Lyman All-American 8 vs RCBS Partner Press Comparison

Two distinct philosophies of reloading sit on the bench today. On one side, the Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press promises a blend of efficiency and flexibility. On the other, the RCBS Partner Press champions simplicity and space-saving design. For someone building their first reloading setup, this choice defines the entire experience.

It’s not just about tools; it’s about workflow. A turret press and a single stage press operate on fundamentally different principles, each with devout followers. My honest assessment is that the “better” press doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It depends entirely on your goals, your bench space, and your patience level. Let’s break down these two popular contenders.

The Contenders: Lyman All-American 8 vs. RCBS Partner

Lyman brings a heavyweight to the ring with its All-American 8. This is a machine built around its namesake feature: an extra-large, 8-station turret head. The entire unit is built from heavy-duty cast iron and finished with a durable powder coat. It’s designed to hold multiple die sets at once, streamlining the process of switching between operations like sizing, priming, and seating.

RCBS answers with a different approach. The Partner Press is a compact, lightweight single stage press explicitly marketed for beginners and those with limited space. Its frame is constructed from sturdy aluminum, prioritizing a smaller footprint and easier operation over brute mass. Its the essence of the classic O-frame design, simplified.

Design & Operation: Turret vs. Single Stage

This is the core of the debate. The Lymans turret system allows you to pre-load up to eight dies. You can set up two complete 4-die pistol sets or mix rifle and pistol dies. To change calibers, you simply rotate the turret to the next stationor remove the entire turret head completely and swap in a pre-configured one. This is a significant speed advantage for volume reloading, especially for pistol calibers.

The RCBS Partner demands a more methodical, one-step-at-a-time approach. Each die is screwed into the press’s single station, a cartridge is processed, and then the die is swapped for the next operation. This process is inherently slower but is often praised for teaching fundamental skills and encouraging focus on each stage, which can benefit precision reloading for rifle calibers. Honestly speaking, the Partner makes you learn the craft from the ground up.

Frame: Cast Iron vs. Aluminum

Construction directly influences feel and potential. The Lymans cast iron frame provides immense rigidity. This minimizes flex and ram play, which can contribute to more consistent ammunition, especially when full-length resizing rifle brass. Its a solid foundation meant to last decades.

The RCBS Partners aluminum frame is plenty strong for its intended tasks but is fundamentally lighter. This makes the press easier to mount on a thinner reloading bench or even temporarily clamp for use. From my honest perspective, the aluminum construction is a strategic choice for accessibility, not a compromise on core function for beginner-level tasks.

Head-to-Head Feature Comparison

Lets lay out the specifics in a clear press comparison. This table uses only the stated features of each product.

Ideal User Profile: Who Should Buy Which?

between these presses is about matching a tool to a shooter’s personality and goals.

The Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press Buyer

This press is ideal for the reloader who values efficiency and plans to produce moderate volumes of ammunition. If you see yourself reloading for multiple pistol calibers or want a faster workflow for rifle case preparation, the turret advantage is real. Its also excellent for someone who dislikes constantly threading dies in and out.

• You reload for both pistol and rifle and want quicker caliber swaps.
• You have dedicated bench space for a heavier press.
• Your goal is a balance between speed and single-stage-like control.
• You appreciate the included primer catcher system for a cleaner workspace.

I honestly believe if your ambition is to graduate from buying ammo to making consistent batches for regular range trips, the Lyman 8 is a fantastic bridge between simplicity and productivity.

The RCBS Partner Single Stage Press Buyer

The Partner is arguably one of the best press for beginners. Its simplicity is its greatest teacher. It forces you to master each step of the reloading process individually, which builds a deep understanding of how variables affect the final product. This is crucial for precision shooting development.

• You are completely new to reloading for beginners and want to learn fundamentals.
• Your space is severely limited (apartment dwellers, this is for you).
• You primarily load low-volume, high-precision rifle rounds.
• The reassurance of a legendary lifetime warranty matters to you.

Honest to goodness, starting on a single stage like the Partner ingrains habits that make you a better reloader for life, even if you upgrade later. For a deeper dive into precision-focused tools, see how the Lyman compares to another popular option in our precision press analysis.

Going Beyond the Specs: Warranty, Parts, and Limitations

A smart reloading press review looks past the marketing sheet. Two critical, often overlooked areas are warranty support and the long-term availability of replacement parts.

The RCBS Partner comes with a massive advantage here: the RCBS limited lifetime warranty. This is a huge point of confidence, especially for a beginner worried about making a mistake. RCBS is known for stellar customer service. Lymans warranty terms should be verified at the time of purchase, as they were not included in the core feature set.

Regarding parts, both Lyman and RCBS are established brands with generally good support. However, for a press like the Partner that has been in production for years, finding specific replacement parts or accessories is typically easier. The Lymans specialized turret head is robust, but its a more complex component. Checking with the manufacturer or retailers for part availability is a wise pre-purchase step.

Specific caliber limitations are more about design than a hard cap. The Partners aluminum frame and single-stage design are best suited for small to medium reloading tasks. While it can handle a wide range of calibers, the strenuous task of resizing large, stubborn rifle brass may be more challenging than on a cast-iron press. The Lymans cast iron frame offers more inherent strength for heavy-duty resizing operations. For another perspective on turret precision, our comparison of the Lee and Frankford Arsenal is worth a look.

Final Verdict & Recommendations

So, which is better for a beginner: the Lyman All-American 8 or RCBS Partner? My honest take is that its not a matter of better, but of fit.

Choose the Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press if: You are a motivated beginner who knows youll be reloading regularly for multiple calibers. You have the space and budget for a more substantial press upfront, and you want a system that grows with you without immediately needing an upgrade. The turret press advantages in workflow efficiency are tangible and worth the investment if youll use them.

Choose the RCBS Partner Single Stage Press if: You are taking your first, cautious steps into reloading. Your budget or space is tight, and the paramount goal is learning the craft correctly. The single stage reliability and simplicity are perfect for building foundational skills. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind as you learn.

For a comprehensive cost comparison Lyman 8 vs RCBS Partner reloading, always check current prices, as kit inclusions and promotions vary. Remember, the press is just the start. Youll need dies, a scale, calipers, and more. Always consult an official source or a trusted manual for load data.

Ultimately, both are excellent tools from respected brands. The Lyman is about working smarter, and the RCBS is about learning smarter. Your first press shapes your reloading journey, so pick the one that aligns with how you actually shoot and learn. Thats the Honest Opinion from someone whos seen both paths work beautifully.