Lyman 4500 questions

[joeb33050]

Does the 4500 have the flimsy easy-to-break bent metal strapping apparatus? Can the pusher-upper thing e flipped over the handle? Does the bottom hollow screw/plunger/nut look like the 450?
Thanks;
joe brennan

[454PB]

Both of my Lyman sizers are 450's. One of them was broken and repaired several times due to the flimsy handle and linkage you describe. I wrote to Lyman and ordered the conversion kit that changes it to the newer 4500 style. I then broke that one and had to fabricate my own pieces to get it working again. The weak point is the angled cast steel piece at the base of the handle, it's very thin where the hinge pin fits through. The replacement I made is of 1/4" plate steel and much beefier.

5128
Original Lyman 450

5129
Modified Lyman 450

[dubber123]

Yep, the cast, angled "dog leg" busted on my 450, one the very first pull of the handle doing a .475. I did the same as 454PB, and made one out of plate steel. I later bought an older one with the handle arraingement shown in 454's upper picture, and think it's a much better built machine.

[joeb33050]

I have an article on this, and am looking for info on the 4500 or other info on the 450. This to eventually go in the book. If you will read, comment and maybe add, please send a PM with an e-mail address I can send the article to.
Thanks to you both.
joe brennan