Lyman All American.....new & need help

Picit · May 5, 2008, 07:25 AM

I just picked up a nice Lyman All American relaoder. It doesnt have anything and I want to start loading my own, where should I start? What do I need? Is this a good press even though its older? I see guys are adding a lyman 55 powder measurer to it. Does it need adapters for new style dies? Anyone know where I can get an owners manual?

Alaskee · May 5, 2008, 11:43 PM

First off, buy at least two good reloading manuals and read up in the how to sections to get a feel for what's entailed and the proper sequences and safety practices.
The All American works like any other manually indexed turret press and there are alot of videos on the web on how to operate various turret presses. It also will accept standard size dies so you can use whichever brand you choose. Out of the four stations it may have one station which has a larger threaded opening but it should have an insert which steps it down to standard size. It's out of production but Lyman may be able to get you a manual if you give them a call. They have similar models currently available.
If I remember correctly, they originally came with proprietary shell holders, one for each caliber, but you can buy a conversion which accepts current shell holders from major manufacturers. You'll also need a new conversion primer mechanism to work with the the new shellholder part, if your press isn't already equipped with them.

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...282&t=11082005

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=779142

Picit · May 6, 2008, 06:32 AM

thanks for the help, Ill start studying before I get into it.

30Cal · May 6, 2008, 01:50 PM

Lyman carries conversion parts for it too. Good press, although not big on leverage. If you plan on FL sizing bottle necked rifle cases, it's going to take some effort.

MADISON · May 6, 2008, 04:18 PM

You need atleast 2 reloading manuals:
Lyman and Sierra have "HOT" loadings.
Speer and Hornady have cooler loads.
Most any standard set of dies should work but, is the shell holder standard.

May 5, 2008, 07:25 AM	#1
Picit Member Join Date: May 5, 2008 Location: Flora Indiana Posts: 31	Lyman All American.....new & need help I just picked up a nice Lyman All American relaoder. It doesnt have anything and I want to start loading my own, where should I start? What do I need? Is this a good press even though its older? I see guys are adding a lyman 55 powder measurer to it. Does it need adapters for new style dies? Anyone know where I can get an owners manual?

May 6, 2008, 04:18 PM	#5
MADISON Senior Member Join Date: January 1, 2000 Location: Roanoke, Virginia Posts: 2,678	Old press--new reloader You need atleast 2 reloading manuals: Lyman and Sierra have "HOT" loadings. Speer and Hornady have cooler loads. Most any standard set of dies should work but, is the shell holder standard.

May 5, 2008, 11:43 PM	#2
Alaskee Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2002 Location: Nelchina Alaska Posts: 131	First off, buy at least two good reloading manuals and read up in the how to sections to get a feel for what's entailed and the proper sequences and safety practices. The All American works like any other manually indexed turret press and there are alot of videos on the web on how to operate various turret presses. It also will accept standard size dies so you can use whichever brand you choose. Out of the four stations it may have one station which has a larger threaded opening but it should have an insert which steps it down to standard size. It's out of production but Lyman may be able to get you a manual if you give them a call. They have similar models currently available. If I remember correctly, they originally came with proprietary shell holders, one for each caliber, but you can buy a conversion which accepts current shell holders from major manufacturers. You'll also need a new conversion primer mechanism to work with the the new shellholder part, if your press isn't already equipped with them. http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...282&t=11082005 http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=779142

May 6, 2008, 06:32 AM	#3
Picit Member Join Date: May 5, 2008 Location: Flora Indiana Posts: 31	thanks for the help, Ill start studying before I get into it.

May 6, 2008, 01:50 PM	#4
30Cal Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2002 Posts: 1,264	Lyman carries conversion parts for it too. Good press, although not big on leverage. If you plan on FL sizing bottle necked rifle cases, it's going to take some effort.