Best Reloading Presses · head-to-head

Hornady Lock-N-Load AP 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.

Full spec sheet

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

Spec Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press Lyman Brass-Smith Ideal C-Frame Single Stage Reloading Press
US price $99.95
BrandHornadyLyman
Released
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

Sources — Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press: hornady.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 Hornady Lock-N-Load AP 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: 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

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