Stepping up from a single stage press is a big move for any reloader. A turret press offers a fantastic middle ground, blending the precision of a single stage with some of the speed of a progressive press. You get a dedicated station for each die, which means less manual handling and more consistent ammo. Two names dominate this conversation: the Lyman All-American 8 and the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press. They represent two very different philosophies in reloading equipment.
One is a heavyweight champion built for the long haul, while the other is a cleverly designed kit aimed at getting you started. Choosing between them isn’t just about the press itself; it’s about your approach to the bench, your budget, and what you value most in your shooting supplies. Let’s break them down side-by-side.
Head-to-Head: Lyman All-American 8 vs. Lee Classic Turret
At first glance, these two turret presses seem to serve the same purpose. A closer look reveals they’re built for different users. The core difference lies in their construction and intended workflow. My honest assessment is that the Lyman is a press you build a system around, while the Lee is a system designed to get you pressing immediately.
Core Design & Construction
This is where the philosophies diverge completely. The Lyman All-American 8 boasts a heavy-duty cast iron frame and turret. This material choice speaks to durability and mass, which directly translates to a smoother, more solid feel during operation. The extra-large 8-station turret is its standout feature, easily removed to make swapping turrets simple. Honestly speaking, this is a reloader’s press, built to be a permanent, rock-solid fixture on your reloading bench.
The Lee Precision Classic Turret Press, in contrast, is part of a comprehensive kit. Its construction isn’t highlighted as cast iron, focusing instead on the complete package. The kit includes the Pro Auto-Drum powder measure and riser, pitched as perfect for all handgun and small rifle cartridges. The listing notes it’s made in the USA and clarifies that the Bench Plate system shown in photos is sold separately. Its a solution-oriented approach.
| Feature | Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press | Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Frame Construction | Heavy duty cast iron frame and turret. | Not specified in provided features. |
| Turret | Extra-large 8 station turret, easily removed. | Standard 4-station turret (implied by kit contents). |
| Die Capacity | Holds two complete 4-die sets or up to four 2-die sets. | Designed to work with a set of Lee dies. |
| Finish | Durable powder coat finish. | Not specified in provided features. |
| Primer System | Comes with straight line primer feed with large and small primer tubes. | Primer system included (part of standard press design). |
| Included Powder Measure | Not included in base press features. | Kit includes the Pro Auto-Drum powder measure and riser. |
| Core Purpose | Heavy-duty, high-capacity turret press. | Complete beginner-to-intermediate reloading kit. |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Price, Value & The Real Total Cost
You can’t discuss these presses without talking dollars and sense. The listed price is just the entry fee. The real cost includes all the accessories you need to actually start producing ammunition. From my honest perspective, this is where the Lee kit shines for newcomers, while the Lyman demands a larger initial investment for a different kind of payoff.
The Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit is exactly thata kit. It includes the Pro Auto-Drum powder measure, which is a significant value. The description states, “This kit and a set of Lee dies is everything you need to begin reloading.” For someone new, that bundled value is hard to beat. You’ll still need a scale, calipers, and components, but the major hardware is there.
The Lyman All-American 8 is sold as a standalone press. You get the heavy-duty press, the 8-station turret, and the straight-line primer feed. You must source a powder measure, dies, shell holders, and all other accessories separately. This allows for premium customization but increases the upfront cost. Speaking honestly, comparing the base price of the Lyman press to the Lee kit is misleading. You must factor in the cost of a quality powder measure, which the Lee includes.
- Lee Kit Value: High immediate value. Lower barrier to entry. Includes a critical component (powder measure) that works for handgun and small rifle cartridges.
- Lyman Investment: Higher total startup cost. You pay for uncompromising construction and capacity, but add-ons are on you. This allows you to choose a specific powder measure like those from RCBS or Hornady from the start.
When considering the cost of Lee Classic Turret Press accessories later on, you might find you want to upgrade the powder measure or add a case feeder. With the Lyman, you’re buying those top-tier accessories from day one. It’s a different financial path.
Performance & Real-World Use Cases
How do these presses actually perform on the bench? Their design dictates their strengths. The question of Lyman vs Lee turret press accuracy is less about the press and more about the operator and process. Both are capable of excellent precision. The difference is in the experience and workflow.
Workflow & Operation
The Lee’s claim to fame is its auto-indexing system. While not explicitly detailed in the provided features, this is a core part of its design. The turret automatically rotates to the next station with each stroke of the handle. This creates a semi-progressive flow that can significantly speed up production, especially for pistol calibers. It’s a huge benefit for volume shooting.
The Lyman’s 8-station turret offers unparalleled flexibility. You can set up two complete 4-die sets (e.g., full-length resize, neck size, seat, crimp) for a single caliber, or have four different 2-die sets ready to go. Swapping the entire turret is simple. This is a dream for reloaders who work with multiple rifle calibers and want to minimize setup time. There’s no auto-indexing; you manually rotate the turret. This offers more control at the potential cost of speed.
Durability & Feel
The Lyman’s cast iron construction provides immense stability. This mass reduces flex and vibration, contributing to a supremely smooth stroke. Issues with turret alignment or play are less likely with this robust design. The compound linkage (a standard on quality presses) feels exceptionally smooth. It’s built to last decades with minimal maintenance.
The Lee press is durable in its own right, but the feel is different. It can have more flex and vibration due to its lighter construction. This doesn’t affect its ability to produce good ammo, but the tactile experience is less solid. Some users report that over very long periods, the indexing system may require adjustmenta consideration for ultra-high-volume shooters.
A factor often overlooked is spent primer disposal. A good system keeps your bench clean. The Lyman includes a straight-line primer feed, which typically incorporates a primer catcher. Lee’s system is functional, but many users seek aftermarket solutions from companies like Inline Fabrication for better containment. Noise and vibration are also more pronounced on the Lee, something to consider if your bench is in a shared space.
Who Are They For?
Which turret press is better for beginners? Honestly speaking, the Lee kit is the clear winner for the novice. It provides a complete, functional system at a manageable price. The auto-indexing simplifies the process, and you can learn the entire reloading workflow without piecing together components. Its the fastest route from box to loaded round.
The Lyman All-American 8 is for the reloader who knows this is a long-term hobby. It’s for the shooter who values a rock-solid foundation, plans to load precision rifle ammunition, or hates switching dies constantly. It’s an investment in a tool that will never be the limiting factor in your reloading precision. You might start on a Lee and later upgrade to a Lyman as your needs evolve, much like some consider a precision turret from other brands.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
So, which one should you bolt to your bench? There’s no universal winner, only the right tool for the right shooter. My honest take is that this decision hinges entirely on your experience level, budget, and loading goals.
Choose the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit if:
You are new to reloading and want the simplest, most cost-effective path to start making safe ammunition. You primarily load handgun or small rifle cartridges and value a semi-automated, speedy workflow. You prefer an all-in-one solution and are comfortable with the potential for more bench vibration.
Choose the Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press if:
You are an experienced reloader or a beginner willing to invest in a forever press. You demand the most solid, flex-free feel and ultimate flexibility with its 8-station turret. You load a variety of rifle calibers and want to minimize die-swapping downtime. You don’t mind sourcing your own premium powder measure and accessories to build a custom setup.
Both are capable ammunition presses that will serve you well. The Lee gets you in the game with intelligence and efficiency. The Lyman is a bedrock tool around which you build a legacy reloading setup. For more foundational knowledge, always consult an authority guide on safe practices, and check manufacturer resources like the official source for detailed specs. Remember, the best press is the one you’ll use safely and consistently to support your shooting. That’s the Honest Opinion from this corner of the bench.