Lyman 4500 vs. RCBS Lube-a-Matic 2 sizers?

[LouNC]

My latest Midway flyer is showing the RCBS Lube-A-Matic 2 for $145, and a Lyman Master Casting Kit, which includes a Mini-Mag furnace, 4500 Lube Sizer, dipper, lube, and ingot mold for $147. They list their Mini-Mag furnace alone at $59.

My question is simple - how do these RCBS and Lyman lube/sizers compare? If they are very similar, then the Lyman combo seems like a better deal than the RCBS lube/sizer alone.

By the way, I have been casting .357 pistol bullets and haven't bothered with sizing yet, I tumble lube with JPW........so this would be my first lube/sizer. I'm still not really convinced I need one, but since these in the Midway flyer, I thought it was a good time to ask.

Thanks,
Lou

[deltaenterprizes]

I have had older versions of both,the biggest difference is the lifetime warranty on the RCBS.

[beagle]

The lifetime warranty on teh RCBS makes it stand out above the Lyman. I prefer the older Lyman 450 above either the Lyman 4500 or the RCBS.

There have been horror stories on the 4500 but I have a couple of old #450s that I've used for years since my old #45 died.

YOu see #450s on E-Bay all the time./beagle

[JFE]

I had a Lyman 450 and later replaced it with a RCBS Lubamatic. The RCBS is like a beefed up version of the 450, with the action/linkages much more positive and I felt the RCBS unit easier to operate. I'm not sure how the latest versions compare.

Joe

[Irascible]

What are the "horror stories" on the 4500? I find it to be a 450 with better linkage!

[jdgabbard]

I would probably go with the Lyman, as it is cheaper. And will most likely give you more bang for the buck.

[mtgrs737]

I have two 450's and two Stars, and no RCBS lubersizers. The two Lyman 450's have been great to use with no problems. I would save the money and buy more sizer dies or moulds with it.

[DLCTEX]

I have both an RCBS LAM II and a Lyman 45. I broke the handle on the RCBS loose from it's spotwelds. I know a call to the Co. will get a new one, but a hose clamp has been holding it for 2 years. The only objection to the RCBS is the pressure handle with the two little balls on the ends, The ratchet on the Lyman is much better.My Lyman 20# pot is still going, I bought it used a few years ago, I think it was made in the 70's. If you need the pot, dipper, ingot mold etc., definitely go for the Lyman, if not, I'd probably opt for the RCBS with the warranty weighing heavily in the decision. If sizing hardened boolits, I use the RCBS, so that may tell us something. DALE