strength is undoubtedly its ability to expand the range of compatible calibers. It seamlessly integrates with the existing RCBS Pro Chucker Tube Case Feeder, ensuring that the vast majority of reloading projects can benefit from automatic case feeding. Its primary weakness, if one could call it that, is that it is an accessory and not a standalone product; it requires the base case feeder unit to function. However, considering its purpose, it more than meets expectations for its intended role.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory is fundamentally utilitarian, focusing on function over form. The opaque plastic tubes are robust and feel solid in hand, suggesting they can withstand the rigors of a busy reloading bench. The simple nature of the tubes and adapters means there’s virtually no learning curve; they are designed to simply slot into place and work.

The ergonomics are best described as “no-fuss.” The tubes are easy to grasp and load with cases, and their length is appropriate for the progressive press setup without becoming unwieldy. The adapters are designed for a secure fit, preventing accidental dislodging during operation. There are no complex controls or intricate parts, which is a significant advantage in a reloading environment where simplicity often translates to reliability.

Durability & Maintenance

For a set of plastic tubes and adapters, the RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory exhibits impressive durability. After months of consistent use, I have observed no significant wear or tear. The plastic remains rigid, and the connections to the case feeder are still as secure as they were on day one.

Maintenance is incredibly minimal. A quick dusting or wipe-down is all that’s ever needed, making it a low-maintenance addition to the reloading setup. There are no obvious failure points to worry about; the design is inherently simple, reducing the likelihood of mechanical breakdown. This makes it a long-term solution for improving case feeding consistency.

Accessories and Customization Options

The RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory kit is the accessory, consisting of the small feeder tube, large feeder tube, and their respective adapters. There are no further accessories included or readily available to customize these specific tubes. Their design is fixed to work with the existing RCBS Pro Chucker Tube Case Feeder.

While there’s no customization of the tubes themselves, their inclusion effectively customizes the functionality of the base case feeder. They allow the user to adapt the press to a wider array of calibers without needing to purchase an entirely new feeding system. This inherent expandability is the primary benefit, enabling users to tailor their reloading process more effectively.

Pros and Cons of RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory

Who Should Buy RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory?

This RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory is an absolute must-have for any reloader who owns the RCBS Pro Chucker progressive press and has ever found themselves manually dropping cases for certain calibers. If you reload a variety of pistol and rifle cartridges, particularly those on the smaller or larger end of the spectrum not covered by the standard feeder, this kit will be a game-changer for your efficiency. It’s ideal for the home reloader who values speed and consistency in their process, aiming to maximize their output with minimal fuss.

Conversely, if you only reload a handful of calibers that the original case feeder already handles perfectly, then this accessory might be an unnecessary purchase. Anyone considering this should already own or plan to purchase the RCBS Pro Chucker Tube Case Feeder itself, as it is not a standalone product. No additional accessories are strictly necessary to make this kit work, but ensuring you have a well-organized bench and a sufficient supply of cases will maximize the benefits of this efficiency upgrade.

Conclusion on RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory

The RCBS Pro Chucker Progressive Press Accessory is a prime example of an accessory that perfectly addresses a specific need within a well-regarded product ecosystem. It takes an already capable progressive press and makes it even more versatile and efficient, a feat many manufacturers struggle to achieve with add-ons. For its modest price, the improvement in workflow and reduction in manual labor is significant, making the overall value proposition extremely strong for any reloader invested in the RCBS Pro Chucker platform.

I wholeheartedly recommend this kit to any owner of the RCBS Pro Chucker Tube Case Feeder who reloads a variety of calibers. It’s a simple, effective, and durable solution that seamlessly enhances the core functionality of the press, saving time and reducing frustration. If you’re looking to streamline your reloading bench and get more rounds through your press with less effort, this is a small investment that delivers substantial returns.