What to do with reloading equipment??

[redneck2]

For the very first time in my life, I was given something that was worthwhile and not a piece of junk..

One of our old family friends had a complete Lyman turret press reloading kit. Spar-T press, trimmer, scale, measure, etc and it's in pretty good shape. Thing is, I've got a Dillon 550 that I use for rifle and pistol and it works out really well. I've got 5 complete change outs, powder measure and all, and another 4 head inserts to use then I load rifle one at a time.

I really can't see going to the turret unless there's something I'm missing in the way of convenience or precision.

Can't sell it as, at sometime in the future one of their family may want it and it would be a little hard to explain.

Ideas as to why I should set it up or what to use it for??

 

[1911user]

If you did not have a use for it, I would not accept something with the condition that a friend or relative of the person could claim it anytime in the next 20 years. If I did have a use for it, then a potential long term use/loan would be a nice gesture. Maybe you could offer to help sell it for them instead of providing free storage for a decade or 2.

I had a Lyman spar-T and it was a decent press, but didn't keep it too long since I really wanted a progressive and a turret press is no substitute for a good progressive. They sell very well on ebay especially if it's clean.

 

[redneck2]

Well, not really a "condition". The mother is in her 70's. Belonged to one son who didn't want it. Said to "give it to brother". He never bothered to pick it up. She said to take it, or she'd give it to somebody else

Guess I'll just hang onto it a while. It's not eating anything and storage is minimal. I thought I'd maybe dedicate it to my one most used rifle caliber, but I can't see an advantage over the 550 at this point, and it's one more thing on the bench to work around

turret press is no substitute for a good progressive

I'm quickly coming to the same conclusion unless I get a better idea from somebody.

 

[flashhole]

Sounds like a perfect opportunity to give it to someone else who wants to reload but can't afford the setup. High School or College kids come to mind. Is there a local gun club or NRA organization who could provide the name of a needy person?

 

[1911user]

Good idea flashhole.

redneck2, ditto, my 550 seems to be all I use anymore. I have 2 single stage Lees somewhere, just don't make me find them in less than an hour. I haven't seen (or used) them in a few years.

 

[BigSlick]

I would sell it and give the money (less any incurred costs) to the lady who gave it to you.

I can say however, that it isn't hard to find a use for a turret even though I have several Dillons.

I use a T-7 for a universal decap die, collet style puller, Lee FCD etc.. It also keeps me from dealing with the hassle of changing a 550 if I want to do a utility type job or run a small batch not worth the investment of a full quick change setup.

The scale can be used as a backup or cross check.

The single and the other stuff I would sell or trade instead of store it somewhere for who knows how long. I wouldn't feel comfortable with carrying the responsibility of keeping up with $150 worth of old gear for 20 years either.

If nothing else, take it to a gunshow and sell it.

BigSlick

 

[TooTaxed]

You can use the Lyman for another cartridge you aren't set up for on your Dillon, and don't shoot enough to make the considerable expense of getting a set up for your Dillon. All you need is a set of Lee dies, about $18, which includes a shellholder...assuming the shellholder fits the Lyman! Although I have a progressive which I use for my most-used cartridges, my two single stages still get a lot of use.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I'm so poor that I make Lincoln scream when I hold a penny. I'll take it off your hands...Not really . Just make sure that who ever gets it will use it...

 

[redneck2]

I've got dies and Dillon shell plates for just about everything that I'm going to reload at this point. I'll have to look to see what shell holders cost for the Lyman. If there's a caliber conversion I don't have yet, the Lyman would be cheaper

I've got my universal decapper set up on a single tool head for the Dillon by itself. My belief (to this point) was that some guys miss some versatility of the Dillon. I can get a $13.95 toolhead and leave the universal decapper in it without dies. Still, if the Lyman is easier or faster I'd go that route

Also, I guess I could mount my Hornady measure in the Lyman. Wouldn't take much more space than the measure alone, and I could use it for multiple stuff. Don't have a collet puller yet, so that's a good idea. Puller in one station, measure in one, and universal decapper in one. ...(thinking as I go, which is typically a challenge..)

Think I'll try that. thanks