Lyman Universal Press Stand Review

Getting Started with the Lyman Universal Press Stand

For anyone engaged in the meticulous world of handloading ammunition, the physical setup of the reloading press can be as critical as the components themselves. My own journey with this hobby, spanning over a decade in diverse environments from dusty workshops to impeccably clean labs, has always hinged on having equipment that is both robust and ergonomically sound. It was the persistent ache in my lower back and the compromised view of delicate operations that finally pushed me to seek a solution beyond my existing bench setup. The Lyman Universal Press Stand promised to elevate my press, and by extension, my entire reloading experience. This heavy-duty steel construct, designed to accommodate a vast array of presses, immediately caught my eye with its ambition to be a true universal solution. I had considered custom fabrication, but the practicality and cost-effectiveness of a ready-made, versatile stand like this seemed far more appealing, especially given the prospect of future press upgrades. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid engineering; it felt substantial and well-built, hinting at the relief and improved workflow I was hoping for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Universal Press Stand to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial deployment of the Lyman Universal Press Stand occurred in my dedicated reloading workshop, a space that sees regular use. I mounted my existing press, an older but reliable single-stage model, onto one of the pre-drilled plates. The process of attaching the stand to my workbench involved bolting it down for maximum stability, a task that was straightforward thanks to the well-placed mounting holes. Even with the stand secured, I experimented briefly with its C-clamp option (though I opted for permanent mounting for my primary setup) and found it offered a surprisingly secure, albeit temporary, hold. The immediate benefit was palpable; my press was now positioned at a comfortable height, eliminating the need to stoop awkwardly. This significantly improved my posture during extended reloading sessions and provided a clearer, unobstructed view of the priming, resizing, and seating stages of each cartridge. No significant issues arose during this initial setup, though I did notice that the included hardware pack seemed a bit sparser than I’d anticipated for such a substantial piece of equipment.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, cycling hundreds of rounds through my press, the Lyman Universal Press Stand has proven its mettle. It has endured the daily rigors of my reloading bench without any discernible signs of wear or compromise in its structural integrity. The all-steel construction has held firm, showing no wobble or flex even under the significant forces exerted during case resizing or bullet seating. Cleaning is a simple matter of wiping down the black powder coat with a damp cloth, and its footprint on the bench, while not insignificant, actually creates a more organized workspace by effectively isolating the press’s operational area. Compared to other press mounting solutions I’ve used in the past – primarily direct bench mounting which can lead to vibration transfer, or makeshift wooden risers that lack rigidity – this dedicated stand offers a superior balance of stability and ergonomic advantage. The height adjustment it provides is a game-changer, reducing physical strain and allowing for longer, more comfortable reloading sessions.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Universal Press Stand

Specifications

The Lyman Universal Press Stand is constructed from heavy-duty steel, ensuring a robust and stable platform for your reloading press. It stands at 9 ¼ inches tall, effectively raising your press to a more ergonomic working height. This elevation is crucial for reducing fatigue during prolonged reloading sessions and provides an unobstructed view of all reloading operations. The stand comes with two pre-drilled mounting plates, designed to accommodate a wide range of single-station, turret, and progressive presses from various manufacturers. For presses that don’t perfectly match existing patterns, a blank area is provided, allowing for custom drilling of mounting holes. All necessary press mounting hardware is included in the package, simplifying the installation process. Furthermore, the stand itself is drilled to allow it to be securely bolted to a workbench or, alternatively, can be attached using C-clamps for quick removal if needed.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Lyman Universal Press Stand is to provide a stable, elevated platform for reloading presses, and in this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The rock-solid stability it offers is immediately apparent, eliminating the common issue of press movement or vibration that can plague bench-mounted setups. This enhanced stability translates directly into improved consistency and precision in handloaded ammunition. The ergonomic benefit of the 9 ¼-inch lift cannot be overstated; it allows reloaders to maintain a more upright posture, significantly reducing strain on the back and shoulders. This improved ergonomics also leads to better focus and control during the intricate stages of reloading. While the stand itself is inert, its performance is measured by how well it supports the press, and it reliably does so for a multitude of press designs. The only minor functional limitation I encountered was with a specific progressive press where a component interfered slightly with the stand’s frame during full handle travel, requiring a minor adjustment to the press setup.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Lyman Universal Press Stand is unapologetically utilitarian, focusing on strength and functionality above all else. Its all-steel construction gives it a substantial, industrial feel, conveying confidence in its ability to handle heavy-duty presses and rigorous use. The black powder coat finish is durable and resistant to minor scuffs and scratches, maintaining a clean aesthetic even in a workshop environment. Ergonomically, the 9 ¼-inch elevation is its standout feature, making a significant difference in comfort for users of varying heights. The pre-drilled plates and the additional blank area for customization speak to Lyman’s understanding of the diverse reloading community and the variety of presses in use. The mounting options, whether bolted or C-clamped, offer flexibility depending on the user’s setup and preference for permanence versus portability. It’s a design that prioritizes a clear workflow and reduced physical strain, making the reloading process more enjoyable and less taxing.

Durability & Maintenance

Built from heavy-duty steel, the Lyman Universal Press Stand is designed for long-term durability. Under normal reloading conditions, I anticipate this stand will last for many, many years without issue. The powder-coated finish is robust and resists corrosion and minor abrasions, meaning it will continue to look good and function reliably even with regular use and exposure to workshop dust. Maintenance is remarkably simple; a quick wipe-down with a dry or slightly damp cloth is usually sufficient to keep it clean. There are no complex moving parts or delicate components to worry about. The only potential point of concern, as noted with some progressive presses, is ensuring adequate clearance for all press handle movements, which is more a factor of press design interacting with the stand’s dimensions rather than a fault of the stand itself. This is a piece of equipment that is built to be a workhorse, and it shows.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Universal Press Stand comes with two pre-drilled mounting plates, offering a degree of compatibility right out of the box. These plates are designed to fit a multitude of common single-station, turret, and progressive presses. Importantly, a blank section on one of the plates is provided specifically for users to drill their own custom mounting holes, catering to less common press designs or unique user preferences. All the necessary hardware for mounting your press to the stand’s plates is also included, which is a thoughtful addition that saves users a trip to the hardware store. While the stand itself is not designed for extensive aesthetic customization, its core strength lies in its adaptability to different presses, making the included plates and the custom drilling option its most significant “accessory” and customization features. The ability to bolt it down or use C-clamps also adds to its versatile application.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Universal Press Stand

Who Should Buy Lyman Universal Press Stand?

This stand is an excellent choice for any handloader who is experiencing physical discomfort from bending over their press, or who wishes to create a more dedicated and ergonomic reloading station. It is particularly well-suited for individuals with existing workshops or dedicated reloading benches who want to maximize their comfort and efficiency. Home hobbyists who reload for multiple calibers and use different types of presses will also find the universal compatibility highly beneficial, as it prepares them for future press upgrades. Those who prioritize a stable, well-organized workspace will appreciate the robust build and the effective isolation of the press from bench vibrations.

However, individuals who have extremely limited bench space and require a press that can be easily stowed away might find this stand a bit cumbersome. Also, those who exclusively use very small, lightweight presses might not need the sheer robust construction of this particular model, although its versatility still makes it a strong contender. For anyone already experiencing back or neck strain from reloading, this stand is a highly recommended ergonomic upgrade. As for complementary items, a good quality bench vise to further secure the stand, and perhaps a set of thread-forming taps if you plan to drill custom mounting holes, would be beneficial additions.

Conclusion on Lyman Universal Press Stand

The Lyman Universal Press Stand is, without question, a superb piece of equipment that delivers on its promise of enhanced ergonomics and universal press compatibility. Its heavy-duty steel construction provides an unshakeable foundation, and the 9 ¼-inch elevation makes a profound difference in comfort and workflow during long reloading sessions. While the occasional missing hardware piece is a minor inconvenience, it’s far outweighed by the stand’s overall quality and the thoughtful design features like the customizable mounting plate. The value proposition here is strong; for its price, you gain a significant improvement in your reloading posture and efficiency that pays dividends in reduced fatigue and potentially increased precision. I would absolutely recommend this stand to any serious handloader looking to invest in their comfort and the longevity of their reloading setup. It’s a practical, robust, and effective solution that simply makes the demanding task of handloading a more pleasant and sustainable endeavor.