Hands-On: Lyman Case Prep Xpress

[@brucepreston3927]

I love my lyman case prep Express! Just a tip though, if you put the primer pocket crimp remover in the spot closest to you then you dont have reach over all the other spinning tools. It makes it easier to get leverage without poking the palm of your hand on a brush or chamfer tool!

[@gerrymatheson4020]

Yes, I love mine! I generally do stuff with my right hand so I have mine set up so the shortest tools are on the right and toward the front and the taller ones on the left and toward the back, so my hand isn't having to maneuver over or around a spinning tool. I'm mainly using the 3 small primer pocket tools...so the uniformer is up front, the reamer to the right (clear easy access). I prefer the RCBS wire brush cleaner and it's taller so it's at the rear right. On the left rear is my deburring tool and front left is the vld chamfer tool. My brushes are screwed into the non-spinning stations to each side. I don't use them much and if I do I just slide the case over one and spin the case with my fingers. Doesn't take much if your cases are already clean. Usually it's just to get some brass shavings out after trimming or something... (And I use the Lyman case trim Xpress...love it...they make a great pair!!)

[@Physics072]

@@gerrymatheson4020 Sounds like the way I'll set mine up, keep the scary tools to the left side (if right handed) primer tools to right. I got the case trim Xpress unit too, man that is fast for 223.

[@TheUsmc0802]

I just picked this up. I've been using their case trimmer for a year And by hand deburing and chamfering. Getting a case ready to load now is super easy. I can do 50 cases in about 15 minutes. Great tool.

[@gbouvier7234]

I've used one for one year. It works fantastic and cuts down my prep time. Money well spent.

[@davestrohmeyer-saddleupsho8009]

Yes I use this machine. You can also add the Lee Case trim cutter and adapter then the caliber specific case gauge to trim the brass. Just screw it to one of the rotary stations, trim and then move to the chamfer stations...Fast and easy.

[@ironbomb6753]

That's a great idea

[@patrickbolthouse7354]

Thanks man

[@nicknuke7]

Have the same setup. Makes it a breeeeeeze!

[@toddschrocatart]

This was the exact question I can looking for an answer to. Thanks!

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Oh damn, you got a good head on your shoulders. I'm writing that one down. Thanks dude!

[@frankponikvar9262]

I finally bought my Lyman Case prep station 5 years ago, and I ask myself, what took me so long to buy one!!! I love mine. I've been reloading for over 40 years and ALWAYS dreaded the task of preparing the cases. The Lyman Case prep station has saved time and fingers. Wish I would have bought one sooner!! I researched them all and decided on the Lyman Case prep station because of the quality and design. It's the best on the market in my opinion.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

I appreciate you and comments like yours. I've been around reloading, but very new myself, and this kind of years of experience count is exactly who I look to for information. Got one on the way and it'll be here tomorrow!

[@frankponikvar9262]

@@CrashRacknShoot you will love your case prep station. As I stated before, I have been reloading for over 40 years, (since 1976) to be exact, and I always dreaded the case prep process. I reload everything from as small as my 204 Ruger and several other small caliber up to my large Magnum caliber's. Even my 375 h&h and 416 Rigby and ALL of my Weatherby and hand gun loads This prep station cuts down hours of work and with ease. Best of luck with your station.

[@CrashRacknShoot]

@@frankponikvar9262 thank you! One more question if I may, and I'll quit bugging you, I promise! Have you had any issues with the reamers/cleaners wearing down or getting dull? I know it's not the end of the world if it does, just get another. But curious if you ever had to replace them.

[@frankponikvar9262]

@@CrashRacknShoot no Kevin, the tools are hard carbon steel. The primer pocket cleaner's are easy to use, but be sure not to use the ones that ream the primer pocket from military brass on new or civilian brass as you can take too much off and the primer will be loose and even fall out. The deburing tools are great 👍 you'll really like them as well as the case neck brushes.

[@frankponikvar9262]

@@CrashRacknShoot your not a bother, the only stupid question is the one's not asked. I'm more than happy to help you and give advice on my experiences. Wish I would have had this access to the internet when I first started reloading, it would have saved me many headaches. Try to find a old book, rcbs a b c,s to reloading. I have a copy I can send you if you want it. No charge.

[@missionman19]

I have this machine. It is awesome. One of the best tools I have ever bought myself. But, I would probably say the same thing if I owned a different brand. I just like having a machine like this makes the prepping much easier. I have found that sometimes the brass starts to spin when I work in the primer pockets for LC brass. I wear a light pair of garden gloves with the rubber coating on the palm. Really helps with process.

[@robertpaasch6343]

This unit is amazing. No more cramped fingers, and is a BIG time saver.

[@_taylor_renee]

I’ve been using mine for about 8 years now without a single issue. I will typically throw a flash hole uniformer on one of the stations also. Everything goes back in the box and on the shelf when I’m finished. All of the storage locations keep you from losing the small tools too.

[@silentbob7984]

JT_Images had me 6 years great device.

[@mimicocto8]

Have had one for 2 years...its changed my reloading time immensely.

[@Rakstawr]

Glad you've shown this tool! It is one of my favorites that I bought to treat myself for my birthday one year. I haven't stopped using it as a part of my reloading workflow.

[@TartanJack]

I'd like to see a comparison with the Frankford Arsenal and Hornady units.

[@27murano]

I love my case prep station, I added a fixture to mine that i made on the lathe to except a lee case trimmer and also installed a Lyman primer pocket uniforming tool. The station turned into a necessity.

[@paulburns6127]

My wife just bought this for me for Christmas. I had over 800 casings ready to finish. It was fast as lightening. A few days later and not really trying too hard, my casings are ready. I'm not sure what to do with the dry lube yet but this is a great product.

[@edmundlamb6858]

I love it, makes case prep fun. Added lee case trim adapters and it does it all. put fender washers under tool heads to keep brass out of the tool shafts and I vac up the brass. Bought a second one for a gift

[@timmartin6410]

Been using my Lyman Case Prep for a couple of years now, love it.

[@royclennan9870]

I use mine all the time. It makes it so easy to remove the military crimp from brass. No more blisters from the Lyman universal case prep set.

[@Jerry-dk8se]

I've had my Lyman prep express for over a year, and it has become one of my most valuable tools! Well worth the money spent. As another commenter suggested, do your primer pockets first, and closer to you. Then you'll have better control of the case when reaming the pockets. I hardly ever use the brush, since I wet tumble my brass after prep. I use the pocket cleaner, reamer, uniformer, inside chamfer and outside chamfer last. But everyone will develop their own techniques as they use the station. The lip around the station keeps your brass shavings off your bench (mostly), and is one of the best features of the station!

[@mikesmith-tr9qv]

I have been using mine for a good 8 years now and zero issues. Quite and good quality. I do like that a/c power cord set up on the new one. Mine is old school:)

[@CrashRacknShoot]

Man, I'm glad I found this video. Starting to reload, and thought this might be overboard, but sounds like I'll get a lot of mileage out of it as my die sets grow. Fun fact: those cables in the A/V and IT world are commonly referred to as an IEC cable. They're excellent, because nowadays you can get away with using nearly any damn one, should the original get damaged for any reason. Much like duct tape, almost everyone has one of these lying around!

[@ScottPriestley]

Been thinking about this one - you sold me! It's out of stock most places but I was able to get on eBay for $119! Thanks Gavin!

[@JW-mt4vb]

Love mine. Ive been using it for around 10 years.

[@glockparaastra]

Couldn't do without mine! Saves fingers. Just swapped out both pocket cleaners with the Hornady ones as they are much better.

[@davidphin1063]

Can you add a link? I've been using mine for years I'm sure the tools could do with replacing now

[@glockparaastra]

David Phin www.hornady.com/reloading/case-care/case-prep-tools/cartridge-case-prep-tools-accessories#!/ The Hornady pocket reamers work better too.

[@James-prs-uk]

Has mine years and it’s by far the best thing I got to save time everybody know time is money

[@sfish2325]

Have had mine for about two years. Works flawlessly every time! Saves a lot of time.

[@ForOdin]

I save my brass shavings, spent primers, and case necks (I form my own 300 blackout) and take it to a recycling facility, helps with the cost of components

[@AlexCP2394]

I've had one of these for 2 years and very much enjoy using it. Saves a lot of time and hand strain when doing large batches of match grade ammo for competitions.

[@jasisom]

I have been using the Lyman case prep for over four years. I am completely satisfied with the unit. I have seen Hornadys unit and can’t see any advantage with using it. I am a devoted Hornady fan. All my reloading dies are Hornady. The Lyman case prep has everything you need in one unit to prep brass for reloading. Mine has prep’d over 10,000 rounds and is still going strong.

[@KPutubing]

Howdy from Sacramento! I've had mine for about 5 years. 223 rem and 22-250 rem prep. Easy peasy. Love it.

[@sterlinghao1492]

I have had this unit for the last 3 years and it has made case prepping for me a whole lot easier than prior to purchasing the prep center. Id recommend this to anyone who wants to speed up or have an easier time prepping cases for reloading.

[@daves8098]

Had a Frankford Arsonal for years. Finally burned it out after thousands of uses. Bought the Lyman. Hands down better than the FA. Soooooo much quieter. Never going back.

[@Sinatra192]

Bought this and love it. This has a permanent spot on my reloading bench!

[@NorthWestGuns]

I own this case prep station I found it to be the best one I could find for my needs

[@jacksonwholeexperience409]

Like a few others, I added a longer brush and Lyman Flash Hole Uniformer. I orient mine so the taller uniformer is in the back and doesn't poke my hand while the reamer is right up front to apply more pressure and also a shorter distance to brush the shavings into the waste bin. Works great! Had it over 5 years now.

[@Charlton_Kekston]

I've been using it for the past year and love it

[@cowboyguns]

I've used the Lyman Case Prep express for two years. One of those primer pocket cleaners is actually a primer pocket reamer for chamfering out military primer pocket crimps. It works extremely well if you punch the primer pocket out lightly first, and then ream the rest of the crimp out...otherwise it grabs the brass a little too much, but using that method will make the primer seating a breeze. You won't even be able to tell that the difference between military brass and commercial.

[@pipebear7036]

Can you you explain what mean by punch the pocket primer first please?

[@cowboyguns]

@@pipebear7036 the correct terminology would be "swaging." In my experience, swaging with a lever operated primer pocket swager doesn't open military primer pockets well enough for smooth insertion of a primer, and you still oftentimes crush the primer. When I used the term "punch" I should have used the term "swage."

[@pipebear7036]

@@cowboyguns thank you, that was helpful. Regards :-)

[@smsgtbulldog]

I use a Frankford Arsenal swager first and it does pretty much most of the work. Then on to the station. I do primer pockets first, then case ream in and out, and finally I use the brush with some dry lube on it.

[@redclover51]

Used mine for 3 yrs. Good to date.

[@samuelrspade]

Would love to see a comparison between case prep equipment. Thanks Gavin!

[@kchorrosoto4068]

It's awesome! I got mine late last year and it's been great. Very useful and all in one place. It seats next to my AMP MK2 on my bench and mostly uses it to clean and uniform primer pockets before/after tumbler.

[@bluescatreimer]

Great unit, if I hadn't already bought a RCBS case prep I would definitely by a Lyman.🇺🇸

[@30Huckleberry]

Have one, really like it, processed hundreds of rounds so far.

[@TTiger86268]

Thought about this one but saw negative reviews so went with frankford arsenal and love it, so far no issues.

[@Meditech509]

I love my Frankford.

[@rufturbo997]

Have one and wouldn't want to be without it anymore. Love the layout and versatility.

[@tacexdir]

I have a different case prep station, RCBS TRIM MATE. It doesn't have the cut out to clean the debris off the top, but I use a small USB rechargeable keyboard vacuum to clean my case prep machine, WILSON case trimmer, and neck turner. It works great with the small nozzle to get in all the nooks and crannies.

[@BernieDiaz]

I love my Lyman Case Prep Xpress. I've used it for years. Just ran into an issue. We moved to Texas from Florida and little by little I've been unpacking all my man-cave stuff. When I opened my Lyman Cases Prep Xpress box, I realized I didn't pack all the accessories inside the box (dumb move). I still haven't found them as I keep opening tubs (the black & yellow ones you buy at Costco, Lowes, or Home Depot). We moved 2 years ago!

[@psubond]

I have been using this one for years and i love it

[@C_Moore]

I love my Lyman Case Prep Express too! I have the Lyman E-Zee Trim set for rifle and pistol and bought an adapter to use the Case Prep Express as a trimmer as well. I swage my crimped primer pockets so I can trim and prep my brass all at once. I only wish there were 6 stations.

[@rcairnut]

put some small rubber fender washers under the spindles for easy clean up and to keep shavings out of the main unit. I really like mine! and this one is the only one I need.

[@richhiggins6056]

I have been using a Lyman for a couple years now. Very sturdy machine

[@allencain900]

I have been using the Lyman Case Prep Express for years and could not be happier. Have tried others and none stand up to this machine.

[@bentonklock903]

I just ordered my case prep express, doing them by hand was making my hands cramp up due to my arthritic hands. I am looking forward to being able to prep thousands of cases without cramps. More to come...

[@Gonzo81]

It's the best tool I've picked up so far!! Love my Lyman

[@richardrierson6234]

Use the Lyman case prep all the time. Love it!

[@larrybyington6181]

I just bought one about a year ago and with the Lee case length set up it makes prep and trimming a breeze

[@bronshaller667]

How did you attach the lee trimmer to this machine?

[@larrybyington6181]

With the Lee 8-32 threaded cutter adapter. I got mine from Amazon

[@gerrymatheson4020]

I love mine... I have the Lyman Case Trim Xpress also. They make a great pair! Yes it's 2 separate tools but so user friendly...and at about $130 each it's still competitive with other options. Better than the FA case prep center imo (and I love a lot of FA stuff...not a hater...)

[@joshcowart2446]

Are the brushes just standard cleaning brushes that thread on because the kit only came with pistol calibers so I wanted to make sure you could add .22 and .270 caliber brushes

[@larrybyington6181]

@@joshcowart2446 as long as the threads are the 8-32 any cleaning brush will do

[@jimrozelle9673]

Love mine! I chamfer/deburr, then brush. Gets the brass cling-ons out of the neck. Next is the primer pocket work, and I hit the brush again. Squeaky clean top to bottom and ready for the press !!!

[@jonh4301]

I have had the older RCBS unit. It has a mixture of male/female threaded connections where you have to use an adapter depending on the tool used. The back station is up close to the back of the unit and is sometimes hard to get to (something they changed on the newer one). I like the Lyman setup where all of the tools use the same thread format and are all on a wide flat surface.

[@hartfloorcovering]

Indeed- the Lyman case prep line of equipment has impressed me. This case prep Express along with there drier and cyclone wet tumbler has been a joy to use...only after other methods of trying out. This item is great!!!

[@m700vsl]

I’ve been using the Lyman Case Prep Center for several years now. Mine is a “1st generation” unit; meaning it doesn’t have the detachable power cord and my power switch is on the rear of the unit. Mine also seems to be slightly louder. I do really like it though.

[@chriskent9021]

I've been using the Frankford Arsenal trim and prep, it been a great tool for me.

[@randalloc]

It is a great tool...had one for couple of years... super flexible and easy to use... imho the best one out there.

[@jimclark6883]

I use the RCBS Case Prep unit. It was the first one on the market many years ago before the Frankford, Hornady, & Lyman machines. I have used it processing several thousands of brass cases. The Lyman is a lot quieter, so I'll get the Lyman when mine finally wears out.

[@robertrieckenberg282]

I have been using one for more than 4 years works great and have prepped over 10,000 round of brass I also have a Lyman trim kit that I modified to trim the 223 and 556 brass works great and really speeds up the processing time

[@seanwynn3501]

I have the rcbs prep center but will have to look at the Lyman after the video. Thanks Gavin.

[@automaticsteve9548]

I have had mine for about 6 years. Very nice unit for the money.

[@billrea66]

We just bought a complete reloading kit ,used . Haven't got set up yet due to no bench. The xpress was included .

[@TMS5100]

One of the best products lyman makes.

[@metaller_alex]

Using it for couple years already, very nice device.

[@wessfulton644]

It's the one I bought after looking at the competition. Well thought out machine.

[@StratRider]

I watched reviews on just about every machine out there and this is the one I chose about 18 months ago. I also put a flash hole tool on mine.

[@rickj627]

I just ordered one of these. Which flash hole tool did you add?

[@94dink3]

Just came in today and I can’t wait after watching your video Thank you for easy to follow videos you da man ✌️

[@mindwreckRC]

i like that detachable cable. mine is over 6 years old and it has an attached cable but everything else looks the same.. still going strong.

[@daniellevitz7524]

I use the RCBS Brass Boss though I’ve also used the Lyman Xpress. The Brass Boss has a variable speed dial that I find very handy for prepping different calibers. Please wear gloves and safety glasses when using either of these great tools. I usually have my kids help with case prep and really stress safety.

[@mattkeetch2063]

Going on about 5 years now next a single issue love this machine

[@gillyman7155]

I've been waiting to order the lyman ultimate kit for months. Hopefully they will be back in stock soon.

[@blaynemacpherson8519]

I love mine. I don’t really use the brush and my outside neck chamfer was dull switches it out with the hand prep tools one and it works much better. I use the primer consistency depth reamer makes a big difference along with the primer flash hole deburr.

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

never reloaded a day in my life but saw this on amazon for $130 and figured what the hell I still have the brass I shot durign covid and I need to make the higher cost from covid worth it so I think I will buy this and start prepping my brass while I save up for the next step.

[@alforrester5679]

I just got my case prep express and haven’t used it yet, but I can tell it’s much better and faster than the old hand or drill operated Lyman manual model. I guess it will be collecting some dust now!!

[@CCXRS7]

Yes I am, works great, used it for thousands of rounds, zero issues

[@joepreuitt4658]

I bought the older rcbs case prep center that looks like a shoe box. I went with that one because it was on sale at the time and the fact the work station was lower to the table. Also it doesn't take up much room on the bench. When not using it, it make a great book end😂. The cons with it, it has a small cup like storage on top which makes it un-organized and a tad messy.(clutter). I look forward to seeing the comparison video you have planned.

[@hank3152]

Does the drive unit use nylon or metal gears and does brass get into the internal area into the gears? Those seem to be the major issues of failure

[@a.k.4363]

Great video. I picked one of these up and it is great. Wish I would have gotten this sooner. Thanks.

[@darbovision2672]

Yes I am. I do the neck brush after inside/outside chamfering.

[@talkingrock7011]

I have been using a RCBS case mate for 10 years it sure has saved my wrist

[@Bill_Maine]

I have had my Lyman Case Prep Xpress for a few years. The only slow part seems to be reaming, at least with Federal .223 brass which needs swaging. It makes me wonder if the Dillon Super Swaging tool would be quicker, but then you have two pieces of equipment on your bench and you are going from one to the other. Also adds more cost. But having said that, I have absolutely no regret buying the Lyman Case Prep Xpress. UR Subcriber

[@keithloveland3627]

Mine is 7 or 8 years old sans the detachable cable. Has prepped thousands and thousands of cases. Biggest problem is thumb fatigue, have to keep it to batches smaller than five hundred.

[@garrytalley8009]

The neck lube is supposed to be for neck sizing and does not require rotary motion on the brushes. One only needs to slide the case down over the brush and pull it out and then lube the inside of the case. Lyman sells a small compact system that does just that. I do believe there is also a Lyman video out that shows exactly what I am saying with this Lyman Case Prep Xpress. I have done rotary with brushes in the past and it certainly short lives the brushes. They usually use nylon brushes for that purpose. Primarily using bolt guns, I neck size a lot. Obviously, AR shooting folks will be full length sizing. where other methods of lubing the necks are more effective than using the Lyman Case Prep Xpress.

[@davemiller4852]

Just purchased one, just starting out. My question is concerning once fired military brass. Is the reamer tool on the station sufficient to remove the military debris after the used primer has been popped out?

[@MR619Can]

Gavin, given your bench set up, that track looks like a perfect place to mount an elevating mount for the back of the case prep. The angle you mentioned for "cleaning" the brass would probably work well to give you a more "ergonomic" angle for the primer pocket reaming. 10-30 degrees would probably be a sweet spot. You could also mount it to the track depending on how the feet are secured on the base of the case prep bottom.

[@bradleyswasey6778]

Gavin, were though's crimped primer pockets and did you swage them out ahead of time. I would like to get a case prep station but I really don't know what one is the best deal for the money. I was kind of hoping to get one that will trim your cases to length also. Availability is a factor also, it seems like a lot of stuff is getting bought up. I respect your opinion thanks.

[@lonewanderer3603]

I find the outside chamfer hard to get centered with big bore cartridges, but I like having everything available instead of working in batches one step at a time.

[@petrusaroesnosa7461]

Hello; I own a Lyman Case Prep Xpress, and now, after some time I have a doubt, concerning the red main switch. Does the main switch have a led inside, so when it´s turned on, it lits? I ask this, because mine does not lit. Greetings and thanks in advance.

[@sterlinghao1492]

I have a Lyman and it’s really helped me in my case prep operations. But I recently bought a Frankfort Arsenal to give that a try. I’ll let you guys know how that works out

[@Lateral_G]

SOO much more quiet than my RCBS. I can't hear myself think when I use my case pres center.

[@r1ckgr1m3s8]

I have one as well as the cyclone wet tumbler, both work great.

[@jameslance2129]

I have this and it has done a good job for what it’s for. Only issue is after a few thousand rounds you will want to take it apart and clean it . Or after every use use a shop vac to clean up .

[@SheepDog0714]

I personally use the RCBS Case Prep Machine.

[@tobiastorsi]

Do you think its better?

[@leefeatherston7014]

nice and quiet this I will be happy with a multiple unit👏

[@sandrasage346]

Can I incorporate a Trim it ll or a Giraud Tri way trimmer to this so it can,(do it all), Trim, De bur, chamfer, Trim military pocket and clean primer pocket?

[@JayJay3Fifty7]

I do not use any case prep stations. I use the individual tools; Lyman looks good though. Why brush the case mouth/neck? And I am assuming this will be beneficial if you have trimmed brass or for military brass.

[@freekshow0011]

Do you always ream your crimped brass or do you ever use a swage tool? Perhaps a review video of the frankford swager or the hornady press mounted swage dies

[@TikTokCooper]

Me and my dad use a drill we had for Years . It maybe a good time to upgrade

[@527RIPT]

Do you think it spins fast enough to put the WFT on it?