Lyman T-mag

S

SonOfScubaDiver

New member
Hello. I have been looking into reloading for a few months now and have a question. Is the Lyman Expert Kit with the T-mag press a good kit for a beginner? I've looked at other brands, RGBS, Dillon, and Lee. The first two are a bit pricey for me, and I've read that Lee's presses are hit and miss when it comes to problems. I haven't, however, been able to find a whole lot on Lyman presses. Their Expert Kit seems reasonably priced, considering everything that comes with it. So, I'd like to get your opinions. I'm going to start reloading 38/357, and will probably expand to 45 eventually. I'm going to stay away from 380 and 40, mainly because I've read that they're not good calibers for newbies just getting started. 9 is cheap enough that I don't think I'd save very much by reloading. As usual, thank you for your replies. :)
 
I cannot recommend because everything I have was purchased piecemeal used. Though from what I know the press is a solid one and should do you well. Also sounds like you've done the research so trust your instincts. It never pays to buy stuff that you are unsure of or leave doubts. Buyers remorse stinks.
 
Just curious, are we talking about this setup? Lyman T-Mag 2 Turret Press and accessories?

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/3...MI2u7q-OKX1wIVRR-GCh0CSA7kEAQYAiABEgLqjPD_BwE

I never even looked at turret presses when I was starting out, if I had I now think I never would have bothered to move up to a progressive press and would have saved a lot of time I spent with my single stage press.

If money is a major problem consider buying used. This guy got a used RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press for $50.
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590496

PS I started out reloading .45 ACP and I suspect it to be the easiest cartridge out there to reload. Still, get a manual and read it.
 
I have a Lyman T-Mag and it is an excellent press. It was able to small base size my 30-06 cases (lubed with RCBS water soluble lube) without any problems what so ever. I had to put a tube on my RCBS Rockchucker to small base size 30-06 cases, it did not have the leverage. I sold the Rockchucker. I like the offset handle o the Lyman, keeps you from hitting your knees and was easier on the elbow. I am currently using a Redding T-7. The Redding kicks the primers down a tube into a bottle. The Lyman puts them into a catcher cup. Sometimes they pop out of the cup, then you have to vacuum the things up. I found that tedious.

The T-Mag is a good press.
 
DaleA, yes, that's the kit I'm looking at, and it's from Midway. I've talked with a few re loaders I've run into at gun shops, and they have all suggested that going with a turret press will end up saving me money in the long run vs. starting out with a single stage press. I ran across this kit while browsing Lyman's site the other day, and then found it at Midway for what appears to be a good price.
 
That sounds like an excellent way to make your way into reloading!

Another option would be the RCBS single stage kit.
 
Yep the Lyman is a good press. I researched turret pressed a few years ago and decided on the Lyman press, but found a very good deal on a Lee and got it instead.

Beware of what you read on forums concerning Lee tools. There is a phenomenon called "Lee Hating" that will raise it's ugly head any time Lee is mentioned. I have used an old style Lee turret for over 18 years with none of the so called "problems" along with many other Lee tools. I have found Lee Haters to be tool snobs that often cannot read instructions or about as mechanically inclined as a mud fence...
 
I just looked at the Ultimate kit Midway offers. Man, that kit really does have a lot to get a fella started off with a good amount of equipment. It's all stuff I'm going to eventually need anyway. It even includes a voucher for a free set of 3 dies. The only other die I would want is the universal decapping die. I am sooooooo tempted to break out mah trusty credit charge! lol
 
You won't beat the Midway price. Lyman wants $530 for it. Don't think you'll get an RCBS kit for that either.
The Lyman kit comes with a trimmer that most beginner's kits do not too.
And read the manual.
 
If you are serious about starting to hand load then I say quit waiting and get to it.

The beauty of this hobby is you can put as much or as little into it as you need to and still enjoy it and get the job done. Some have entire rooms devoted to it while others just one small humble bench.

This is my second go around with reloading and as stated right now all of my equipment was purchased used and I'm now loading for 3 guns.
 
I reload for enough calibers I will surely miss one
380, 9 mm Luger, 40 s&w, 45 auto, 45 Colt, 375 JDJ, 5.56 x 45, 300 WSM, 45-70, 12 ga

I like the turret because you can load medium speed. Many people start out on a single stage. Batches are typically 100 and powder is exposed to possible bumping or breeze, etc for a relatively long time....a few kernels matter!

Progressive fixes that but is often too fast and has many possible errors, making it kind of an advanced option.

A turret can load single stage or as a semi progressive by turning the turret on each round.
 
A turret can load single stage or as a semi progressive by turning the turret on each round.
Click to expand...

Yep. And (this is a point I REALLY like) you can buy extra turret heads. That way once you get your dies adjusted you don't have to do it again. Leave the dies adjusted as is and get another turret head for each cartridge/set of dies you have. Although this could get to be expensive, IMhO it would be worth it.

Disclaimer: I've never owned a turret press but I kind of wish I would have.
 
kmw1954, I'm plenty serious about it, but I still need to work out some details before spending any money. I need to figure out where I'm going to keep the equipment and supplies when I'm not reloading. I'm gonna need a decent amount of room for that, and mah kitchen table wouldn't work out too good. I also need to decide on what bullets to buy. I'm leaning towards hitting the ground reloading the same +p rounds that I carry, just so I can always practice with what I carry and get to know it really well. Really, the biggest issue getting in my way is figuring out where to keep everything. I have guitars, amateur radio equipment, tools, and other guy stuff taking up my existing storage space.
 
I can understand that. Again one can make do with very limited space. If you like I can PM you a few links to other forum threads with reloading bench pictures and ideas. One guy I know took an old metal 2 door cabinet and built a bench top in it along with a shelf. open the doors and everything is right there. The doors can even be locked to keep the unwanted out.

Can always start by picking up a nice manual and start reading. Even an old used one from ebay can get you started. The basic procedures haven't changed.
 
I have a Lee Classic Cast turret and a Lyman T mag II turret and the Lyman is a much better press in my opinion. I do like how the Lee disposes of the spent primers in a tube at the bottom of the ram, but I don't like all the slop in the turret head on the Lee.
I prime on the press and really don't care for how the Lyman does this which is why I will probably upgrade to the Redding eventually.

I am not a high volume shooter so the turret press is a perfect compromise between a progressive and a single stage.

Good luck and let us know what you get.
 
K.I.S.S. Start with loading at the starting load level, not +P which is much closer to max. and can present problems. No "shame" in loading light loads! You have your +P loads already for carry so there is no downside to learning to reload with a light/sane load. If you want 38 Special loads in the +P region, just go with your 357 Mag...

Go slow, double check everything, and most important have fun...
 
I have a Lyman T Mag II,a RCBS turret press,and a Lyman All American turret press.I use all three.The RCBS turret press had a bit of flex in the turret.I contacted RCBS and they informed me that some presses had shipped with an out of spec washer on the turret retaining bolt.I installed the replacement washer and while there was an improvement the turret still has a bit of flex.The Lyman Mag II is rock solid.They are very good presses.
 
I agree with the guy above regarding the Lee Classic Turret. It works just fine, is strong and reliable. Lee has made some inferior products and some people have had problems using the primer feeder but that is their fault, not the primer feeder. For the money it is a bargain and is nice to use if you only use less than a thousand rounds a month.
You need to have some mechanical inclination on many presses especially progressives. When I shot a lot I had a Dillon XL650, wish I never sold it, but anyway you needed a mechanical aptitude with it and it is very highly regarded. Lyman I have no doubt makes good products but have never used them.
 
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