Older Presses

8X56MS · #1 09-24-2005, 03:57 PM

I have a friend that is moving. He has offered to give me several old loading presses. There is a single stage Lyman, a lyman turret press, and an old (about 1985) Dillon progressive press.
All are in 'neglected' states, and would require some work. Is the Dillon, for example, worth messing with? I think most of the parts would have to be replaced.
On the other hand, free is not a bad price for all three of the presses, along with dies, and a lot of other stuff.

Catfish · #2 09-24-2005, 06:56 PM

As for the Dillon, definately get it fixed, they make a great press and what model is it? As for the others there is not much that can go worng with them unless they are so warn that they are loose. I have cleaned up some old presses and they just took some elbo grease and oil.

Rocky Raab · #3 09-24-2005, 09:11 PM

They're probably good as gold. I cannot conceive of someone wearing out a brand name press. I use an RCBS Junior that I bought new in 1977. There have been uncounted thousands of rounds loaded on that thing. Not a sign of wear of ANY kind.

Mike Dillon will completely rebuild that press from the ground up. No charge.

The Lyman ones? Indestructible.

Cal Sibley · #4 09-24-2005, 09:37 PM

I have an old Redding Turet press, I believe it's the model 25. It wouldn't be my choice today, but mechanically it is perfect if no longer beautiful. I don't think there are many areas where we get our moneys worth as well as with reloading equipment. Most of it is sure to outlive us. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Brithunter · #5 09-25-2005, 06:53 AM

Hi All,

The Lyman turret press sounds like the "Spar T", I to have an old one here and it works just fine. The only problem I ever had with it was that it could not load 577/450 and the shell holder is too big in diameter to clear the central column.

Evan03 · #6 09-25-2005, 11:23 AM

my press i just aquired is rcbs marcked RCII. its about twice the size of my last press.

it was all rusty and i i cleaned up alot.

atfirst i couldnt hardly work the ram, i was getn worried that id have to buy a new one, but free was driveing me. got alot of elbow greese and pored it on as i rubbed the rust off the ram. got it so i could move the ram with alot of effort then hit it with white lithuim greece. and it feels like new now.

8X56MS · #7 10-01-2005, 01:24 PM

The Dillon press turns out to be a Square Deal B. It was new in 1988, and has seen better days. All the paperwork, manual, etc is with the press.

I spoke to Dillon Precision. Since I have the original sales slip (a direct purchase from Dillon), it looks like they will rebuild it gratis. I will be charged for any parts that are replaced. I know the dies are rusty, but the rest seems in fair shape.

I am still trying to figure out what model the Lyman turret press is. All I can see is the letters ST on one side of the frame, and LYMAN P1 on the other side. Color is grey, with a red turret. The turret has 6 threaded holes. With a model name, I can probably find a manual online.

Thanks for any help