Lyman case prep multi tool
- Thread starter savagelh
- Start date
tomapleleafss
CGN Regular
- Location
- Southeast SK
I like mine as well. But what I have done of late is the threads are the same size as the Lyman flash hole deburr tool. I like that handle better than the multi-tool handle. It does have only one usable end but I just do everything one step at a time. But the multi-tool handle is good. I would never go back to the tiny Lee ones. I don't like to use electric anything when reloading cartridges. I reload for accuracy not bulk. I like to "feel" every step I take to help remain consistent.
Interesting observation. I get more consistent results using a drill because having to rotate the tool manually makes it impossible to keep the cutter perfectly straight with the case mouth. Using a stationary drill I can hold the case relatively straight and I can "feel" it better than when I'm trying to turn the cutter by hand.
thenerdboy
Regular
- Location
- NB, Canada
Have one, use it all the time. I keep the chamfer and deburr attachments screwed on and use the other bits in a separate handle. Huge upgrade from the Lee stuff.
GunsNotPuns
CGN frequent flyer
+1. One of the happier moments when I looked at the Lyman tool and then at my drill and instantly made my life easier.
You can buy those screw in tool heads on their own. Mount in drill. Save money, save wrists.
tomapleleafss
CGN Regular
- Location
- Southeast SK
Never really thought of it way. I see your point by being able to hold the case fairly straight. I think I might look into this a little more. Thanks for the tip.
Jonesyatpl
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Nanoose Bay, BC
Or to kick it up a notch, and keep things more even/consistent....
Mount the bits in a drill press. While it sits there and spins, push the case up. I use it with my world's finest trimmer, a countersink bit to start the de-crimp, etc. then I move to the Lyman case prep center. Save the 50 bucks and put it towards the case prep center. Cheapest on amazon.
Jonesy
That works quite well.
I use chamfer tool in the drill press chuck.
I use a press for trimming as well, cutter in the chuck and a Lee shellholder mounted on a plate clamped to the table.
I have one of the Lyman things and I like it but I think it is over priced. I don't think it's "worth" $50. I think I paid $40 for mine and really hemmed-and-hawed over paying that much for it. I rationalized it by looking at the cost of the primer pocket tools on their own and mentally calculating how long it would be before I could make my own handle for them. At the time a home made handle would have taken me more time than I had, so I just bought the damn thing.
Now, that said: I have seen guys on TubeYou who make their own wood handles for the Lee tools. The Lee tools are cheap enough that you could buy two chamfer tools and two primer pocket tools and permanently fix the tools in home made handles. Could start with store-bought dowels or could turn and shape your own from any kind of wood. Just a thought and likely cheaper than the gold-plated/anodized Lyman thing. I'd make handles for my Lee tools but I am pretty lazy.
Now, that said: I have seen guys on TubeYou who make their own wood handles for the Lee tools. The Lee tools are cheap enough that you could buy two chamfer tools and two primer pocket tools and permanently fix the tools in home made handles. Could start with store-bought dowels or could turn and shape your own from any kind of wood. Just a thought and likely cheaper than the gold-plated/anodized Lyman thing. I'd make handles for my Lee tools but I am pretty lazy.
$50 might seem like a lot but it really depends on the time frame - if you're going to use it for the next 30 years then that's about a $1.50 per year. Buying decent tools is seldom a bad investment.
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