Redding T7 vs Lyman All American 8

[Docendo Discimus]

I keep looking at the Redding T7 and am thinking about buying one. Then I look at the Lyman AA8 and think about how much cheaper it is. Is the Redding that much better than the Lyman? Any and all opinions are welcome.

 

[Cheesemaker]

That T7 price is about $100 more than it should be - check the major online retailers. The price delta is then around $100 - is the Redding worth it - not sure. I have the single stage Redding Big Boss II - same ram and priming system as the T7 - I do like it. But I have never tried a Lyman....

 

[Soonerpesek]

I have the Lyman, use it to size rifle cases only.
Right now it's set up with 4 dies.
It seems to be a very solid press, very little flex (but the flex is consistent) ......
It has plenty of oooomph to size the cases I load for......223, 7.7 Arisaka, .30 M1 Carbine, 45-70.

 

[marchboom]

Amazon is not always the cheapest. Might want to see if someone has done comparisons of the 2 presses (YouTube?).

 

[CQB45ACP]

I can’t wait to hear from someone with direct experience on both presses—all others are idle speculation.

I bought a T-7 two years ago when it was on sale at midway for under $300. So they did come way cheaper but don’t know about now days.

I bought it vs. the Lyman after a word search used “built like a tank” to describe the T-7 but not the Lyman.

 

[9mmepiphany]

That price for that T-7 is way high. Maybe because it is being sold by a third party named Gritr...who seems to be taking advantage of buyers who don't shop well

A quick search show the Redding T-7 available at several common vendors for much less.
Bruno: $356
Graf & Son: $358
Mid-South Shooters: $360
Midway: $380
Brownell's: $380

Titan Reloading has it priced at $350, but they are currently Our-of-Stock

That is a good price on the Lyman turret...which commonly goes for $280

 

[Cheesemaker]

It also seems like additional turret heads are cheaper and more available for the Lyman than the Redding. That is something to consider if you anticipate getting more heads.

 

[Soonerpesek]

I can’t wait to hear from someone with direct experience on both presses—all others are idle speculation.

How is explaining my experience with one of the presses "idle speculation"...............??

 

[CQB45ACP]

How is explaining my experience with one of the presses "idle speculation"...............??

Same as it is for me. Since I only own the T-7 and have never used the Lyman, any comparisons I make would be idle speculation.

and to be clear I’m speaking of comparing the two without knowledge of both, not discussing one or the other.

 

[Bcwitt]

A t7 weighs 11 lb (KILOS?)A brass smith 8 is 23 lb. That settles it for me.

 

[Bcwitt]

You can but 2 complete lyman presses for the price of a t7 w an extra turret. That makes a t7 $40/lb ($40/ KILO?)& a lyman about $10/lb. Would be kinda cool to have one for each primer size.

 

[Bcwitt]

Ive got half a mind to get a lyman 8 too. I have a tmag 6 holer. Is very old, but still works.

 

[loadedround]

Both are excellent presses and I have loaded on both presses and currently have a Redding T-7 press set up on my bench along with my two Dillon's. I've found very little difference between the two presses except the Redding seem a bit more precise and on the other hand Lyman (from my experience) has far better customer service. It's almost as if do you prefer chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Both will do an excellent job for you!

 

[Soonerpesek]

Same as it is for me. Since I only own the T-7 and have never used the Lyman, any comparisons I make would be idle speculation.

and to be clear I’m speaking of comparing the two without knowledge of both, not discussing one or the other.

Understood.....
The only experience I have of the 2 is with the Lyman, just thought any input would be useful to the OP.....

 

[CQB45ACP]

Understood.....
The only experience I have of the 2 is with the Lyman, just thought any input would be useful to the OP.....

Yes it is valuable.

As a matter of fact I like the “by the pound” idea being proffered by @Bcwitt
Never thought of it those terms before.

 

[CQB45ACP]

You can but 2 complete lyman presses for the price of a t7 w an extra turret. That makes a t7 $40/lb & a lyman about $10/lb. Would be kinda cool to have one for each primer size.

I do like presses by the pound

 

[Frulk]

The T7 does NOT weigh 11 pounds. Midway lists shipping weight as 27 pounds. Doubt the boxes mine came in were more than 2 pounds of cardboard.

I just put one of my T7s on a scale. 31.7 pounds with 4 dies and a little dandy in place. That’s without the primer system in place.

I’ve looked hard at that Lyman8 in person. Appears well made. I think for most people the convenience of having eight stations outweighs what any real or perceived difference in build quality there is with a T7 and the accompanying increase in cost.

I could get 2 complete die set ups on the Lyman8 and still have room for a powder measure for each caliber.

For that reason I’ve been toying with the idea to add one to the bench next to the T7s.

 

[Rule3]

A t7 weighs 11 lb. A brass smith 8 is 23 lb. That settles it for me.

Where did you get those weights??

I have no experience with either but would buy the Lyman based on price, prices of extra turrets and warranty customer service

Plus I would buy it from Brownells, just in case something ever went wrong they guarantee stuff forever!

https://www.brownells.com/reloading...brass-smith-8-station-turret-press-prod116378

Ship weight from Midway is 23 lbs
Redding is 27 lbs

 

[CQB45ACP]

The T7 does NOT weigh 11 pounds. Midway lists shipping weight as 27 pounds. Doubt the boxes mine came in were more than 2 pounds of cardboard.

I just put one of my T7s on a scale. 31.7 pounds with 4 dies and a little dandy in place.

I’ve looked hard at that Lyman8 in person. Appears well made. I think for most people the convenience of having eight stations outweighs what any real or perceived difference in build quality there is with a T7 and the accompanying increase in cost.

I could get 2 complete die set ups on the Lyman8 and still have room for a powder measure.

For that reason I’ve been toying with the idea to add one to the bench next to the T7s.

You’re tempting me!

Good guess on the cardboard weight—well the press box itself. Shipping box probably another two.

 

[gifbohane]

I bought the T 7 mainly because I thought Redding was better quality than Lyman or RCBS. I am very happy with RCBS products but decided to buy once and cry once.

Secondarily, due to my poor experiences with Lyman customer service I never consider them as a source.

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I have 2 Lyman 8 press's. Love them for rifle.

 

[Bcwitt]

Very sorry, i must have veiwed the wrong descriptor.

 

[Bcwitt]

An Amazon ad describes the t7 as a package weight of 13.4 KILOGRAMS & an item weight of 11.02 POUNDS. I guess they meant kilos as well.

 

[Bcwitt]

I edited previous posts to reflect error.

 

[PWC]

I have only used an 83 yo Pacific C press since I began reloading. If I were to start new today, I would get a turret press.

Question, rigidity of the 8 hole vs the 4 hole..... the 8 hole has a longer radius than the 4, and thus more spring upward away from the press boss when sizing.

What is the size of the pin that the two heads rotate on? At least 1/2"?

Are the press and head cast steel or aluminim? Alum will wear faster.