Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press Review

Let’s Talk About Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press

The Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press is a single-stage reloading press designed for both beginners and experienced reloaders. Lyman has built a reputation for quality reloading equipment, and this press aims to deliver reliable performance in a compact package. It offers a robust cast iron frame, ambidextrous handle, and compatibility with standard dies and shell holders, making it a versatile tool for crafting custom ammunition.

I had been searching for a secondary reloading press that wouldn’t hog all my bench space. I needed something sturdy enough for consistent performance but without the bulk and expense of a progressive press. The reviews highlighting the Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press’s durability and manageable size piqued my interest.

Unboxing the press, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The cast iron frame gives it a substantial weight, inspiring confidence in its ability to handle resizing operations. The powder-coated orange finish is classic Lyman, and while aesthetics aren’t my primary concern, it does lend a professional look to my reloading bench.

I’ve previously used two Lee single-stage presses, and while affordable, their lighter construction always felt like a compromise. I also considered the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme, a well-regarded single-stage press, but its larger footprint steered me towards the more compact Lyman. The Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press seemed to offer a better balance of size, strength, and price.

My first impression was positive; the press exudes quality and feels like a tool built to last. I was excited to mount it to my bench and start reloading.

Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press at my home reloading bench, focusing on reloading 9mm and .223 Remington ammunition. I wanted to gauge its performance with both pistol and rifle cartridges. The press was easy to mount and setup with my existing RCBS dies.

I tested the press in relatively controlled indoor conditions, with ambient temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The only environmental factor was the presence of some fine powder dust, which is unavoidable in reloading. It handled both resizing and bullet seating operations without any issues.

The ambidextrous handle made the press comfortable to use, regardless of which hand I used to operate it. The leverage provided by the compound linkage felt adequate for both pistol and rifle rounds. There was a slight learning curve in getting a feel for the optimal amount of pressure needed for resizing, but nothing significant.

My initial use was without any surprises; the press performed as expected. It felt significantly more robust than my previous Lee presses, and I appreciated the smooth operation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press has proven to be a reliable workhorse. I’ve reloaded thousands of rounds of various pistol and rifle calibers with it. It maintains its tight tolerances and smooth operation.

So far, there are no noticeable signs of wear and tear. The powder-coated finish is holding up well, and there’s no play in the linkage. I clean the press regularly with a dry cloth and apply a light coat of gun oil to the ram and linkage to prevent corrosion.

Compared to my previous Lee presses, the Lyman offers a superior reloading experience. The added weight and robust construction contribute to greater stability and consistency. It outperforms them in terms of durability and smooth operation.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press

Specifications

• The Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press is constructed with a rugged cast iron frame, providing a solid and stable base for reloading. This material choice ensures minimal flex and maximum durability.
• It features a 1-inch diameter ram, offering ample strength for resizing even tough cartridge cases. The larger diameter ram contributes to smooth and consistent operation.
• The press has a 3.875-inch press opening, accommodating all pistol calibers and rifle cartridges up to 3.7 inches in overall length. This allows the reloading of a wide range of cartridges.
• The ambidextrous handle design makes it comfortable for both left- and right-handed users. It is conveniently positioned for optimal leverage and ease of use.
• It accepts all standard 7/8″x14 thread dies and standard shell holders, providing compatibility with a vast array of reloading components. This compatibility ensures versatility and ease of setup.

These specifications are crucial for reliable and consistent reloading. The robust frame and ram ensure accurate resizing and bullet seating. The wide compatibility with standard dies and shell holders makes it user-friendly.

Performance & Functionality

The Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press performs its job admirably. It delivers consistent results with both pistol and rifle cartridges. The leverage provided by the compound linkage is adequate for most reloading tasks.

Its strength lies in its simple, robust design and ease of use. A minor weakness is its limited leverage compared to larger presses, requiring slightly more effort for resizing particularly tough cases. It definitely meets my expectations for a compact, reliable single-stage press.

Design & Ergonomics

The press is built with a focus on durability and ease of use. The cast iron frame provides a stable and solid feel. Its 13.8 lb weight helps absorb vibrations during the reloading process.

The ambidextrous handle is comfortable to grip and provides good leverage. There is a slight learning curve for beginners, but it is intuitive and easy to master.

Durability & Maintenance

The robust construction suggests that the Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press will last for many years with proper care. The cast iron frame is resistant to wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. This ensures long-term reliability and trouble-free operation.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press comes with standard accessories, including a spent primer collection system. It accepts all standard 7/8″x14 thread dies and shell holders, providing broad compatibility with aftermarket reloading components.

It is compatible with various accessories from other brands. This makes it a versatile platform for building a custom reloading setup. You may need to purchase shell holders and die sets separately.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal Reloading Press