Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit Review

Does the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit Live Up to Its Name?

The pursuit of precision and consistency in reloading ammunition often leads to a quest for the right equipment. For those looking to establish a robust and versatile reloading bench, the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit presents a compelling, feature-rich option. This comprehensive kit centers around Lyman’s heavy-duty 8-station turret press, designed to handle everything from magnum rifle cartridges to high-volume pistol rounds with speed and accuracy. My own journey to this particular kit began with a growing frustration with inconsistent ammunition and a desire to gain more control over the quality of my reloads. After months of research, watching countless hours of reloading tutorials, and speaking with seasoned reloaders, the promise of a complete, high-quality setup in one box was incredibly appealing. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid engineering; the press felt substantial, and the accompanying components exuded a sense of quality, hinting at a well-thought-out assembly. While I briefly considered assembling a similar setup from individual components from brands like RCBS or Hornady, the sheer convenience and apparent value of this all-inclusive package from Lyman sealed the deal. There was an immediate sense of readiness, a feeling that the complex puzzle of reloading setup had just been significantly simplified.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing environment for this kit was my dedicated reloading room, a space that balances workshop practicality with the need for meticulous attention to detail. I set up the press on a sturdy workbench, opting for a solid, bolted-down configuration for maximum stability. My initial reloading sessions focused on common pistol calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP, followed by some experimental rifle loads in .223 Remington. The press operated with remarkable smoothness, and the 8-station turret allowed for efficient staging of dies, significantly reducing setup time between operations. The Auto Primer Feed was a revelation, speeding up the priming process considerably and reducing the risk of dropped primers, a common annoyance with manual systems. While the Brass Smith Powder Measure proved generally accurate, I did notice a slight tendency for static cling with very fine powders, necessitating an occasional rap on the measure. After the initial setup and calibration, the kit was remarkably intuitive, especially for someone with prior reloading exposure; however, for a complete novice, the included 50th Edition Reloading Handbook would be an indispensable guide.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months of consistent use, processing hundreds of cases for various calibers, the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit has proven to be a workhorse. The press itself shows no signs of flex or wear, even when working with larger rifle cases or performing tougher resizing operations. The 8-station turret mechanism remains smooth and precise, and the die changes are swift and secure. The Universal Trimmer has been a reliable companion, producing consistently trimmed cases with the help of its numerous pilot attachments; I’ve found it particularly useful for maintaining consistency across different brass brands. While I did eventually upgrade the Pocket Touch 1500 scale for a higher-precision laboratory-grade unit, the included scale performed admirably for most reloading tasks, easily handling the 1500 grain capacity with good repeatability. Maintenance has been straightforward; regular cleaning of the press mechanism and lubrication of pivot points have kept everything running smoothly. Compared to some lighter-duty presses I’ve used in the past, this Lyman press offers a significantly more substantial and stable platform, which translates directly into more consistent and accurate ammunition. The additional components, while perhaps not top-tier in every single instance, have held up remarkably well and remain functional for their intended purposes.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit

Specifications

The heart of the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit is the Brass Smith All-American 8 Press. This heavy-duty press features a robust cast iron construction, offering exceptional rigidity and stability. Its large frame accommodates even the longest rifle cartridges with ease, providing ample working room for die adjustments and case manipulation. The press boasts an 8-station turret, a key feature that allows for pre-setting up to four sets of dies, enabling rapid caliber changes or different stages of the reloading process to be performed without constant die adjustments. This significantly streamlines the reloading workflow, saving valuable time. The press is also equipped with Lyman’s straight-line Auto Primer Feed, a system designed for consistent and reliable primer seating, reducing the risk of misalignment or missed primers.

The kit’s included Brass Smith Powder Measure is designed for smooth operation and consistent powder dispensing. It features a hardened steel metering chamber and an adjustable metering plug, allowing for a wide range of powder volumes. It also comes with a Powder Measure Stand to secure it to the bench. Complementing the powder handling is the Universal Trimmer, which is designed to trim cases accurately for a wide variety of calibers. It comes with a set of nine of the most popular caliber pilots, ensuring versatility right out of the box. The Pocket Touch 1500 electronic scale offers a 1500 grain capacity and a high degree of precision, essential for accurate powder charging. It includes a funnel pan and a dipper for easy powder transfer.

Further enhancing the kit’s completeness are the Magnum Bullet Puller, useful for correcting errors or retrieving bullets from loaded rounds, and the Case Prep Multi-Tool, which combines several essential case preparation functions like chamfering and deburring. The Loading Block is designed to hold cases upright and ready for priming or powder charging, further improving workflow efficiency. A Case Lube Kit is included to ensure smooth resizing operations, preventing case stretching or tearing. Finally, the kit includes a Powder Dribbler for precise topping off of powder charges, an E-ZEE Powder Funnel for clean powder transfer into cases, and a Primer Tray for organizing primers. The inclusion of the famous 50th Ed. Reloading Handbook provides a wealth of data, load recommendations, and safety guidelines for a wide array of cartridges.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit is to facilitate the safe, efficient, and precise reloading of ammunition, and in this regard, it excels. The press itself exhibits remarkable stability, meaning that resizing, priming, and bullet seating operations are performed with minimal runout, contributing to the overall accuracy of the reloaded rounds. The 8-station turret is a game-changer for reloaders who switch calibers frequently or perform multiple steps on a single case; having dies pre-set and ready to rotate into position drastically reduces downtime. The Auto Primer Feed is a standout feature, consistently seating primers with a smooth, positive action that significantly speeds up the priming process while maintaining accuracy.

The Brass Smith Powder Measure, while generally good, can sometimes exhibit static cling with extremely fine or bulky powders, which might require a gentle tap to ensure a full measure. However, for most common propellant types, it dispenses consistently. The Universal Trimmer performs its job admirably, producing uniformly trimmed cases that are critical for consistent neck tension and accurate bullet seating. The included Pocket Touch 1500 scale is sufficiently accurate for most reloading needs, providing reliable readings for powder charges. Its 1500 grain capacity is more than adequate for even large rifle cartridges. The Magnum Bullet Puller works as expected, providing a secure grip on bullets for extraction. The Case Prep Multi-Tool efficiently handles chamfering and deburring, preparing cases for subsequent steps. The Loading Block, Case Lube Kit, and Powder Dribbler all contribute to a smoother, more organized, and less error-prone reloading process. The 50th Edition Reloading Handbook remains an essential resource, offering extensive data that is crucial for safe and effective reloading.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit prioritizes both functionality and durability, clearly drawing from Lyman’s extensive experience in the reloading industry. The Brass Smith All-American 8 Press features a substantial cast-iron frame, giving it a reassuring weight and rigidity that is palpable from the moment it’s mounted. This robust construction not only ensures longevity but also directly contributes to the press’s stable operation, minimizing flex during critical stages like resizing and bullet seating. The 8-station turret is a standout ergonomic feature. Its ability to hold four die sets (or two die sets with room for other tools like a powder expander die) allows for a fluid reloading sequence. Swapping between stages of the reloading process becomes as simple as rotating the turret, a significant improvement over manually changing dies on a single-stage press.

The straight-line Auto Primer Feed is intuitively designed; its simple yet effective mechanism guides primers to the shell holder with minimal fuss, and its operation feels smooth and controlled. The inclusion of the Powder Measure Stand is a thoughtful ergonomic touch, ensuring the measure is securely positioned and accessible without cluttering the main press area. The Universal Trimmer is designed for ease of use, with a simple chuck mechanism for holding cases and a straightforward adjustment for trimming length. The Pocket Touch 1500 scale features a clean, legible digital display and responsive buttons, making it easy to read and operate. The Case Prep Multi-Tool is compact and includes distinct functions for chamfering and deburring, designed to be held comfortably in hand. While the overall aesthetic is utilitarian, reflecting its purpose, the fit and finish of all components are good, suggesting a product built to last and perform reliably over countless reloading sessions.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit is impressive, particularly with the core press component. The cast iron construction of the Brass Smith All-American 8 Press is inherently robust and designed for heavy use. Under normal reloading conditions, which involve repeated cycles of resizing, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating, this press is unlikely to show significant wear for decades. The 8-station turret mechanism, with its precision machining, also appears to be very durable, and the detents that hold it in place provide a satisfying and secure engagement. The straight-line Auto Primer Feed, being a mechanical component with few moving parts, is also expected to offer long-term reliability.

The Brass Smith Powder Measure is built with a hardened steel metering chamber, which is crucial for resisting wear from abrasive powders and ensuring consistent performance over time. The Universal Trimmer is similarly constructed from durable materials, and the pilot system is designed for secure engagement. The Pocket Touch 1500 scale, while electronic, is generally robust for its intended use, though like all electronic scales, it should be protected from extreme conditions. Maintenance is straightforward across the kit. The press mechanism benefits from periodic light lubrication on pivot points and sliding surfaces. The powder measure should be cleaned regularly to remove powder residue that can affect accuracy. The universal trimmer requires occasional cleaning of the cutting blade and ensuring pilots are free of debris. The included Case Lube Kit is essential for preventing case damage during resizing, which indirectly contributes to the longevity of the press and dies by reducing friction and stress. Overall, the materials and build quality suggest that this kit is an investment built for the long haul, requiring only basic upkeep to maintain peak performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit stands out not just for its press but for the comprehensive suite of accessories it includes, making it a ready-to-go solution for many reloaders. The 8-station turret itself is a significant accessory, allowing the user to pre-mount and adjust up to four sets of dies, enabling incredibly fast caliber changes or the staging of different reloading steps. The Auto Primer Feed is a critical integrated accessory that greatly enhances safety and speed. The Powder Measure Stand ensures the powder measure is securely mounted and accessible, keeping the bench tidy.

The inclusion of the Universal Trimmer with nine popular caliber pilots covers a vast range of common cartridges, making it highly versatile. The Pocket Touch 1500 electronic scale comes with a funnel pan and dipper, facilitating accurate powder transfer. Beyond these core components, the kit also includes a Magnum Bullet Puller, which uses a collet system to firmly grip bullets for extraction. The Case Prep Multi-Tool is a compact, multi-functional device for chamfering case mouths and deburring primer pockets. A standard Loading Block is provided to hold cases upright, and a Case Lube Kit ensures smooth resizing. A Powder Dribbler is included for precision topping off of powder charges, and an E-ZEE Powder Funnel aids in cleanly transferring powder into cases. Finally, the 50th Edition Reloading Handbook is an indispensable resource, offering crucial load data and safety information. While the press itself is designed for standard 7/8″-14 thread dies, offering broad compatibility, many of the included accessories are proprietary but well-executed.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit

Who Should Buy Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit?

The Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit is an ideal choice for the aspiring or intermediate reloader who wants a robust, versatile, and complete setup without the hassle of piecing together individual components. It is particularly well-suited for shooters who reload for multiple calibers or who appreciate the efficiency gains offered by a turret press. If you are transitioning from a single-stage press or are completely new to reloading and want a high-quality, long-term investment, this kit is an excellent starting point. Reloaders who frequently switch between rifle and pistol cartridges will particularly benefit from the 8-station turret‘s rapid changeover capability.

Conversely, this kit might be overkill for someone who only reloads a single, low-volume cartridge and has no intention of expanding their reloading efforts. Extremely advanced reloaders who demand the absolute highest levels of precision for competitive benchrest shooting might opt for higher-end, single-purpose scales and powder dispensers, though the press itself is still a very capable platform. For those prioritizing ultimate compactness or portability, this bench-mounted setup is not the right choice. To maximize the experience, I highly recommend investing in a sturdy workbench mount, such as those offered by Inline Fabrication, and consider a more precise scale if your reloading demands call for it.

Conclusion on Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit

The Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit is, without question, a superb offering for anyone serious about reloading. It delivers on its promise of a comprehensive, high-quality setup that streamlines the entire process. The heavy-duty 8-station turret press is the undisputed star, providing stability and efficiency that dramatically improves the reloading experience. The included accessories, while perhaps not every single one being the absolute pinnacle of its class, are all functional, well-made, and contribute significantly to the kit’s overall value. The Pocket Touch 1500 scale is accurate enough for most applications, and the Universal Trimmer performs admirably.

Considering its price point of $529.99, the value proposition of this kit is exceptional. The savings compared to acquiring comparable components individually are substantial, making it an economically sound choice for both new and upgrading reloaders. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret Kit to anyone looking to establish a serious reloading bench. It provides a solid foundation for years of accurate and consistent ammunition production, empowering reloaders with control over their craft.