I'm considering purchasing either a Lyman T Mag or Redding and would like some input how these work, alignment, strength, etc. I currently use a Dillon for 45acp and RCBS Rockchucker for all other metallic reloading. Looking for something a little more convenient for higher usage calibers like 22-250 and 243. I'd still use the RC for 7mm and other longer stuff.
Thanks.

I use a Redding 6 station turret with Redding dies. Works super. I had to get a .0001" dial indicator to get a meaningful number on my runout gage. Runout runs .0003"-.0005" for my .22-250 laods. I use it for all my rifle cartridges.

I always see people wondering about how rigid the presses are and worry about them aligning right. I have some friends who are serious benchrest shooters who are putting rubber O rings under the die locknuts so that the dies flex while loading and aren't rigid. They claim that letting the dies move a little bit keeps them from bending the brass out of alignment. Who really knows anymore?
I have four multi-stage presses set up right now:

The results of a search indicates the most popular is the Redding T7 due to its beef. I was looking at a Lyman or the newer RCBS Turret model to get a semi progressive system setup. I don't need the capacity of a Dillon for the rifle cals. I'm thinking now more like the Redding and using as a convenient single stage. Thanks.

The Redding T-7 is probably the best one currently available. I have one and like it. The Lyman T-Mag II is also a serviceable press and is a little less money.

I'd be happy with either, but I still don't do any heavy-duty case forming, etc. on a turret. I keep a Lyman Orange Crusher on hand for those duties. Reserve your turret press for partial sizing and seating and it will far outlast you.

I acquired a Lyman T-Mag as a backup press, and now I'm not sure why?? I have never run into a press which has so much slop in the handle and ram, man is that press loose and sloppy! The turret facility works OK, I guess, I just happen to think it is pain in the posterior for many operations. E.g. the other day I tried to set up a die for partial FL sizing in T-Mag. The other dies were in the way when I wanted to tighten the screw in the die lock ring, and eventually I set the die up in my primary press: Foster CoAx. Boy, what a difference.

No Lyman T-Mags for me any more.

- mike

I have a Lyman turret press that I got back when I loaded mostly pistol rounds and before Dillon (yes, I am that old!) It is built like a bank vault. I think that it is perfectly adequate for most of the reloading one would do on it. It is terrific for being able to set up several dies in it for pistol reloading or special operations like universal decapping or crimping certain loads. Kudude

If your T-Mag press has slop in it I'd suspect something is worn. Also try tightening the nut holding the turret until it locks up, then loosening it until the turret turns freely.

the T-mag I have is solid.
I really do not like the RCBs I had to rework the turrent to eliminate over .007" of runout in a resized case and bullet seater..
Plus the opening between the case holder and the die is short, the turrent is larger in diameter and I keep banging my nuckles on it.

Boy, some of these benches sure look cluttered.

Anyway I have a Redding T 7 and have posted before that I noticed the turret moving while just crimping a .223. I could get about a 12thou feeler gauge between the turret and the rear support lug.

Redding E-mailed me to just take the big centre nut off and carefully emery the spacer on a sheet of glass or somesuch.
I soon got her nice and firm, couldn't possibly move now.

Thank you for all the good input. I've concluded the following: My original intent was to have a semi-progressive setup for smaller rifle cals - which is why I liked the Lyman which allows rotating the dies and minimizes case handling. But the reality is once the case is resized it then goes into a tumbler to clean off the lube. The final steps other than bullet seating can be done off press anyway. So, convenience in having stationary dies once adjusted is the main benefit I can see, which indicates the Redding T7 - which does look much stronger than the Lyman - is the way to go I think.

Before giving up, think about the Lee Classic Cast Turret, without auto advance. Major advantage over all others is that once the dies are adjusted, simply remove the turret, dies and all. Changing turret and shell holder between calibers takes all of maybe 20 seconds. I have 14 turrets set up for my old 3-holer.

Fjold how old is the old grey and red lyman on the right? I have one just like it that I bought used at a gun show in Wisconsin almost 20 years ago and it has been my go to press ever since.