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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
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:castmine::coffee:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Thanks for the input guys. I guess RCBS is the way to go:-D
Everything RCBS makes is better quality than the equivalent tool from Lyman.
They'll have replacement parts for it for the rest of your life. Shipped to you FREE as needed.Quote:
Originally Posted by foxtrapper
Certainly have to agree, the RCBS warranty makes it the better buy even if you get it second hand RCBS will support their product.
My vote is for RCBS!
:castmine:
When I got my RCBS...the wolley mamouth's just starting to get scarce, still works perfect.
:castmine:
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.
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.
Ask them if they will get you an RCBS,never know,if you have bought enough then maybe they should!
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
+1 Rcbs
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.
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. [smilie=s:
The handle on my Lyman broke years ago, havn't been able to brake the handle I made to replace it yet
Sounds like a robust replacement you made there. :-D
Welcome to Cast Boolits BTW Runnin Lead :drinks:
welcome to the forum runnin lead