Let’s Dive into Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator
Reloading ammunition is a meticulous process, and separating clean brass from the tumbling media is a necessary, albeit tedious, step. The Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator promises a simple and efficient solution to this problem, offering an ambidextrous design and a supposedly tight seal to contain dust and debris. Lyman, a well-known name in reloading, aims to make this chore less of a hassle for reloaders of all experience levels.
I was looking for a quicker and cleaner way to separate my brass from the walnut media I use for tumbling. The sifting method I was using took too long and created a lot of dust.
Out of the box, the Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator felt lightweight and plasticky. The interlocking edges and crank handle seemed simple enough, but the overall construction appeared somewhat flimsy. I had considered a Frankford Arsenal separator or a Dillon Precision case separator, but the Lyman was readily available at my local shop and a bit cheaper, a decision I already regret.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism quickly fading into disappointment. The design seemed sound, but the materials and initial feel suggested potential durability issues.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator after tumbling about 500 .223 cases. I used it in my garage, which is generally well-ventilated, but dust is still a concern. It was a dry day, temperature about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
The first thing I noticed was how difficult it was to assemble. The basket didn’t quite fit into the housing smoothly, requiring some significant effort to get it to snap together. Turning the crank felt rough and uneven. Some media and dust still escaped, despite the “tight seal” claim.
Extended Use & Reliability
After only a few uses, the Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator has not held up well. The plastic feels increasingly brittle. The crank handle continues to catch on the inside edges, making the turning action jerky and inefficient.
The latches that are supposed to tightly lock the basket and cover together have already started to loosen, meaning more media and dust escape with each use. Cleaning the separator is easy enough with a brush and compressed air, but I’m not confident it will last much longer. This is significantly worse than my experience with a friend’s much older (though admittedly, higher quality) separator.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lyman.
- Quantity: 1.
- Free spinning crank handle cover: A cover designed to work freely with the crank handle for efficient operation.
- Improved latches for a tight lock-up of the basket and cover: Supposedly improves the basket and cover seal to contain dust.
- Can be used with either right or left hand: Designed for ambidextrous performance, catering to both right- and left-handed users.
- Tight seal to trap media and dust inside: Aims to prevent dust and debris from escaping during operation.
These specifications, at face value, promise a user-friendly and clean case separating experience. However, the actual performance falls short due to poor manufacturing and material quality, undermining the intended benefits.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator’s primary function is to separate brass cases from tumbling media, and it performs this task with moderate success, but significant frustration. It does separate the cases, but not cleanly or efficiently.
The crank action is rough, the seal leaks dust, and the overall process is more cumbersome than it should be. It falls far short of my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is conceptually simple, but the execution is flawed. The lightweight plastic construction feels cheap, and the basket assembly is awkward.
The ambidextrous design is a nice thought, but the discomfort and inefficiency overshadow any potential benefit. The learning curve is minimal, but the payoff is even smaller.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator is not built to last. The plastic is brittle, and the latches are prone to failure.
Maintenance is straightforward, but the underlying build quality makes it feel like a waste of time. I don’t anticipate this product lasting more than a year with regular use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator does not come with any accessories and offers no customization options. It is a standalone unit.
There are no readily apparent modifications or upgrades that would significantly improve its performance. Its limited functionality and low build quality restrict any potential for meaningful customization.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator
Pros
- Relatively inexpensive compared to some other separators.
- Ambidextrous design is potentially useful.
- Simple design concept.
Cons
- Poor build quality and cheap materials.
- Difficult to assemble and operate smoothly.
- Ineffective seal allows dust and media to escape.
Who Should Buy Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator?
- Perfect for: Reloaders on an extremely tight budget who process very small batches of ammunition very infrequently.
- Who should skip this product? Anyone who reloads with any regularity, values their time, or expects a product to last more than a few uses.
- Must-have accessories or modifications? A heavy-duty trash bag to catch the escaping media and dust, and a generous dose of patience. Honestly, save your money and buy a better separator.
Conclusion on Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator
The Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator promises a simple and efficient solution for separating brass from media, but ultimately fails to deliver on that promise. The poor build quality, frustrating operation, and lack of durability make it a disappointing product.
The price may be tempting, but the aggravation and short lifespan are not worth the savings. I would not personally recommend the Lyman Turbo Case/Media Separator.
Save your money and invest in a higher-quality separator from a more reputable brand. Your reloading bench (and your lungs) will thank you.