20+ yr old Lyman 7/8" press

[boombag13]

hi all,
i got this press from my father in law who's no longer using it, a couple things i want to know is what would it be worth as i'd like to get him an appropriate thank you gift, & second, i have a 1911 chambered in .45, can i still buy dies that would work on it or should i just get a modern one?
thanks in advance for any info

 

[bearhunter]

Almost all of the dies available today, have a 7/8NC thread, just like your press.

Those old Lymans were/are very good presses. I haven't seen one yet that isn't true as far as alignment goes.

The press itself is worth $80-$100, depending on what came with it.

Two suggestions, get the old man to come over and run through it with you over a couple of beers and then present him with a bottle of his favorite wine/beer/whiskey. After all, it was a GIFT and you will be showing appreciation, not paying for it. Anything else, might hurt his feelings. Sometimes it's just best to accept gifts gracefully with thanks.

Set up a nice dinner at a restaurant for him and the wife. Maybe even go along if they would like that.

This is all IMHO. Everyone is different.

Nice gift by the way.