Lyman Case-Prep Xpress or RCBS® Trim Mate™ Case Prep Center?

I have thee same problem with the hands anymore. Both are good units but the Lyman collects the shavings for easier cleanup. I have a Lyman pwoer case trimmer and bought the tools and use then on the attachment station. It runns a little faster than needed but makes quick work of the operation being used. I preped about 200 cases the other day of cleaning primer pocket, chamfer and deburred in leas than a half hour and was really pleased on how it worked. Keep us posted on what you decide.

I love my trim-mate.

One of the first spendy things I bought for my bench, and its a real limbsaver.

I'm pretty sure both items have the same threading....which once you pick one, you will understand how many tools can be quickly adapted to use in either system.

I think this comes down to one of those personal preferences thingies.... I have an RCBS trim-mate, and a Lyman bullet hammer. Go figure.

I like Lyman hand-tools due to the craftsmanship and price... RCBS has fantastic C/S.... never had to use Lyman. Have used RCBS, and its fantastic.

I don't think it matters. Both tools are better than doing it the old way. The RCBS footprint is smaller....I leave it ready to run on my bench, and I don't think Lyman's giant footprint will fit where I use the Trim Mate. But that's minor....as is clean up. Whether the debris is on the bench or in the tray, a quick swipe with my hand vac would take care of it.

So bottom line....pick the one that tickles your fancy and enjoy.

I have and use the Lyman case prep unit, I have seen but not used the RCBS.
Lyman’s comes with all the attachments, I understand the RCBS doesn’t.
Removing military crimps is really hard on you hands, I wouldn’t get rid of my other crimp removers if I were you. It’s just the ticket for deburring case mouths, primmer pocket cleaning, and with a bronze brush (bought separately) cleaning inside cases. The Lyman has a larger footprint and takes up more bench space, but appears more stable. RCBS has a better warranty than Lyman but I have not had the need to test/use it.

spend half the money and get a used bench-top drill press. i use mine to trim, chamfer, deburr, etc. and sometimes i even use it for drilling

not sure about those models, but usually these sort of devices have plastic gears that will eventually strip out. a drill press is much more robust, flexible, and you can adjust the speed to fit the job.

I have the RCBS Trim Mate and it works. The only complaint I have is that the back most spindle is too close to the motor housing and is difficult to use. The Lyman layout looks better.

I would like to see the Lyman in person because in the pictures it does not look very robust and that storage space in the front looks useless and seems like it would just get in the way. The RCBS is made of a heavy gauge plastic and has plenty of power. I have run mine for hundreds of hours with no problems.

I use it to clean primer pockets, uniform primer pockets, remove military crimps, chamfer and deburr. I use a handheld vacuum so cleanup is not a problem.

This type of stuff is hard on my old hands so I wear a Wells Lamont leather glove on my right hand to save my fingers. I highly recommend the glove when doing any case prep.

Lennie

I have the Lyman case prep center and am very satisfied with everything but the primer pocket crimp remover. It's just never worked very well, so I went out and bought the RCBS bench mounted primer pocket swager and life with crimped brass is good now.

StandingTall said:

I have the Lyman case prep center and am very satisfied with everything but the primer pocket crimp remover. It's just never worked very well, so I went out and bought the RCBS bench mounted primer pocket swager and life with crimped brass is good now.

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I have processed 1000s of LC 5.56 and LC 308 with the Lyman. The machine works very well I am completely satisfied. I believe I read it has brass gears but even if it doesn't, the 180rpm speed coupled with the low drag of cutting brass I don't expect any issues. That being said I kept the box and I'm sure Lyman would help me out.

I agree 100% that the tools bits are not that good. ESPECIALLY the primer crimp cutter. All primer pocket bits have been replaced with Hornady - they use the same threads! Now it is a cutting machine!

gfanikf said:

Thanks! I also found out that Amazon has it for roughly the same amount and I can use prime shipping. Can you give me some links to the hornady replacement parts you got?

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MidwayUSA appears to be broken at the moment so here are links to the Sinclair.

Small Primer Crimp Reamer -> http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/case-preparation/primer-pocket-tools/reamers-swagers/

Small Primer cleaner -> http://www.sinclairintl.com/reloading-equipment/case-preparation/primer-pocket-tools/reamers-swagers/

This link to MFGR's site - Small Primer Pocket Uniformer -> http://www.hornady.com/store/Primer-Pocket-Uniformer-Small/

All items also available in large primer, assuming AR use here primarily so linked SR to point you in the right direction.