Just joined forum. I'm trying to get back into reloading and shooting after being away from it for like a lifetime. When I was young (a long time ago - 1970s) I was an expert caster/reloader. Had my stuff set up in my dad's basement. He eventually took everything apart and boxed it up. Thirty or forty years later I'm retired now and want to get back into this. Somehow the 'pressure piston' / 'O' Ring mechanism seems to be missing. I did find the original single sheet directions / parts list from Lyman - not much but it allowed me to figure out how to put the thing together and realize I was missing a critical part. I'm looking for recommendations on how to proceed.
I checked out Lyman's website and they have a contact number there so I'll try to call tomorrow and see if they sell parts for this apparently old machine. I see their 4500 is their latest model. I'm wondering if the same pressure piston can be used for the apparently older 450? Any thoughts on that? Alternately, I see on eBay there are several 450s available for $100 plus or minus. Should I get one of these just for parts? I guess I could buy a 4500 but from the reviews I see on Amazon the workmanship of Lyman's newer products isn't what it used to be. Maybe that's just internet slander, I don't know. All I can say is I loved my old 450. The main things I used it for were for my Buffalo Bill Commerative 30-30 with a 26" Octagon Barrel and my .45 Colt Rugar Blackhawk. For my 30-30 I had a 190 grain cast which gave me a full power load around 1800 fps which I used for long range shooting. Had tremendous fun with that. I'd appreciate any recommendations. I'd really like to get this thing working again.