Let’s Talk About Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer
As a seasoned handloader with over a decade of experience, I’ve always sought ways to streamline the reloading process. One bottleneck I consistently faced was drying brass after cleaning. The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer promised a quicker, more efficient solution than air drying, so I had to see if it lived up to the hype.
My reloading bench is a testament to years of experimentation, and I’m always on the lookout for tools that genuinely improve workflow. I’ve tried everything from baking brass in the oven (a major no-no due to inconsistent temperatures and potential damage) to simply leaving it spread out on towels for days. This unit caught my attention because of Lyman’s reputation, the capacity it offered, and the integrated timer feature.
Unboxing the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer, I was immediately struck by its simple, functional design. The grey plastic housing felt sturdy enough, and the included trays seemed reasonably durable, though not exceptionally so. It definitely looked like a slightly glorified food dehydrator, and that’s exactly what some users had already pointed out.
Compared to other drying methods, like using a dedicated brass tumbler with drying media or just letting them air dry, the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer seemed potentially faster and less messy. The tumbler method is dusty and requires separating media from the cases, while air drying is agonizingly slow, especially in humid climates. I ultimately chose the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer hoping for a balance of speed and convenience.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t a flashy, high-tech piece of equipment, but it seemed like a practical tool that could potentially save me a lot of time and frustration. It felt like a reasonable upgrade for $87.49 to streamline my brass prep.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test involved drying approximately 500 pieces of mixed pistol brass (.45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Special) that I had just cleaned in my ultrasonic cleaner. I placed the deprimed and rinsed cases evenly across the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer’s trays and set the timer for 1.5 hours. I was testing it in my garage, which tends to be a bit cooler than the house.
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer performed admirably, even though there were a few droplets of water left inside the cases. After the set time, the brass was completely dry to the touch and free of any water spots. This was a significant improvement over air drying, which would have taken at least a full day, even in relatively dry conditions.
The one minor issue I noticed during the first use was that the cases closest to the center of the trays seemed to dry slightly faster than those around the edges. This is likely due to the airflow pattern within the unit. Adjusting the case placement on the trays fixed this quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer has become an indispensable part of my reloading process. It consistently dries brass quickly and efficiently, and it has significantly reduced the amount of time I spend on case preparation. The only time I had to spend longer was when the humidity was high, in which case I used a second cycle.
The plastic trays have held up surprisingly well, showing no signs of cracking or warping despite repeated exposure to heat. Maintaining the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer is incredibly simple. Just wipe down the trays with a damp cloth after each use, and occasionally clean the interior of the housing with a vacuum cleaner to remove any accumulated dust or debris.
Compared to my previous experiences with air drying, the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer is a game-changer. It’s much faster, more convenient, and produces consistently better results. It’s a significant upgrade that has noticeably improved the efficiency of my reloading operation.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer
Specifications
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer is designed specifically for drying brass casings after wet cleaning processes. It features a 115V electrical system and is manufactured by Lyman.
The stated caliber capacity is 1000 .223/5.56 cases or 2000 9mm cases, demonstrating its substantial capacity. The unit includes standard accessories and is colored gray. The included accessories consist of the stackable trays and base/heating unit.
The specifications ensure that the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer efficiently removes moisture from brass cases, preventing corrosion and water spots that can affect reloading consistency. The large capacity reduces the number of cycles needed for large batches of brass, making it suitable for high-volume reloaders.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer excels at its primary function: quickly and thoroughly drying brass casings. It uses gentle heat and circulating air to evaporate moisture without damaging the brass or altering its dimensions. This functionality allows reloaders to significantly speed up their workflow.
The 3-hour timer allows for unattended operation, automatically shutting off the unit when the drying cycle is complete. One area for potential improvement would be a temperature adjustment. However, for the intended purpose, the fixed temperature is generally adequate.
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer meets expectations and provides a reliable solution for drying brass, enhancing the overall reloading process. It performs well.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer features a simple, functional design that prioritizes ease of use. The plastic construction keeps the unit lightweight and easy to move around the reloading bench. The stackable trays allow for efficient use of space and easy loading and unloading of brass.
The recessed handles on the trays make them easy to grip and transport. The unit has a minimal learning curve; it’s essentially plug-and-play. Load the trays, set the timer, and let it do its job.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer appears to be built to last, with sturdy plastic construction and a simple, reliable heating element. The lifespan should be significant, assuming it’s used for its intended purpose and not subjected to excessive abuse.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the trays and housing. Because it is a simple design, there are no internal parts other than the heating element to worry about, and therefore any repairs should be fairly simple.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer comes with standard accessories, including the stackable trays, that fit inside. As it is a niche tool, there are no customization options available for the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer. However, the unit is compatible with standard 115V power outlets, making it easy to integrate into any reloading setup.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer
Pros
- Fast Drying Time: Significantly reduces the time required to dry brass compared to air drying.
- Large Capacity: Holds up to 1000 .223/5.56 cases or 2000 9mm cases, allowing for efficient processing of large batches.
- 3-Hour Timer: Enables unattended operation and automatic shut-off.
- Recessed Handles on Trays: Makes loading and unloading easy and convenient.
- Durable ABS Trays: Trays resist warping and cracking under heat.
Cons
- Potential for uneven drying if cases are not evenly distributed on trays.
- Simple Design and Materials: Feels like a glorified food dehydrator.
Who Should Buy Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer?
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer is perfect for high-volume reloaders, competitive shooters, and anyone who values efficiency and convenience in their reloading process. It’s also ideal for those who live in humid climates where air drying brass can be a slow and frustrating process. Anyone who uses ultrasonic cleaners or wet tumbling will see a benefit.
Those who are on a very tight budget or who only reload occasionally might find that air drying is sufficient for their needs. Also, if you reload very large cases and need a specific internal diameter for the trays, make sure to check your measurements.
A must-have accessory would be a small fan to help circulate air around the unit, potentially improving drying consistency.
Conclusion on Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer
The Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer is a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders seeking to streamline their case preparation process. It offers a significant improvement over air drying, saving time and ensuring consistent results. The large capacity and automatic timer make it a convenient and efficient tool.
The price of $87.49 is justified by the time savings and improved consistency it provides, making it a valuable addition to any reloading bench. Compared to other options, this unit does an excellent job and justifies the cost.
I would definitely recommend the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer to anyone looking to upgrade their reloading setup and reduce the hassle of drying brass. If you value efficiency and consistency, this is a tool you won’t regret buying. Buy the Lyman Cyclone 115V Case Dryer today to drastically speed up your workflow.