Let’s Dive into Lyman Special T-Priming Punch
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch isn’t exactly the sexiest piece of reloading equipment, but for reloaders using older presses in conjunction with the Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter, it’s an absolutely essential tool. Made by Lyman, this unassuming kit promises to breathe new life into legacy reloading setups, providing a cost-effective way to prime cases without upgrading to a completely new press. This tool stands out by offering both large and small primer seating capabilities within a single package.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and have recently inherited a few older presses from my grandfather. I wanted to set them up without investing in all new gear, and needed to use the existing presses in conjunction with modern shellholders. The Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter requires a dedicated priming punch.
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch arrived in a simple, no-frills package, but the contents felt solid and well-made. The steel punches and sleeves exuded a sense of durability, though the black finish was purely utilitarian. Compared to standalone priming tools from RCBS or Frankford Arsenal, the Lyman punch is less refined, but it is significantly more affordable and serves a very specific purpose. My initial reaction was relief; this simple tool seemed like the missing link to getting my old presses back into service.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Special T-Priming Punch to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Lyman Special T-Priming Punch took place in my reloading workshop, with a variety of rifle and pistol cases. Using the punch with the J to X Shellholder Adapter was a straightforward process, although it required a bit more manual effort than my modern priming system. The punch performed well with both large and small primers, seating them consistently and at the correct depth.
Initially, I found the process a little slower compared to on-press priming with my newer equipment. However, I quickly adapted to the rhythm of the manual operation. There were no significant issues, although I noticed that keeping the punch and shellholder adapter clean and lightly lubricated helped ensure smooth operation.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Lyman Special T-Priming Punch for batch reloading, I can confidently say it’s a reliable and durable tool. The steel components show no signs of wear, even after priming hundreds of cases. Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down with a clean cloth and an occasional drop of oil on the moving parts is all that’s needed.
While it doesn’t match the speed and convenience of a dedicated priming station, the Lyman punch allowed me to bring my grandfather’s presses back to life and greatly extend the number of calibers I could load with my existing equipment. It has performed well and significantly exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Special T-Priming Punch
Specifications
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch is a simple, yet crucial tool designed for use with the Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter. It is designed to seat primers in older reloading presses when using modern shellholders. The kit includes two punches: one for large primers and one for small primers.
- Material: Primarily constructed from steel, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Color: Black, with a basic, functional finish.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for use with the Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter on older reloading presses.
- Includes: Both large and small primer punches and corresponding sleeves.
These specifications are critical because they dictate the punch’s compatibility and functionality. The steel construction is important for withstanding the pressures involved in seating primers. The inclusion of both large and small primer punches makes the tool versatile and suitable for reloading a wide range of calibers.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch performs its primary function admirably: seating primers reliably and consistently when used with the correct adapter. The punch provides adequate leverage, allowing for controlled primer seating. Primers are seated at the correct depth, ensuring consistent ignition and safe reloading practices.
The main strength is its ability to enable the use of modern shellholders on older presses, saving reloaders from the expense of upgrading their entire setup. One area for improvement would be the addition of a spring-loaded mechanism to eject the primed case, which would speed up the process.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lyman Special T-Priming Punch is simple and functional. The steel construction feels robust and durable, suggesting a long lifespan with proper care. The punch is comfortable enough to use for extended reloading sessions, though some users may find it less ergonomic than dedicated priming tools.
There is a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with manual priming, but the process becomes intuitive after a few uses. Overall, the design prioritizes function and durability over aesthetics.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch is built to last. The steel construction and simple design mean there are few parts that can break or wear out. Regular maintenance involves simply wiping down the punch after use and occasionally lubricating the moving parts with a light oil.
With basic care, this tool should provide reliable service for many years. The rugged construction makes it a worthwhile investment for reloaders who need to prime cases on older presses.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch doesn’t offer much in the way of customization. It includes only the large and small primer punches and sleeves necessary for its intended function. There are no optional accessories or modifications available directly from Lyman.
Its value lies in its compatibility with existing reloading setups, specifically the Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter. It is not compatible with accessories from other brands.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Special T-Priming Punch
Pros
- Enables use of modern shellholders on older reloading presses, saving money on equipment upgrades.
- Includes both large and small primer punches, making it versatile for various calibers.
- Durable steel construction ensures a long lifespan with proper care.
- Simple and reliable design minimizes the risk of malfunctions.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to reloaders on a budget.
Cons
- Requires the Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter, adding to the overall cost if you don’t already have one.
- Manual operation is slower than on-press priming or dedicated priming tools.
Who Should Buy Lyman Special T-Priming Punch?
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch is perfect for reloaders who own older reloading presses and want to use modern shellholders. It is also suitable for those who prefer a more manual and controlled priming process. Reloaders looking for a budget-friendly solution to priming cases without investing in a new press will also find this tool valuable.
Reloaders who prioritize speed and convenience above all else should skip this product and consider an on-press priming system or a dedicated priming tool. Similarly, those who don’t own or plan to use the Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter have no need for this punch. A must-have accessory is, without a doubt, the Lyman J to X Shellholder Adapter.
Conclusion on Lyman Special T-Priming Punch
The Lyman Special T-Priming Punch is a simple, affordable, and reliable tool that serves a very specific purpose: enabling the use of modern shellholders on older reloading presses. While it may not be the fastest or most ergonomic priming solution, its value lies in its ability to breathe new life into legacy equipment.
The price is certainly justified, considering the cost savings compared to upgrading an entire reloading setup. I would definitely recommend the Lyman Special T-Priming Punch to anyone in need of this specific functionality. If you’re looking for a way to modernize your older presses without breaking the bank, give this tool a try.