Case prep center preferences

[redwingshooter]

So I am in the market for a case prep center and I was wanting to get everyone's opinion on what they like. I've narrowed it down between the Lyman and the RCBS and I just wanted to get people's experiences. The Lyman seems to have a nice, large working space but obviously it has a larger footprint. The RCBS would have smaller footprint and typically RCBS stuff has a very good reputation. In any case, just looking to get people's experiences and preferences or hear about any negatives of the two units.

For Reference:

Lyman: Lyman Case-Prep Xpress : Cabela's

RCBS: RCBS® Trim Mate™ Case Prep Center : Cabela's

The primary job of this unit will be to make chamfering and deburring easier on my hands, so that is the primary concern for me. Thanks in advance for the replies!

 

[Electronrider]

I have a Lyman and am very happy with it.

 

[AmmoManAaron]

Tagged for interest, I've had the same question about those two machines.

 

[redwingshooter]

I have a Lyman and am very happy with it.

I was leaning more towards the Lyman because I thought cleanup would be easier with that large surface to catch all the brass debris. Glad to hear it works well for you.

 

[jglevyjr]

I have Lyman; works great. They give you this little brush to clean the brass shavings; don't bother, just use your shop vac.
Never used RCBS

 

[Broom_jm]

I've got the RCBS unit...it works great, as well. Not sure if one is better than the other in any significant way, so green or gray?

 

[straight-shooter]

Yep, I think Broom_jm nailed it. It all comes down to color preference as they both rotate tools in a similar way. I have the RCBS but would probably be just as happy with the Lyman. Only thing I done different was I installed carbide tools for the inside and outside chamfer stations.

 

[bocefus78]

I have a lyman and it works as it should. I can't see how it's any better or worse than the rcbs.

 

[Mgderf]

RCBS here. No issues, but never used a Lyman.
So far this thread has been anything BUT informative. LOL

I don't see a hill of beans difference between the two.
Does one have a better warranty?

 

[oldpink]

According to what I've read about Lyman's other electrical/electronic products (specifically their lead furnaces), you'll get a one year warranty for their case prep center.
According to RCBS, you'll get a two year warranty for theirs...source - Warranty - RCBS
My personal experience with RCBS CS is 100% happy, since they sent broken decapping pins at no cost whatsoever (not expensive, but still) with just a phone call asking for a part #, and they made me a custom bullet seating plug for the Hornady FTX bullet for my .45 Colt die for ~$15 total.
With that said, unless you get a total lemon of a case prep center, or if you're someone who uses it for tens of thousands of rounds a year, you probably won't ever need to use the warranty from either Lyman or RCBS until long after it has expired.

 

[indygunguy]

I have the Lyman. I've prepped thousands of cases on it and am very happy with it.

OP - you're welcome to come over and try it out if you want. Just PM me.

 

[redwingshooter]

Thank you all for the replies, it appears as though it is a wash between the two. I'll probably get the Lyman as I like the larger work area and I think it would be easier to clean up.

 

[RipkinC]

Lyman, sells more all the time than the RCBS and it comes with all the bits for less cost. We have abused the same one at Profire for over 3 years and it still is going strong. Plus it has a lip to gather all the shavings, the rcbs just go's everywhere.