Reply to thread

Weaz,


I've been loading since I was around 11, and I'm 50+ now. I started loading on some old Lyman Spar-T of my uncle's when I first started, and I still like Lyman stuff to date, but there are some better offerings available.


Right now I have the Lyman T-Mag (turret), and the Lyman Orange Crusher (single stage), as well as 2 Dillon 550B's, and one Dillon Square Deal B.

Although the Lyman's have been great presses since I replaced my old one's with them back in the early 80's, ever since I started swaging bullets and brass, it's put much more "wear & tear" on them by far.


Most of my swaging is done on the Orange Crusher, as well as my rifle loads. So, it get's the brunt of the work load & wear. I use the turret press more for certain handgun or rifle loads, and it's ability to leave the dies set up and easily indexed is a big plus for speed & ease.


Whatever press you choose (and they are all pretty good across the board) you'll undoubtedly have it for a very long time. RCBS's warranty is very good, as is their quality. I consider both Lyman & RCBS to be of equal quality and durability, but I think that RCBS's warranty, as well as their customer service is better.


I've never owned a Ponsness/Warren, although I've known of them for years. Redding on the other hand, are top notch, and considered the "cadillac" of turret or single stage presses. Due to the linkage design of the "UltraMag" single stage press they offer, it's a major consideration for me if I replace the Orange Crusher.


I guess the biggest question, or consideration, in making a choice would be "what you plan on doing with the press ?". If the answer is standard loading with a other possibilities of case or bullet swaging in the future, then I'd go with the best, or heaviest design you can afford, like the UltraMag.

Regarding the turret's, they are very similar in design and durability, but the consideration of the ease of turret removal is a good one. Although the Redding turret is a little harder to remove, I think I'd opt for that one never the less. The easiest turret to remove, as far as speed is concerned, I believe, is the Lyman. Pull the lock ring off, and the turret just pulls up. All the ring does is hold to half moon clips in a recess on the main shaft, locking the turret from coming off. A pretty simple design.


Hope this helps....Good luck......


Bob


Back
Top