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Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press is cheaper at $99.95. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press or Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press is the cheaper at $99.95.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press
US price $590 $99.95
BrandDillon PrecisionLyman
Released
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

Sources — Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press: dillonprecision.com (verified 2026-08-11). Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press: lymanproducts.com (verified 2026-08-11).

What's the difference between the Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press and Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.

  • 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

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