Let’s Dive into Lyman Ammo Checkers
For the handloader, consistency is king. Ensuring each round is within spec isn’t just about accuracy; it’s about safety and reliability. The Lyman Ammo Checkers promise a fast, easy, and reliable way to verify cartridge dimensions, doing away with tedious caliper measurements for every single round. I’ve spent over a decade in the tactical and outdoor gear world, reloading everything from .223 for varmint hunting to .45 ACP for my 1911.
My journey to the Lyman Ammo Checkers stemmed from a growing frustration with case gauges. I needed a streamlined system to check my reloads without the endless adjustments of calipers and headspace gauges. I was looking for something faster, more intuitive, and less prone to human error.
Unboxing the Lyman Ammo Checkers, my first impression was positive, but not overwhelmingly so. The Lyman Ammo Checkers are machined from orange anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, feeling solid and well-made.
Compared to traditional case gauges (like those from Wilson or RCBS), the Lyman Ammo Checkers offered a multi-caliber approach, which was immediately appealing. Other single-caliber gauges are precise, but become a shelf full of tools. This multi-caliber design promised to consolidate my workflow.
My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The bright orange color wasn’t exactly my style, but the promise of a streamlined reloading process intrigued me. I hoped the Lyman Ammo Checkers could live up to their claims of speed and accuracy.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Ammo Checkers to the Test
First Use Experience
My first real-world test occurred at my reloading bench in the garage. I was processing a batch of 9mm Luger and .223 Remington rounds for an upcoming range trip. I wanted to ensure every round was within SAAMI specifications.
The Lyman Ammo Checkers performed well initially, even in the somewhat dusty environment of my reloading bench. Cartridges either dropped in cleanly or clearly hung up, indicating an issue with overall length or case dimensions. The ease of use was immediately apparent. No fiddling with calipers or second-guessing measurements.
I did experience a small learning curve with the handgun gauge. The .38 Special/.357 Magnum cutout raised a slight concern as I wasn’t sure how it could accurately guage the case length when .38 special is shorter than .357 magnum.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Lyman Ammo Checkers have proven to be a useful, but not perfect, addition to my reloading process. The aluminum construction has held up well with no signs of significant wear. It resides with the rest of my Lyman reloading equipment.
The anodized finish, while not my favorite color, has resisted scratches and dings surprisingly well. Cleaning is simple. A quick wipe with a cloth removes any powder residue or case lube. The Lyman Ammo Checkers do what they advertise, but I noticed that they only check overall cartridge length, not other critical dimensions like case body diameter or shoulder angle.
Compared to my previous reliance on calipers and single-caliber gauges, the Lyman Ammo Checkers offer a significant speed advantage for high-volume reloading. However, for critical match-grade ammunition, I still prefer the precision of traditional measuring tools to ensure every dimension is perfect.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Ammo Checkers
Specifications
The Lyman Ammo Checkers come in three different gauge types: Handgun, Small Rifle, and Large Rifle. Each gauge is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, finished with an orange anodized coating for durability and visibility. Here’s a breakdown:
- Handgun Gauge: Covers .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .38 Super, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 SPL/.357 Magnum, .44 Mag/Spl, and .45 Colt.
- Small Rifle Gauge: Accommodates .204 Ruger, .22 Hornet, .223 Remington, .22-250, .300 AAC Blackout, and 7.62 x 39.
- Large Rifle Gauge: Includes .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, .308 Win, .30-06, and .300 WSM.
These specifications are critical because they dictate the range of cartridges the tool can handle. The use of aluminum ensures the gauge won’t damage or scratch brass cases, while the variety of calibers saves bench space and reduces the need for multiple tools.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Ammo Checkers excel at quickly verifying if a loaded round is within SAAMI-specified overall length. If a cartridge drops freely into the appropriate hole, it is likely to chamber correctly in a firearm designed for that caliber. If the cartridge does not fit, there is an issue with the overall length or case dimensions that needs attention.
The primary strength is speed. It’s far faster than checking each round with calipers. The main weakness is the lack of precision. The Lyman Ammo Checkers only verify if a round generally fits. For match-grade reloading where every dimension must be exact, they fall short.
The Lyman Ammo Checkers meet the basic expectation of quickly identifying out-of-spec rounds. They exceed expectations in terms of consolidating multiple gauges into a single tool.
Design & Ergonomics
The aluminum construction of the Lyman Ammo Checkers feels solid and durable. The weight is negligible, making it easy to handle and store. The bright orange color is not aesthetically pleasing to me, but it does make the tool easy to spot on a cluttered reloading bench.
The design is simple and intuitive. There is no learning curve. Simply drop a cartridge into the appropriate hole. If it fits, it’s good to go.
Durability & Maintenance
The 6061-T6 aluminum construction suggests the Lyman Ammo Checkers should last for many years of regular use. There are no moving parts to break or wear out.
Maintenance is minimal. A quick wipe with a cloth is all that’s needed to remove powder residue or case lube.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Ammo Checkers are fairly straightforward tools and don’t come with any accessories. There are no customization options available.
The Lyman Ammo Checkers are meant to be used as-is.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Ammo Checkers
Pros
- Fast and Easy: Quickly verifies if a cartridge is within overall length specifications.
- Multi-Caliber Design: Consolidates multiple single-caliber gauges into one tool.
- Durable Construction: Made from 6061-T6 aluminum for long-lasting performance.
- Simple to Use: No learning curve, simply drop in the cartridge.
- Affordable: Offers good value for the functionality provided.
Cons
- Doesn’t Confirm Brass Dimensions: Does not check case body diameter, shoulder angle, or other critical dimensions beyond overall length.
- .38 Special/.357 Magnum compromise: Since you check both in the same hole with the same length, it doesn’t guage correct COAL for each separate round.
Who Should Buy Lyman Ammo Checkers?
The Lyman Ammo Checkers are perfect for high-volume reloaders looking for a quick and easy way to check overall cartridge length. They are also useful for casual shooters who want to ensure their ammunition will chamber reliably without investing in expensive measuring equipment. It is a good starting point for those new to reloading.
These Lyman Ammo Checkers may not be for those who are precision reloaders or competitors who need to verify every single dimension of their cartridges to the most precise standard.
A must-have accessory would be a quality set of calipers for more precise measurements when needed.
Conclusion on Lyman Ammo Checkers
The Lyman Ammo Checkers offer a valuable time-saving solution for reloaders seeking a quick way to verify overall cartridge length. While they don’t replace the precision of calipers for critical dimensions, they excel at identifying out-of-spec rounds in high-volume reloading scenarios. The Lyman Ammo Checkers consolidate multiple single-caliber gauges into one durable tool.
At $60.95, the price is justified for the convenience and speed they provide. I would recommend the Lyman Ammo Checkers to any reloader looking to streamline their process and ensure reliable ammunition. They’re a practical addition to any reloading bench. Check your ammo, shoot safely, and reload with confidence.