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Thread: RCBS Lubesizer or LYman 4500

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy
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    RCBS Lubesizer or LYman 4500

    I have some Cabela points[cash credit] for Cabelas. I am buying my first lube sizer and gas check seater. I like to buy RCBS but Cabelas doesn't carry the RCBS. So what I'm asking is if I can get the Lyman 4500 for less then half price should I do it? Will RCBS seater dies fit the Lyman? Thanks

  2. #2
    Black Powder 100%


    cajun shooter's Avatar
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    Talking

    Hold out for the RCBS; it's a better lube sizer. It will also seat GC without any extra tools needed. Look up Midsouth Shooter's supply also Graf & sons and Midway. They all have better prices than Cabela's and you don't have to spend a certain amount even though you will Ha!! Ha!! Both the Lyman And RCBS will interchange dies. The RCBS dies and top punches work better for me and that's my 2cents worth

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    I agree that the RCBS is a better unit, but I have a Lyman 450 that works just fine. I use gas check on most of my bullets that I cast (from 22 to 45) and if the shank is the proper diameter, I have no problems seating gas checks on my 450.

    John

  4. #4
    Boolit Master carpetman's Avatar
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    Really the only advantage the RCBS has is the warranty. I used a Lyman for years--no problem. The RCBS is toggle operated and Lyman ratchet feed which I like much better. The RCBS can be converted to ratchet,but it's not just a change a part deal---requires some machining. If price is over twice for RCBS I'd go Lyman.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master Sprue's Avatar
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    RCBS Mod

    Take an old 1/4" socket and it place over the shaft and weld it on. Then use your 1/4 " drive.

    Better yet. Turn the end of the shaft down to allow the use of a smaller 1/4" socket to fit over the end shaft. This has the advantage of keeping the shaft and socket to nearly the same size (OD).Its strictly a cosmetic thing.

    Gets rid of that cumbersome slide "T" handle configuration.

    It speed things up and is much easier to operate by allowing YOU to keep the handle in YOUR comfort zone.
    Sprue ™

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy
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    I use the old style RCBS and use Lyman sizer dies and top punches because they are less outlay than the RCBS ones. The gas check seater fits also so I can apply the gaschecks before sizing. The Lyman has a gasket that goes south and it has to be replaced. I'd get the RCBS and modify the lube pressurizer for the 3/8 drive.
    If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk.
    Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it.
    Some things never change; others change more slowly.

  7. #7
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    The RCBS is a better made unit. My lyman 4500 has broken TWICE in the 3 months that I've had it. Handle snapped off first and pivot bolt as of late. I am only sizing down .0005 to .001....... No reason for the breakage. From now on anything I buy will be RCBS. The Lyman will absoultely seat gaschecks without any special tools when the handle and/or bolts hold together

  8. #8
    Boolit Buddy
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    Thanks for the input guys. I guess RCBS is the way to go

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    Everything RCBS makes is better quality than the equivalent tool from Lyman.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master Sprue's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by foxtrapper View Post
    Thanks for the input guys. I guess RCBS is the way to go
    They'll have replacement parts for it for the rest of your life. Shipped to you FREE as needed.
    Sprue ™

  11. #11
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    dromia's Avatar
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    Certainly have to agree, the RCBS warranty makes it the better buy even if you get it second hand RCBS will support their product.


    For fine firearms and shooting requisites visit my Web Site by clicking the link below:

    Pukka Bundhooks

  12. #12
    Boolit Master on Heaven’s Range
    WHITETAIL's Avatar
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    My vote is for RCBS!

  13. #13
    Boolit Buddy enfieldphile's Avatar
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    When I got my RCBS...the wolley mamouth's just starting to get scarce, still works perfect.


  14. #14
    In Remebrance


    Bret4207's Avatar
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    I have 1 RCBS and 2 Lymans. The RCBS just seems to work better. No idea why, but it's a fact, for me at least.

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
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    Talking Casting Supplys

    Check out Buffalo Arms for cast bullet supplies. The owner Dave is a nice guy and the people are very knowledgeable. Dave holds world records shooting black powder cartridge rifle. They are the Sinclair International of black powder.

  16. #16
    Boolit Master in Heaven's Range
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    Ask them if they will get you an RCBS,never know,if you have bought enough then maybe they should!

  17. #17
    Boolit Master

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    If the only choices are the Lyman and RCBS, I would go with the RCBS. If you can save up enough money go with a STar.

    Jerry
    Honor is a Way of Life

    NRA Benefactor Life Member

  18. #18
    Boolit Master
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    +1 Rcbs
    NRA LIFER .. "THE CAST BULLET HANDLOADER IS THE ONLY ONE THAT REALLY MAKES ANY OF HIS AMMUNITION. OTHERS MEARLY ASSEMBLE IT". -E.H. HARRISON

    ----------------------
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    ------
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    -- Ronald Reagan

  19. #19
    Boolit Master

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    I have two Lyman 450's and two Star's, if you do large quanities of non gas checked boolits then the Star is the only way to go. I have never had a problem with the Lyman units in 30 years of useage.
    Mtgrs737
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  20. #20
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    I am not sure who the brainiac was that decided to discontinue the lyman #45 and go to the 450/4500, but they were definately suffering from rectal crainial inversion that day. If I had it all to do over again I would go RCBS or just buy all the old #45's I could find.....which is what I ended up with in the end. IMHO the lyman 450/4500 are p's.o.s. I have done stooopid stuff on my old #45's and prefer them over the RCBS unit just slightly. I actually was able to purchase a #45 NIB awhile ago. I was going to keep it in the box as a collectable....it now resides on the bench....I am not truly a collector I guess.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check