You’re looking at two fundamentally different tools for the reloading bench. One is the workhorse that shapes the brass, and the other is the meticulous scientist that measures the heart of the load. The Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press and the WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Reloading Scale aren’t direct competitors, but they represent critical choices in building a reliable, efficient setup. ir roles is key to making an informed decision for your handloading equipment.
This comparison isn’t about which product is universally “better.” It’s about identifying which tool solves your specific bottleneck. Are you seeking faster, more versatile case processing, or is your priority absolute powder measure accuracy on a budget? My honest assessment is that the right answer depends entirely on the current state of your reloading bench setup and your long-term goals.
Head-to-Head Product Overview
At first glance, these tools serve distinct purposes. The Lyman All-American 8 is a robust, mechanical press built for durability and workflow integration. The WISHSOM RS-1500 is a compact, electronic instrument designed for precision measurement. Let’s break down their core identities.
| Feature | Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press | WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Case sizing, priming, bullet seating | Weighing powder, bullets, cases |
| Key Mechanism | Heavy-duty cast iron frame, 8-station indexing turret | Electronic load cell, backlit LCD display |
| Build Focus | Durability and mechanical leverage | Portability and digital precision |
| Core Advantage | Workflow speed with multiple dies installed | High-resolution measurement to 0.1 grain |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Core Feature & Performance Breakdown
Lyman All-American 8: The Turret Press Workhorse
This press is defined by its solid construction and thoughtful design for process efficiency. The heavy-duty cast iron frame and turret provide a stable, rigid platform that minimizes flex, a cornerstone of repeatable precision. The standout feature is the extra-large 8-station turret. Honestly speaking, this capacity is a significant upgrade for those moving from a single-stage press.
- Indexing Turret: The turret is easily removed, making swapping between calibers or die sets remarkably simple. It can hold two complete 4-die sets or up to four 2-die sets.
- Durable powder coat finish resists corrosion and wear.
- Includes a straight-line primer feed with large and small primer tubes, integrating priming into the press stroke.
From my honest perspective, the value here is in reducing handle pulls per completed round. You can size, expand, prime, and seat in one turret rotation without touching the case. This is a major step towards semi-progressive speed while retaining the control of a turret press. For a deeper dive into how this stacks up against other popular options, our comparison of the Lee Precision 90045 offers more context.
WISHSOM RS-1500: The Compact Digital Scale
This scale prioritizes precise measurement in a small, portable package. Its claim is digital scale precision with a 1500-grain grain capacity and 0.1-grain resolution. For reloaders focused on consistency, especially with rifle cartridges, that resolution is the main attraction.
- Auto-Zero Function & Tare: The TARE function allows quick subtraction of container weight, streamlining the weighing process.
- Includes a 50g calibration weight to help maintain long-term accuracy, addressing a key concern in any digital reloading scale review.
- Compact and portable design (4.72 x 2.4 x 0.78 inches) saves bench space.
- Powered by 2 AAA batteries with auto shut-off, and features a backlit LCD display and a protective flip cover.
Honest to goodness, the portability is a real benefit. You can easily move it around the bench or even take it to the range. However, this also means it’s more susceptible to vibrations and air currents than a larger, bench-anchored scale. Proper setup is non-negotiable.
Workflow & Usability Comparison
How these tools integrate into your routine is where their differences truly manifest. The Lyman press is about building a physical process, while the WISHSOM scale is about verifying a critical measurement.
Setting Up for Success
How to set up a Lyman turret press for precision reloading starts with a solid foundation. The cast iron frame is a great start, but for ultimate stability, many users pair it with a sturdy bench and aftermarket mounting solutions from companies like Inline Fabrication. The eight-station head allows for creative die setupyou can even dedicate a station to a powder-through expander die if using a separate measure. Speaking honestly, the learning curve involves indexing turret feel and the primer feed system, but it’s intuitive for most.
The WISHSOM scale setup is about creating a perfect micro-environment. Its light weight means it must be placed on an absolutely level, vibration-free surface. Any breeze from a vent or fan will affect readings. The included calibration weight is essential for verifying scale calibration before each session. I honestly believe that following a strict calibration and setup ritual is the only way to achieve the advertised 0.1-grain consistency.
Daily Operation & Maintenance
The Lyman’s maintenance requirements are straightforward but mechanical. Periodic cleaning of the primer system and a drop of oil on the linkage and turret rotation mechanism will keep it running smoothly for decades. Its durability is a hallmark of the brand. The WISHSOM scale’s maintenance is electronic and environmental. Keeping the stainless steel platform clean and ensuring the battery contacts are corrosion-free is key. Storing it with the flip cover closed protects the sensitive load cell.
When considering warranty and customer support comparison, Lyman, as an established name in reloading, typically offers robust support and readily available parts. WISHSOM, as a value-focused digital brand, may have a different support structure, which is a factor to weigh against the lower cost.
Accuracy & Precision Analysis
This is the core of the reloading press comparison. But we’re comparing apples and oranges: mechanical precision versus measurement precision.
The Lyman press contributes to accuracy through rigidity and alignment. The cast iron construction and large turret ensure that dies remain perfectly perpendicular to the shell holder throughout the stroke, leading to consistent case forming and bullet seating. Its repeatable precision is in the thousandths of an inch, affecting case dimensions and concentricity. For insights on how this mechanical precision compares in a different matchup, see our look at the Frankford Arsenal press.
The WISHSOM scale’s entire purpose is measurement accuracy. The 0.1-grain resolution is spec’d for discerning small powder charge differences. However, powder measure accuracy relies on the scale’s stability. Real-world tests often reveal that achieving true, drift-free 0.1-grain powder throw consistency requires ideal conditions. Common WISHSOM RS-1500 scale accuracy problems and solutions usually trace back to environmental factors: drafts, temperature changes, or electrical interference. The solution is always meticulous bench setup.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
So, which is better Lyman All-American 8 or WISHSOM RS-1500? They’re not mutually exclusive. In fact, they complement each other perfectly on a well-rounded bench. The real question is: which should you prioritize first?
Who Should Choose the Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press?
This press is ideal for the reloader who has outgrown a single-stage press and wants to produce quality ammunition more efficiently. It’s perfect for:
- Those loading for multiple pistol calibers who value quick turret swaps.
- Shooters who want the control of a turret or single-stage but with fewer handle pulls per round.
- Anyone who values cast-iron durability and plans to keep a press for a lifetime.
- Reloaders who already have a reliable scale but are bottlenecked by their press’s speed.
My honest take is that the Lyman All-American 8 is a fantastic bridge between the worlds of single-stage simplicity and progressive speed. It adds efficiency without overwhelming complexity, making it excellent for dedicated beginners ready to invest in a lasting press.
Who Should Choose the WISHSOM RS-1500 Digital Scale?
This scale is a tool for the reloader who prioritizes charge weight verification above all else, especially when budget is a concern. It’s a strong fit for:
- Beginners building their first reloading bench setup who need an affordable, precise scale.
- Anyone using a mechanical powder measure who needs to verify every tenth charge.
- Reloaders with limited bench space who need a compact, portable weighing solution.
- Those looking for the best digital scale for reloading on a budget and are willing to manage its sensitivity.
To be completely honest, the WISHSOM can deliver excellent value, but it demands a careful operator. If you can provide a stable home for it, it will serve you well. For authoritative information on safe reloading practices to pair with your new scale, always consult an official source like a manufacturer’s guide.
The Integrated Solution
For the most consistent results, use them together. The Lyman press handles the robust mechanical worksizing, priming, and seatingwith excellent consistency. The WISHSOM scale meticulously verifies your powder charges. This combination covers the entire spectrum from brute force to fine measurement.
If you want my honest opinion on where to start, I’d lean toward the press if you’re still using a basic single-stage. It unlocks a faster workflow. If your press is already capable but you’re relying on a questionable balance beam or an erratic digital scale, then the WISHSOM becomes the priority upgrade. Ultimately, building your reloading process is a journey, and getting the right information is key. For more unbiased gear analysis, the team at Honest Opinion is always digging into the details. Remember, whether you’re weighing powder or pulling the handle, consistency is the true path to precision on the range.