# Hornady Lock-N-Load AP 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 Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press (Hornady) and Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press (Lyman) among reloading presses.

## Side by side

| Spec | Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press | Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | $99.95 |
| Brand | Hornady | Lyman |
| Press type | progressive, auto-indexing | single stage |
| Number of stations | 5 | 1 |
| RAM diameter (in) | — | 1 |
| Rounds per hour | up to 500 | — |
| Priming system | on-press, automatic case-activated Positive Priming System | off-press, separate priming tool required |
| Frame material | cast iron | cast iron frame, other components steel |
| Shellplate turret compatibility | 5-station Lock-N-Load quick-change die bushing system, accepts standard 7/8-14 dies via LNL bushings; caliber changeover in under 5 minutes | 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 | compact bench-mount, central ambidextrous handle position |

## Key differences

- Press type: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press progressive, auto-indexing vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press single stage
- Number of stations: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press 5 vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press 1
- Priming system: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press on-press, automatic case-activated Positive Priming System vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press off-press, separate priming tool required
- Frame material: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press cast iron vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press cast iron frame, other components steel
- Shellplate turret compatibility: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press 5-station Lock-N-Load quick-change die bushing system, accepts standard 7/8-14 dies via LNL bushings; caliber changeover in under 5 minutes 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: Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press bench-mount, 4-bolt pattern vs Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press compact bench-mount, central ambidextrous handle position

## Sources

- Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press: https://www.hornady.com/reloading/presses/lock-n-load-ap (hornady.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/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-vs-lyman-brass-smith-ideal/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press (not published) 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/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-vs-lyman-brass-smith-ideal/
License: CC BY 4.0.