Introduction
The Appeal of Reloading
Tired of spending countless hours manually reloading each round, yearning for a more efficient and rewarding experience? The allure of crafting your own ammunition, meticulously tuned for peak performance, is a powerful draw for many shooters. Reloading offers not only significant cost savings but also the exciting opportunity to fine-tune your loads for unparalleled accuracy, tailored specifically to your firearm and shooting style. The precision and control offered by a well-made reloading press are central to this process, and for many shooters, the search for the perfect press is a journey in itself.
Introducing Lyman
One name consistently surfaces in discussions among discerning reloaders: Lyman. Lyman has a long and storied history in the reloading industry, a legacy built on producing quality tools and equipment that meet the demands of both novice and seasoned shooters. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve deep into a popular and highly-regarded piece of equipment from Lyman: the Lyman All American Turret Press. This article aims to provide a detailed examination of its features, explore its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately help you determine if this press is the right choice for your reloading needs, giving you an excellent option in your search for a reliable, efficient and versatile press, we will explore the Lyman All American Turret Press and its capabilities.
Overview of the Lyman All American Turret Press
Lyman’s Legacy
Lyman Products Corporation, the company behind this press, has been a trusted name in the reloading world for decades. Their journey began with a commitment to quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of the needs of shooters and hunters. They have built a reputation for durable and well-engineered reloading tools. This dedication to quality is clearly reflected in the construction and functionality of the Lyman All American Turret Press.
Understanding Turret Presses
The Lyman All American Turret Press is a turret press, a type of reloading press that sits between a single-stage press and a progressive press in terms of speed and complexity. Unlike single-stage presses, which require you to manually change dies for each step of the reloading process, a turret press allows you to have multiple dies mounted simultaneously on a rotating turret head. This configuration significantly speeds up the reloading process. The operator advances the turret head to the next die, eliminating the need for time-consuming die changes and allowing for a smoother workflow.
Imagine the efficiency gains: sizing a case, de-priming, priming, adding powder, and seating a bullet – all with a simple rotation of the turret. This design makes it a popular choice for reloaders seeking to improve their efficiency without the higher learning curve and expense associated with fully progressive presses.
This reloading tool embodies the core principles of quality craftsmanship and user-friendliness.
Detailed Features and Functionality
Turret Head Capabilities
The heart of the Lyman All American Turret Press lies in its carefully considered design and features. Let’s explore these in greater detail:
The turret head is the star of the show, and the Lyman All American Turret Press boasts a robust and user-friendly design in this regard. The turret head itself is made of high-quality material, designed to withstand the stresses of frequent use and the force exerted during reloading. The indexing mechanism is precise and reliable, ensuring that each die aligns perfectly with the ram and shell holder every time.
The ability to quickly and easily change dies is a key advantage of a turret press, and the Lyman does this very well. Dies are threaded into the turret head, and the head rotates smoothly and accurately with each movement. This design dramatically reduces downtime, allowing you to quickly switch between different reloading operations or switch calibers.
Ram and Ram Stroke
The ram, the component that pushes the shell holder and cases through the dies, is constructed to deliver consistent performance. The diameter of the ram provides ample strength, and the stroke length is well-suited for a wide range of cartridges. The smooth and consistent movement of the ram is a crucial aspect of this press, contributing significantly to the overall feel and efficiency.
The ram’s travel ensures compatibility with a wide range of case sizes, from smaller pistol cartridges to larger rifle cases. This versatility is a significant advantage, allowing you to reload various calibers on the same press.
Priming System Mechanics
The Lyman All American Turret Press offers a reliable and efficient priming system. The integrated priming system, or optional attachments, simplifies the process of seating primers into the case. Reliability is key here; a dependable priming system reduces frustration and wasted time. The priming system is designed to work consistently, ensuring the primers are seated properly. Optional primer feed systems (sold separately or in some kits) add another layer of convenience.
Mounting and Bench Set-Up
Setting up the Lyman All American Turret Press is a straightforward process. The press is designed to be securely mounted to a reloading bench, providing a stable platform for operations. The mounting process involves attaching the press to the bench using included hardware. Robust construction ensures the press remains stable even under heavy loads.
Choosing a sturdy bench is essential. The bench should be able to withstand the force exerted during reloading. Once properly mounted, the press is ready for use. Proper bench setup contributes to the overall safety and accuracy of your reloading process.
Ergonomics and User Experience
The Lyman All American Turret Press is designed with user experience in mind. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfortable operation, even during extended reloading sessions. The overall design is focused on ease of use, contributing to a more enjoyable and efficient reloading experience.
The smooth operation of the ram and the ease of rotating the turret head contributes to a fluid and natural workflow. The press requires minimal maintenance, making it simple to clean and keep in good working order.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
Let’s take a close look at the advantages and drawbacks of the Lyman All American Turret Press:
- Increased Reloading Speed: The turret design dramatically speeds up the reloading process compared to single-stage presses. This makes the Lyman All American Turret Press a time-saver for reloaders of any experience level.
- Built to Last: The press is constructed from quality materials and is designed for durability. This provides a solid foundation that helps it operate smoothly and for years to come.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: The design is user-friendly, making it easy to learn and operate.
- Versatile for Variety: The press handles a wide range of calibers. Its compatibility with different cartridge sizes provides excellent versatility.
- Easy Die Changes: The turret head allows for quick and easy die changes, saving time and effort. This is a significant advantage for reloaders who frequently switch between different calibers or loading operations.
- Trusted Brand and Support: Lyman’s reputation for quality is well-earned, and their customer support is typically excellent. This provides added assurance and peace of mind.
- Great Value for Money: The Lyman All American Turret Press offers excellent value for its price point.
Disadvantages
- Possible Movement Under Load: Under very heavy loads (e.g., with very large rifle cases), there might be a slight amount of flex. However, this does not compromise the accuracy of a typical load.
- Priming System Adjustments: Some users may find they need to make occasional adjustments to the priming system.
- Speed Limitations: It is not as fast as a progressive reloading press, which are designed for high-volume reloading.
- Space Considerations: While not as large as some presses, the Lyman All American Turret Press does require some space on your reloading bench.
Performance and Practical Use
When it comes to practical performance, the Lyman All American Turret Press shines. Reloaders generally find it easy to achieve consistent and accurate results.
Reloading Rate and Accuracy
- Reloading Rate: Reloading speeds depend on several factors, including the caliber you are reloading, your experience, and the overall complexity of the loading operation. However, a turret press, like the Lyman All American Turret Press, greatly increases the rate of rounds reloaded compared to a single-stage press.
- Accuracy Potential: The press is capable of producing high-quality reloads. The consistent ram stroke and the sturdy turret head design contribute to accurate and reliable reloads. Accuracy relies on the quality of other reloading equipment, such as high-quality dies.
Caliber and Maintenance
- Caliber Compatibility: The press is well-suited for a wide variety of calibers, including many popular pistol and rifle cartridges.
- Durability: The press is built to last, providing years of reliable service with reasonable care and maintenance.
- Maintenance: Lubricating the press periodically is crucial. This will ensure a smooth operation.
Who is the Lyman All American Turret Press for?
Ideal Users
- Reloaders seeking increased efficiency compared to a single-stage press.
- Those looking for a well-built and durable press.
- Reloaders who value the ability to quickly change between loading operations.
- Reloaders who prioritize the quality and reputation of the brand they select.
Not Ideal Users
- Reloaders requiring the fastest possible reloading speed.
- Reloaders on a very tight budget.
Buying Guide and Considerations
Where to Purchase and Costs
- Where to Purchase: Reputable retailers for the Lyman All American Turret Press include online and brick-and-mortar stores specializing in firearms and reloading equipment.
- Price Range: Current pricing can vary, so it is important to check with multiple vendors.
Additional Items
You will also need dies, shell holders, reloading components (brass, primers, powder, and bullets) and reloading tools (a case trimmer, scale, and powder measure) to load ammunition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lyman All American Turret Press stands as a strong option for reloaders seeking a balance of speed, versatility, and quality. It successfully streamlines the reloading process compared to single-stage presses, without the added complexity and cost of progressive presses. With its sturdy construction, smooth operation, and ease of use, it is a wise choice for reloaders. The precision engineering, paired with its focus on user experience, makes the Lyman All American Turret Press a worthy investment for both intermediate and experienced reloaders.
If you are looking to enhance your reloading efficiency, increase your reloading speed, and still have the flexibility to change between calibers quickly, the Lyman All American Turret Press should be high on your list. If you want a quality press at a reasonable price, choose Lyman.
We hope this comprehensive review has provided you with a thorough understanding of the Lyman All American Turret Press. Now, the next step is for you to evaluate your personal reloading needs and determine if this tool is the right fit for your workshop.
