Guided by Steve Koch, R&D Engineer and Product Line Manager at RCBS, Brad and Matt were offered an exclusive look into the world of RCBS, the leader in reloading equipment manufacturing.

“We produce everything you need for reloading - presses, dies, case trimmers, hand priming tools and a variety of other accessories. Many find the reloading process intimidating, but I'm here to show you just how easy it is,” Steve announced.

As the tour commenced, Brad and Matt were introduced to the steel storage area, the starting point of the RCBS manufacturing process. Here, steel bars awaited their transformation into high-quality reloading dies. “We design, produce and control the entire process,” Steve explained, highlighting the company’s commitment to precision and quality.

One of the tour’s highlights was witnessing the production of number three shell holders. Steve shared how the process has evolved over the years, from a complex four-operation task to a streamlined, one pass operation. When asked about his favourite product, Steve hesitated, clearly passionate about his work. However, he eventually pointed to the Pro Chucker Progressive Press, a product that pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible in reloading equipment.

The tour continued as Steve demonstrated the advanced technology used at RCBS. Quality control was paramount, with rigorous inspections at every stage of the process. Brad and Matt observed as sizers were checked for tears and flaws, particularly in the neck area, to prevent any potential damage to reloaded cases.

The die-checking station was another critical part of the tour. Here, headspace, crimp and base dimensions were meticulously measured using thread and plug gauges.

Steve introduced the original RCBS logo, designed by the company’s founder, Fred Huntington. The logo features a rock chuck, also known as a yellow-bellied marmot which was Fred’s favourite varmint to hunt. RCBS stands for “Rock Chuck Bullet Swage,” a name that has become synonymous with quality reloading equipment.

The tour continued through various sections of the factory, each with its own specialised tasks. In the heat treatment area, Brad and Matt learned how dies are hardened to specific levels before being bead-blasted for a clean, professional finish.

The turning centre was particularly impressive, responsible for machining 90% of RCBS’s component parts. Steve displayed a selection of these parts, including guide bushings for the dies and components for the case trimmer universal holder.

In the paint booth, presses and other parts were powder coated in the iconic RCBS green, followed by a trip through the curing oven to ensure a durable finish.

The assembly line was a marvel of efficiency, with Rock Chucker presses being assembled and packed into kits. “The packing process is so well-refined that it’s difficult to repack a press as efficiently as these experts do,” Brad remarked.

The tour concluded in the RCBS Museum, a treasure trove of the company’s history. Brad and Matt marvelled at the evolution of RCBS presses, from the early designs to the modern, user-friendly models of today. Steve shared the story of Fred Huntington, who started RCBS in 1943 in the garage of his father’s laundromat. What began as a small operation has grown into a large-scale manufacturing facility, a testament to Fred’s vision and dedication.

The tour was more than just a look behind the scenes; it was a journey through the history and future of a company that has shaped the reloading industry for decades.