# Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press (Dillon Precision) and Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press (Lyman) among reloading presses. Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press is the cheaper of the two at $99.95.

## Side by side

| Spec | Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press | Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $590 | $99.95 |
| Brand | Dillon Precision | Lyman |
| Press type | progressive, manual indexing | single stage |
| Number of stations | 4 | 1 |
| RAM diameter (in) | — | 1 |
| Rounds per hour | 400-600 | — |
| Priming system | on-press, automatic primer feed seated at station 1 | off-press, separate priming tool required |
| Frame material | aluminum alloy frame with steel toolhead and linkage | cast iron frame, other components steel |
| Shellplate turret compatibility | quick-change steel shellplate, caliber-specific; over 160 cartridges supported via Dillon conversion kits | standard 7/8-14 threaded dies and standard shell holders; 3-7/8 in. press opening accommodates cartridges up to 3.700 in. loaded length |
| Mounting footprint | bench-mount, 4-bolt pattern; compatible with optional Dillon Strong Mount | compact bench-mount, central ambidextrous handle position |

## Key differences

- Press type: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press progressive, manual indexing vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press single stage
- Number of stations: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press 4 vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press 1
- Priming system: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press on-press, automatic primer feed seated at station 1 vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press off-press, separate priming tool required
- Frame material: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press aluminum alloy frame with steel toolhead and linkage vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press cast iron frame, other components steel
- Shellplate turret compatibility: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press quick-change steel shellplate, caliber-specific; over 160 cartridges supported via Dillon conversion kits vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press standard 7/8-14 threaded dies and standard shell holders; 3-7/8 in. press opening accommodates cartridges up to 3.700 in. loaded length
- Mounting footprint: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press bench-mount, 4-bolt pattern; compatible with optional Dillon Strong Mount vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press compact bench-mount, central ambidextrous handle position

## Sources

- Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press: https://www.dillonprecision.com/s000224 (dillonprecision.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press: https://www.lymanproducts.com/ideal-press-universal-stand (lymanproducts.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/reloading-presses/dillon-precision-rl550c-vs-lyman-brass-smith-ideal/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press ($590) vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press ($99.95) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/reloading-presses/dillon-precision-rl550c-vs-lyman-brass-smith-ideal/
License: CC BY 4.0.