Two turret presses dominate conversations for reloaders seeking a balance of speed and precision. The Lyman All-American 8 and the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press both promise efficient caliber swapping and robust construction, but they approach the task with distinct philosophies. For anyone building a versatile reloading bench, ir differences is key to making the right investment.
This isn’t about declaring a single winner. It’s about matching the right tool to your specific needs, whether you’re focused on high-volume pistol calibers like 9mm or demanding rifle calibers like .223 Rem. My honest assessment is that your choice hinges on your workflow priorities and long-term reloading goals.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
Let’s break down the core specifications side-by-side. This table highlights the fundamental differences in their design and advertised capabilities.
| Feature | Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press | Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press |
|---|---|---|
| Frame & Construction | Heavy duty cast iron frame and turret with durable powder coat finish. | Precision cast steel construction for eliminating all movement and flex. |
| Turret Head | Extra-large 8 station turret, easily removed. Holds two 4-die sets or four 2-die sets. | 8 station system, includes an extra turret for quick caliber conversion. |
| Primer System | Comes with straight line primer feed with large and small primer tubes. | Specifics not detailed in core features. |
| Die Compatibility | Accepts standard 7/8″-14 reloading dies. | Accepts standard dies (7/8″ x14). |
| Key Design Focus | Heavy-duty rigidity and straightforward, removable turret design. | Precision, minimized flex, and convenient swapping with included extra turret. |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Detailed Analysis: Build Quality & Durability
The foundation of any good press is its ability to remain solid and consistent over thousands of cycles. This is where these two presses start to diverge.
Lyman All-American 8: The Cast Iron Classic
Lyman employs a heavy duty cast iron frame and turret. Cast iron is renowned for its mass and vibration-dampening qualities. The durable powder coat finish adds a layer of protection against corrosion and wear. Honestly speaking, this construction speaks to a traditional, over-built approach. Its the kind of press you mount solidly to your bench and expect to last for decades, handling everything from .38 Special to .308 Winchester with a sense of unyielding stability. The focus is on sheer, brute-force durability.
Frankford Arsenal Precision: Engineered Rigidity
Frankford Arsenal’s pitch is all about precision cast steel. Their stated goal is “eliminating all movement and flex for enhanced accuracy.” Steel can offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios and rigidity. From my honest perspective, this suggests a design engineered for consistency in every stroke, potentially offering an edge in indexing repeatability and shell plate alignment. The inclusion of an extra turret head out of the box underscores a focus on workflow and quick changeovers without sacrificing that engineered solidity.
A critical, often overlooked aspect is spent primer management. The Lyman includes a straight line primer catch system, which is a significant quality-of-life feature for keeping your bench clean. The Frankford Arsenal’s approach here isn’t detailed in its core features, so it’s a point you’d need to research further. Similarly, considering compound leverage systems or aftermarket mounting solutions from companies like Inline Fabrication can enhance ergonomics on either press.
Detailed Analysis: Performance & Precision
How do these builds translate to actual reloading performance? The turret head design is the heart of the operation.
Turret Design & Workflow
Both presses feature an 8-station turret, but their implementation differs. The Lyman’s turret is “easily removed,” which is fantastic for pre-setting dies for multiple calibers on separate turrets. You can have one set up for 9mm and another for .223 Rem, swapping them in seconds. It holds two complete 4-die sets, perfect for rifle calibers needing a dedicated decapping, resizing, expanding, and seating station.
The Frankford Arsenal also uses an 8-station system and includes an extra turret. This achieves the same goal of quick caliber conversion. Honestly, the out-of-the-box inclusion of a second turret is a compelling value proposition for someone who doesn’t want to buy extras immediately. For precision reloading, the claimed rigidity of the cast steel frame could contribute to more consistent bullet seating and sizing operations.
Primer Handling & User Experience
The Lymans straight line primer feed system is a notable advantage. These systems are generally considered faster and more reliable than swing-arm designs, especially for high-volume loading. Having both large and small primer tubes included means you’re ready to load virtually any caliber right away.
Since the Frankford Arsenal’s primer system isn’t specified in the core features, it’s a variable. For a beginner wondering which turret press is better for a beginner, a clear, simple primer system is a huge benefit. Speaking honestly, the Lyman’s included system removes a major point of potential frustration.
Noise and vibration are in most turret press reviews. The Lyman’s cast iron will likely absorb more sound and shock, leading to a quieter operation. The Frankford’s steel frame might transmit slightly more, though its precision fit could minimize any chatter. Always consult your reloading manual and use proper case lube to ensure smooth operation and preserve your reloading dies.
Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Press?
So, is the Frankford Arsenal press worth the extra money? Or does the Lyman offer a more proven path? The answer depends entirely on you.
Choose the Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press if:
- You prioritize traditional, heavy-duty cast iron construction and proven press durability.
- A superior, included primer catch system is a high priority for clean, efficient operation.
- You like the idea of easily removable turret heads for pre-set caliber swaps.
- You’re looking for a press with a reputation for handling a wide range of pistol and rifle calibers.
Honest to goodness, for someone who values a straightforward, robust tool with an excellent primer system, the Lyman is a fantastic choice. Its a press that gets the fundamentals exceptionally right.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press if:
- You believe the engineered “zero flex” cast steel construction will translate to measurable gains in precision reloading.
- You want the convenience of a second turret head included from the start for immediate caliber switching.
- Your reloading press comparison is focused on modern design aimed at accuracy.
- You’re willing to potentially research and configure the primer system separately to get the exact setup you want.
I honestly believe the Frankford Arsenal is targeting the reloader who views each component as part of a precision system. It makes a strong case for itself in a detailed durability comparison Lyman All-American 8 vs Frankford Precision based on its design intent.
The Final Honest Opinion
There is no single best turret press. For the reloader who wants a complete, out-of-the-box solution with a legendary robust build and a fantastic primer system, the Lyman All-American 8 is incredibly compelling. Its a workhorse.
For the shooter focused on minimizing variables for accuracy and who appreciates the included second turret for workflow, the Frankford Arsenal Precision presents a modern, purpose-driven alternative. Its a press built for a specific result.
My honest take is that both are capable tools. Your decision should weigh the importance of the included primer system versus the marketed rigidity and extra turret. Consider your most-loaded calibers, research the required mounting hardware, and think about your long-term bench setup. For more insights on how these compare to other popular options, see our comparisons with the Lee Precision press and the other head-to-head. Always cross-reference data with an authority guide or official sources like Lyman’s catalog.
At the end of the day, the best press is the one you’ll use consistently to produce safe, accurate ammunition. Thats the Honest Opinion from someone whos seen a lot of presses come and go. Now, get to loading.