Two distinct philosophies of ammunition reloading sit on the bench today. On one side, the Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press offers a multi-station workflow. On the other, the Hornady 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic represents a steadfast single-stage approach. Both are respected tools, but they cater to different mindsets and goals within the reloading community. Choosing between them isn’t about finding a universal winner, but identifying which tool aligns with your specific needs for volume, precision, and process.
This head-to-head breaks down their core differences. We’ll examine build quality, operational flow, and the tangible features each manufacturer highlights. My honest assessment is that your choice fundamentally shapes your experience at the reloading bench.
Head-to-Head Overview & Key Specifications
At first glance, the primary difference is structural. The Lyman is a turret press with an eight-station rotating head. The Hornady is a classic single-stage press with a innovative die retention system. This core distinction dictates everything from speed to the feel of each pull.
| Feature | Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press | Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Press |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | 8-Station Turret Press | Classic Single-Stage Press |
| Frame Material | Heavy duty cast iron | Cast Iron (implied by classic design) |
| Key Feature | Extra-large, easily removed 8-station turret | Includes three Lock-N-Load die bushings & primer catcher |
| Die Capacity | Holds two 4-die sets or four 2-die sets | Single die station (with quick-change bushings) |
| Primer System | Straight line primer feed with large & small tubes | Standard primer arm (catcher included) |
| Finish | Durable powder coat | Red enamel (typical) |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Design & Usability: Turret vs Classic Single-Stage
The Lyman’s design prioritizes a continuous workflow. Its heavy-duty cast iron frame and turret provide a solid foundation. The eight-station turret lets you mount all dies for a cartridge at once. You size, expand, seat, and crimp with a simple rotation, not Honestly speaking, this is a significant time-saver for producing batches of pistol cartridges like 9mm or .45 ACP. The turret is easily removed, allowing you to have pre-set turrets for different calibersa major convenience.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic embraces the deliberate, one-operation-at-a-time methodology. Each cartridge is handled individually through each stage. This fosters intense focus on each step, which many reloaders believe enhances consistency and allows for easier process monitoring. From my honest perspective, this press is a teacher. It forces you to understand each stage of ammunition reloading intimately, making it a strong candidate for those asking about reloading for beginners.
Turret Press Workflow Advantages
- Faster batch processing for medium volumes.
- Minimizes handling of individual reloading dies between stages.
- Pre-set turrets enable rapid caliber changes.
Classic Single-Stage Advantages
- Promotes meticulous attention to each operation.
- Simpler mechanism with fewer moving parts.
- Often perceived as having a more robust, direct ram force feel.
Feature Deep Dive: Lock-N-Load Bushings vs Standard Threading
This is where Hornady’s innovation shines. The included Lock-N-Load bushing system is a game-changer for a single-stage press. A bushing is threaded into the press. Your die is then locked into the bushing with a simple quarter-turn. Changing dies becomes a five-second task without tools or re-adjusting depth. You get three bushings with the press, meaning three die sets can be ready to go instantly.
The Lyman uses standard 7/8″-14 threading. Dies are screwed directly into the turret. While secure, changing them requires loosening a lock ring and threading the die in and out. The trade-off is capacityyou can have up to eight dies ready on the turret itself. For a turret press vs classic press for reloading 9mm, the Lyman’s setup is faster for a full batch, while the Hornady’s system offers faster die swapping for single-stage precision work or caliber changes.
Performance & Precision: Which Press is More Consistent?
Both presses are capable of excellent results. Frame rigidity is critical for consistent sizing and bullet seating. The Lyman’s heavy cast iron construction provides a very solid feel. The large turret indexes positively. However, some reloaders theorize that the turret’s rotation could introduce a minuscule variance compared to a monolithic single-stage frame. In practical terms for most shooters, this is negligible.
The Hornady’s classic “O” frame is a proven design for precision reloading. The direct, inline application of force from the lever to the ram and shell plate (or shell holder) is famously consistent. The lack of a rotating head eliminates one potential variable. Speaking honestly, for ultimate benchrest precision where thousandths of an inch matter, the single-stage design is often the preferred tool. The primer catcher included with the Hornady is a basic but appreciated feature for managing spent primers, a detail Lyman addresses with its tube-based spent primer system.
For broader context on achieving tight tolerances, our analysis of other precision tools is worth a look.
Beyond the Specs: Warranty, Parts, and Ecosystem
A reloading press review must consider long-term ownership. Lyman and Hornady both stand behind their products with solid warranties, a key point often missing from comparisons. Replacement parts for both are generally available through the manufacturers or distributors.
Aftermarket support is strong. Both presses can be mounted on standard benches and are compatible with accessories from companies like Inline Fabrication for ergonomic upgrades. The Hornady Lock-N-Load bushing system has become a de facto standard, with many other companies offering compatible accessories. The Lyman’s 8-station design is more unique, but standard die threads ensure universal die compatibility.
For a deeper dive into how the Lyman stacks up against another popular turret option, our precision comparison offers additional insights.
Final Verdict: Best Use Cases & Buyer Recommendations
So, which is better: the Lyman All-American 8 or Hornady Lock-N-Load? The answer lives in your reloading goals.
Choose the Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press if:
- You reload pistol calibers or medium-volume rifle rounds and value efficiency.
- The idea of pre-set turrets for quick caliber swaps appeals to you.
- You want a hybrid workflow that’s faster than a single-stage but less complex than a progressive.
- You appreciate the integrated straight-line primer feed system.
Choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Press if:
- You prioritize rifle cartridge precision or are new to reloading and want to learn fundamentals.
- You value the incredible convenience of the Lock-N-Load bushing system for die changes.
- You prefer the simple, proven, and massively rigid single-stage feel.
- Your volume is lower, or you don’t mind a more deliberate, stage-by-stage process.
My honest take is that the cost comparison of Lyman vs Hornady reloading presses often shows the Hornady at a lower entry point, making it an outstanding value for beginners. The Lyman commands a higher price for its increased functionality and capacity.
Both are exceptional tools built to last. The Hornady excels as a foundational, versatile workhorse perfect for learning and precision work. The Lyman is a brilliant solution for the reloader who has outgrown a single-stage’s speed but isn’t ready for a full progressive press. Your decision should hinge on whether you value the streamlined batch process of a turret press or the focused, modular simplicity of a classic press enhanced by quick-change technology. For more unfiltered takes on gear and technique, the team at Honest Opinion is always digging into the details. Always consult your reloading manual and trusted sources like the authority guide from BASC for foundational safety practices.