I picked up a set of Lyman All American dies today for my 8x57. They are new but seemed to be pretty old. They were only $19 so I got them. It's a two die set and it came in a black cardboard box with black stamped metal wrench. I cleaned them up (removed all the laquered oil) and they look good. Does anyone know if these are considered good dies?

Lyman always made good dies, watch out for the ones with the small shank they were for the hand squeezer press.
Good luck!

Some of the die companies make a set of dies that are less expensive than their normal line. The only difference that I have been able to find is the packaging. I am not sure this is the case with your Lymens, but I certainly would not worry about using them.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Lyman All American dies. They will give you many years of good service.

I thought they would be OK. They're packaged like they were made in the 60's, but the inside is well machined and smooth.

I have the exact same set of dies in 8x57, they work just fine.

I've been loading .308's and 30/40 Krags for almost 30 years with "black box" Lyman dies.

I have three sets of Lyman dies that are at least 25 years old and all three still do an excellent job. I can't find fault with them. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

The All American Dies from Lyman are fine dies, every once in a while a set of dies slip through from anyone.
About 18 years ago I ordered a Multi Deluxe 3 die set of Lyman dies for the 38 Spl/357 Mag/Max, When I took the resize die out of the box the lock screw for the ring fell out, upon inspection it's hole was drilled too big and the die that was suppossed tap the hole just barely scratched the surface in the hole.
For some reason the decapping pin was too big to go into the flash holes, I broke it on the first one. I tried the pin in other cases including some rifle cases and it wouldn't go.
But Lyman did replace everything when I called them and explained it to them. I haven't had any problems from any Lyman Products since then.
Don't get me started on Lee dies, I use a lot of Lee products but not their dies.

Steve E.......