Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies Review

Let’s Dive into Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies

The Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies are marketed as a comprehensive solution for reloaders, particularly those working with straight-walled rifle cases or those interested in casting their own bullets. Lyman promises a complete die set, including a full-length resizing die, a neck expanding (M) die, and a bullet seating die. These dies aim to provide precision and consistency for reloaders.

I had a specific need for a quality neck expanding die when I decided to start casting bullets for my .45-70 rifle. I wanted to ensure proper bullet seating and minimize lead shaving. After comparing several die sets, including those from RCBS and Lee, I chose the Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies based on Lyman’s reputation and the included neck expanding die. I was hoping this would be a one-stop solution for my cast bullet reloading needs.

The set arrived in a standard cardboard box. Upon opening it, I found the three dies neatly arranged in their individual compartments. The dies felt solid and well-machined, giving an initial impression of quality. The packaging was simple, but adequate.

Compared to other die sets I’ve used, like the Lee PaceSetter dies, the Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies appeared more robust. I was particularly intrigued by the neck expanding (M) die. I hoped it would solve the issue of swaging down my cast bullets. The RCBS Cowboy die set was another contender, but the Lyman set seemed more readily available at the time.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. The dies looked well-made. I was eager to get them set up and start reloading. However, the user feedback I had skimmed online left me a little worried. Some users reported issues with sizing and customer service.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies at my home reloading bench, preparing rounds for my Marlin 1895 .45-70. The initial setup was straightforward, and I followed the instructions provided by Lyman. I used a single-stage press for better control and precision during the reloading process.

The performance was immediately concerning. The neck expanding die, which was the primary reason I purchased the set, left deep gouges on the inside of the brass necks. This immediately weakened the brass and made them unsafe to use. The full-length resizing die seemed adequate. The bullet seating die worked as expected.

The neck expanding die required far more force than anticipated, making the process inconsistent. The gouges were present regardless of how carefully I adjusted the die. This raised serious concerns about the quality and design of the die.

Extended Use & Reliability

After only a handful of uses, the issues with the neck expanding die persisted. The full-length resizing die continued to function acceptably. The bullet seating die provided consistent seating depth. The marred brass from the neck expanding die rendered a significant portion of my brass unusable.

I contacted Lyman customer service to report the issue with the neck expanding die. The customer service experience was disappointing. They were slow to respond and initially suggested that I was using the die incorrectly. After providing photos and detailed explanations, they eventually agreed to inspect the die.

I returned the die to Lyman. After several weeks, I received the same die back, supposedly “slightly better”. Unfortunately, the gouging issue was still present, though perhaps marginally less severe. I was frustrated that I had to pay shipping for a potentially defective product.

Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies

Specifications

The Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies set includes three dies essential for reloading straight-walled rifle cartridges:

• Full-Length Resizing Die: This die resizes the entire case to factory specifications, ensuring proper chambering. The decapping stem removes the spent primer.
• Neck Expanding (M) Die: Designed to expand the case neck to the optimal diameter for seating cast bullets. It is intended to prevent bullet swaging and improve accuracy.
• Bullet Seating Die: This die seats the bullet to the desired depth. It helps ensure consistent cartridge overall length (COAL).

These specifications matter because they directly affect the accuracy and reliability of the reloaded ammunition. Proper resizing ensures reliable chambering. Precise neck expansion is crucial for cast bullet accuracy. Consistent bullet seating promotes uniform pressures and velocities.

Performance & Functionality

The full-length resizing die functioned adequately. It resized the cases to the correct dimensions and removed the spent primers without issue. The bullet seating die performed its job consistently, achieving repeatable seating depths.

The neck expanding die was the major letdown. The reported gouging issue makes it unreliable. It does not perform as advertised.

The set, therefore, only partially meets expectations. The full-length and bullet seating dies are functional. The crucial neck expanding die falls short, limiting the set’s overall value.

Design & Ergonomics

The dies are constructed from hardened steel. They provide a robust feel. The Lyman dies appear to be well-machined, aside from the internal issue with the neck expanding die.

Setting up the dies in the reloading press is straightforward, with standard 7/8″-14 threads. There is a moderate learning curve for achieving optimal neck expansion without excessive force.

Durability & Maintenance

The dies themselves appear durable. They are made of hardened steel. Regular cleaning and lubrication are required to maintain their optimal performance.

The neck expanding die’s inherent design flaw impacts its long-term usability. It raises concerns about the set’s overall durability. Proper storage in a dry environment is essential to prevent rust.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies set does not include any accessories beyond the three dies themselves. No customizability exists within the die set itself.

The dies are compatible with standard reloading presses that accept 7/8″-14 threaded dies. Users can use aftermarket accessories such as micrometer seating stems. These enhance the precision of bullet seating.

Pros and Cons of Lyman Rifle Gunsmith Dies