Lyman-- vs -- RCBS

06 September 2003, 15:20

coonass

Lyman-- vs -- RCBS

I am wanting to get into reloading.... Mainly for now .270 , .308 , 7mm , .243 .......
As of now I know little bout reloading.......
Got a Cabela's Reloading catalog in the mail today........ They have a RC Supreme Master Kit for $260.00..item # XP-21-4924
And a Lyman Expert Kit $245.00..item # XP-21-3699
I think same stuff as above except comes with a free die set.... and case trimmer... its a T-mag 11 press

Whatcha think..........

Thanks...... [Confused]

06 September 2003, 15:27

<Savage 99>

coon,

RCBS has been the standard for the last forty years or so. That's the way to go.

06 September 2003, 15:51

LE270

I agree with Savage 99. In a choice between RCBS and Lyman, unless you know the equipment well and have a specific and knowledgable reason to go with Lyman, choose the RCBS tools.

06 September 2003, 19:24

ricciardelli

I like RCBS

06 September 2003, 20:02

carpetman

Coonass--So far,the responses have been unanimous for RCBS and I'll ditto that. Why? You'll not hear anything bad about their customer service,you have a problem,it's their problem and they take care of you. Not only that,their equipment is very good. The Rockchucker press is top of the line best I can tell--mines only 35 or so years old,so I can't say how well they hold up. You mentioned some bottle neck cases you'll be doing so you need a press that will handle them. Get the RCBS Rockchucker and never look back.

07 September 2003, 01:11

Bob in TX

Hey CA,

I agree with the Rock Chucker......Natchez has the same kit on sale for $234.95. Here is the link: Natchez Link-RCBS

Bob C.

07 September 2003, 01:56

coonass

Thanks Guys,,,,,,,,,, The RCBS it is.........

BOB ,,,,,Thanks for the link ,

07 September 2003, 02:15

Hcliff

Great choice. Don't forget to get some spray resising lube for the cases. It is easier to use than the pad for a beginner.

Hcliff

07 September 2003, 02:22

sundog

Coonass, I agree with RCBS. I have both Lyman and RCBS, and it's all very good equipment. RCBS has much better customer service!

Get catalog (or visit online) MidSouth Shooters Supply, Midway USA, Graf and Sons, Nachez, and others. Plenty of links on the links page at castpics. http://www.castpics.net/links.htm

Also, you may want to visit National Reloading Manufacturers Association (link also on castpics). sundog

07 September 2003, 15:36

MADISON

I have 5 Lyman T-Mag presses [1986-7] and a 1970 ventage RCBS Rock Chucker. Both are good presses, for general purpose use. The Rock Chucker is better for case forming. I bought all my stuff one piece at a time over 33 years, so I can't help on the kit[s].

07 September 2003, 16:29

threefeathers

The Lyman T Mag is the best turret press that there is. I have much of both but my vote in presses is Lyman.

07 September 2003, 20:28

Gatehouse

RCBS

You could drive a truck over the Rochchucker and it would still work fine [Smile]

08 September 2003, 09:01

carpetman

Three Feathers--I've never used a turret press. I've heard they are really just a place to store your dies. Do you find that they increase speed?

08 September 2003, 09:15

BBBruce

quote:
Originally posted by carpetman:
Three Feathers--I've never used a turret press. I've heard they are really just a place to store your dies. Do you find that they increase speed?

I bought mine because it was on sale for less than anything new in the store the day I went in to buy my press. Its an "Orange Crusher" with six stations. Faster? I guess you save a minute or two between load changes, but I recheck everything anyway. I don't think its faster.

08 September 2003, 03:36

sonofagun

$200+ for a kit, huh? And to think when I started reloading, the press was $9; dies $5, scale $5, powder $3, 100 sierra 53 match $3. Maybe not rcbs but all new.

08 September 2003, 03:48

sakofan

RCBS...Lymans stuff has NOT impressed me...at all..sakofan..Though, I do have a Lymans micrometer thats ok.

08 September 2003, 08:51

Cal Sibley

I reload for 11 different centerfire calibers and honestly feel that none of the reloading manufacturers can hold a candle to Redding. I have used RCBS presses and RCBS and Lyman dies. There's nothing wrong with either. Both perform well, but I feel Redding is in a class by itself. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

08 September 2003, 12:26

Duckear

I have mostly RCBS with a mix of Redding and Lee stuff. I really like the RCBS. I bought my Rockchucker used. I started with the Partner kit and wanted bigger press a few years later. Check eBay, you may find a deal on a kit there.

08 September 2003, 13:58

threefeathers

Yes the T Mag is faster. I also have a Rockchucker which is solid. I use it for my black powder 45/70 because I don't change anything. I have it down so well for my T Mag that I can do a legitimate 150 rounds an hour. I enjoy loading so this is enough for me. If it ever gets tedious I'll go to a Dillon 550.

09 September 2003, 07:56

mho

I have not been that impressed with my Lyman gear. Redding and RCBS are probably the better - albeit more expensive - brands.

Don't get your reloading set from Cabela's unless you have shoppped around quite a bit and you are sure that Cabela's really has the best price (rarely happens!).

It is easy to start out with a kit, because it just gets you more or less what you need in one go. Unfortunately, not all items are made equally well by all manufacturers. Case in point: I'd much rather have the Redding powder measure than the RCBS. The Rockchucker on the other hand is a good press. The Lee hand-priming tool is a never-ending success! Ah well, you'll learn this over the years to come. Good luck with your new hobby!

- mike