What Happened When I Tried the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret
My reloading bench has always been a testament to efficiency and preparedness, a space where tools are meticulously organized to serve their purpose without unnecessary fuss. Over the years, I’ve found that the true magic of reloading often lies not just in the press itself, but in the supporting cast of accessories that allow for seamless transitions between calibers. This need for swift caliber changes led me to seek out additional turret heads for my Lyman reloading press, and it was in this pursuit that I encountered the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret. The premise was simple: pre-set dies in separate turrets, allowing for near-instantaneous swaps. This promised a significant boost in my reloading workflow, especially when tackling multiple different cartridge types in a single session. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid construction; the weight and heft felt substantial, hinting at durability. I had considered generic aftermarket turrets, but the idea of a perfectly matched OEM component, ensuring flawless fit and function, ultimately steered me towards this Lyman offering. The immediate feeling was one of anticipation, a quiet confidence that this addition would indeed streamline my reloading efforts.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret to the Test
First Use Experience
I integrated the new turret head into my reloading setup in my dedicated workshop, a space that’s seen everything from delicate calibration tasks to heavy-duty fabrication. My primary test involved setting up three distinct caliber die sets: .45 ACP, .38 Special, and .357 Magnum. Each set of dies was carefully installed into the available stations on the turret. The process was straightforward, with the dies threading in smoothly and locking down as expected.
The real test came during a simulated reloading session where I intentionally switched between the caliber sets multiple times. The turret swapped out from the press in seconds, and the new caliber was ready to go. This allowed for rapid cycling through different cartridges, mimicking a scenario where I might be loading for a variety of firearms in one go.
The performance in these conditions was exceptionally smooth. There was no binding or misalignment, even with repeated removals and installations. The weight of the turret, while noticeable, contributed to a feeling of stability during operation.
An unexpected quirk, if you could call it that, was the sheer temptation to pre-load even more turrets. The ease of swapping made me immediately think of other caliber combinations I wanted to dedicate a turret to, like 9mm and .44 Magnum, or even rifle cartridges like .223 Remington and .308 Winchester. This was less a flaw of the product and more a testament to how effectively it solves the problem it’s designed for.
Extended Use & Reliability
After weeks of consistent use, incorporating this extra turret into my regular reloading rotation, its value has become undeniable. I’ve used it for everything from loading mild plinking rounds for my .38 Special revolvers to working up hot loads for my .338 Magnum rifle. The turret has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear or degradation.
Durability has been a strong suit. Despite the occasional bump or scrape on my cluttered workbench, the cast iron construction has proven resilient. I haven’t experienced any issues with the turret locking mechanism on the press, nor have the die stations themselves shown any signs of stripping or loosening.
Maintenance has been minimal, as one would expect from such a robust piece of equipment. A quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after a reloading session is usually sufficient. For deeper cleaning, a light application of penetrating oil on the turret locking surfaces keeps everything sliding smoothly.
Compared to my experience with other reloading accessories, this extra turret head from Lyman stands out for its sheer simplicity and effectiveness. It doesn’t try to be overly complex; it simply provides a stable, reliable platform for holding a set of dies, and in that regard, it performs flawlessly. It’s a component that simply works, day in and day out, without demanding much attention.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret
Specifications
The Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret is a substantial piece of equipment designed to enhance the versatility of the Lyman reloading press. It features a solid cast iron construction, providing an inherently stable and durable platform for your dies. This particular model offers eight individual die stations, allowing for the simultaneous setup of multiple dies for a single caliber or a combination of dies for different cartridge types. The turret head weighs in at approximately 2 pounds, a testament to its robust build.
This weighty construction is not just for show; it directly contributes to the stability of the press during the resizing and priming operations, which are often the most mechanically demanding stages of reloading. The eight stations are crucial for users who frequently switch between calibers or who utilize specialized dies for processes like neck sizing or bullet seating. The substantial 2-pound weight ensures that the turret remains firmly seated and stable within the press, minimizing any potential flex or movement that could affect the consistency of your reloaded ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this extra turret is to enable swift caliber changes, and in this, it excels. My experience loading everything from pistol cartridges to magnum rifle rounds on this turret has been consistently positive. The dies lock into their stations securely, and when the turret is mounted on the press, it provides a stable platform for each operation.
A significant strength is the precision fit between the turret and the press. This eliminates any wobble or play, which is critical for maintaining consistent die positioning and, consequently, precise ammunition dimensions. The sheer convenience of having a caliber ready to go without having to unscrew and reinstall dies each time cannot be overstated.
The only minor point where improvement could be considered is the sheer number of stations. While eight is generous, for extremely complex rifle cartridges that might require many specialized dies (like full-length sizers, comparator gauges, seater dies, and powder-through expanders), one might theoretically run out of space. However, for the vast majority of common reloading tasks, eight stations are more than sufficient and provide ample room for most die configurations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret is fundamentally utilitarian, prioritizing function and durability. The solid cast iron not only provides weight but also a reassuringly rugged feel. The finish is typically a durable powder coating that resists scratches and minor impacts, common in a workshop environment.
Ergonomically, the turret is straightforward to handle. Its weight means it’s best maneuvered with two hands, but once you’re accustomed to it, placing it into and removing it from the press becomes second nature. The die stations are threaded cleanly, making die installation a smooth process.
The most notable design aspect is its sheer simplicity. There are no complex mechanisms or delicate parts to worry about. It’s a block of cast iron with precisely machined holes, designed for one purpose: to hold dies securely and interface seamlessly with the press. This no-nonsense approach to design is a significant part of its appeal and contributes to its overall reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its solid cast iron construction, the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret is built to last for generations. I’ve seen Lyman equipment from decades past still performing as new, and this turret head is no exception. Under normal use, the lifespan of this product is virtually indefinite.
Maintenance is exceptionally low. Keeping the turret clean from dust and occasional propellant residue is the primary concern. A light application of oil on the mounting surfaces of the press and the turret itself can ensure smooth operation and prevent any possibility of rust, especially in humid environments.
The potential failure points are minimal. The most likely issue would be cross-threading a die into one of the stations, which is user error rather than a product defect. The cast iron itself is incredibly tough and resistant to cracking or breaking under normal reloading stresses.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret doesn’t come with many accessories, as its function is quite specific. It’s primarily designed to work with your existing reloading dies and the Lyman Brass Smith press. However, the true “customization” comes from how you equip it.
You can outfit each of the eight stations with a diverse range of dies: full-length resizing dies, neck sizing dies, seating dies, crimp dies, powder-through expanders, and even specialized dies like case trimmers or shoulder bump dies. This allows for an almost limitless array of setups for different cartridges and reloading philosophies. For instance, one turret could be configured for a progressive reloading setup with multiple dies, while another could be dedicated to a specific rifle cartridge requiring a custom seating die.
The flexibility afforded by these eight stations is the core of this turret’s value, transforming a single-purpose press into a multi-caliber workhorse with minimal downtime.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret
Pros
- Robust Construction: Made from solid cast iron, this turret is incredibly durable and built to withstand heavy use for decades.
- Eight Die Stations: The generous eight stations allow for extensive die setup, facilitating quick caliber changes or complex die configurations.
- Seamless Integration: Designed to fit the Lyman Brass Smith press perfectly, ensuring precise alignment and stability.
- Effortless Caliber Swaps: Dramatically reduces time spent changing dies, making reloading sessions significantly more efficient.
- Quality Lyman Engineering: Reflects the expected Lyman quality in materials and manufacturing for reliable performance.
Cons
- Weight: At 2 pounds, it is heavy, requiring a firm grip and careful handling.
- Limited to Lyman Presses: Primarily designed for specific Lyman presses, so compatibility with other brands is not guaranteed.
- No Built-in Features: It’s a functional component; don’t expect included accessories or advanced features beyond its primary role.
Who Should Buy Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret?
This extra turret head is an absolute must-have for any reloader who owns a Lyman Brass Smith press and frequently switches between different calibers. If you find yourself spending too much time unscrewing and resetting dies, this product will revolutionize your reloading process. It’s ideal for home reloaders who load for multiple handguns and rifles, as well as those who might be experimenting with different bullet seating depths or neck sizing techniques for precision rifle cartridges.
Reloaders who load for competition, requiring frequent adjustments or different setups for various shooting disciplines, will also find immense value here. The solid cast iron build means it’s suitable for even the most demanding magnum rifle loads.
Those who only reload for one or two calibers and have no intention of expanding their cartridge collection might find an extra turret unnecessary. Similarly, users of presses from other manufacturers should confirm compatibility before purchasing. If you’re looking for a simple, no-frills solution to streamline your caliber changes, and you already own a compatible Lyman press, this turret is an excellent investment. Consider pairing it with a good set of die lubricant and a set of high-quality reloading dies for the most efficient workflow.
Conclusion on Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret
The Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Press Extra Turret is a testament to functional design and robust engineering. It fulfills its promise of simplifying caliber changes with unparalleled efficiency, transforming the reloading experience for those who juggle multiple cartridges. The solid cast iron construction and the eight precise die stations ensure that it’s not just a convenient accessory, but a durable component that will serve reliably for years to come, even under heavy use with powerful magnum calibers. While its weight is a factor, it ultimately contributes to the stability and precision that reloaders demand.
Considering its price point of $94.79 and the significant time savings and improved workflow it offers, the value proposition is exceptionally strong. For any serious reloader with a compatible Lyman press, this extra turret head isn’t just a recommended purchase; it’s practically essential for maximizing efficiency and enjoyment at the reloading bench. I would wholeheartedly recommend this turret to anyone looking to take their reloading process to the next level of convenience and speed.