Lyman Reloading
Lyman is an American family business with over 145 years of experience in the shooting sports. Founded in 1878 by William Lyman, the company grew into one of the most respected names in reloading equipment. In 1925, Lyman acquired the legendary Ideal brand, including the famous Ideal Handbooks that have since been called the "bible of reloading." From their 100,000 square foot factory in Middletown, Connecticut, 120 employees produce a wide range of reloading products, from scales and case prep tools to complete reloading kits. Lyman is known for innovations such as carbide dies and the Turbo Tumbler.
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Lyman: A Heritage of Precision Since 1878
The history of Lyman begins in 1878, when William Lyman devised a simple but revolutionary solution for the inadequate gun sights of his time. His No. 1 Tang Sight with a large aperture and thin rim dramatically improved the aiming process and laid the foundation for what would grow into one of the most iconic brands in American shooting sports. More than 145 years later, Lyman remains true to that original mission: developing innovative products that help shooters and reloaders achieve better results.
From Sights to Reloading Equipment
A pivotal moment in Lyman's history came in 1925 when the company acquired Ideal Manufacturing. Ideal was founded in 1884 by John Barlow, a former Winchester employee who had designed many reloading tools for that company. With this acquisition, Lyman gained not only excellent reloading equipment but also the famous Ideal Handbooks. These manuals, the first edition of which appeared in 1891, are still considered the most reliable source for reloading data to this day. The current 51st edition of the Lyman Reloading Handbook contains thousands of tested loads for hundreds of calibers.
Innovation as a Driving Force
Over the years, Lyman has introduced numerous groundbreaking products that have since become industry standards. The introduction of carbide dies for straight wall pistol calibers eliminated the need for lubrication and revolutionized the reloading process for pistol shooters. The Lyman Turbo Tumbler, introduced in the 1980s, fundamentally changed how reloaders cleaned their cases. This concept of vibratory cleaning has since been adopted by virtually every manufacturer.
In more recent years, Lyman has taken the lead in digital technology for reloading equipment. The Gen 6 Touch Screen Powder System offers modern touchscreen control for precise powder dispensing, while the Digi-Touch 1500 scale combines compact precision with rechargeable batteries and USB compatibility.
Made in America
Lyman produces their products in a factory of over 100,000 square feet in Middletown, Connecticut. With approximately 120 employees, many of whom are active shooters and reloaders themselves, the company remains true to its American roots. This employee involvement ensures products that are actually designed by people who understand what shooters need.
The Lyman Family of Brands
Over the years, Lyman has brought several respected brands under its wings. Pachmayr was added in 1996, known for high-quality grips and recoil pads. A-Zoom, manufacturer of CNC-machined aluminum snap caps, became part of the family in 2002. In 2019, Mark 7 Reloading followed, specialists in automated reloading machines for high-volume production. Together with TacStar, Trius and Butch's, the Lyman family offers products for virtually every aspect of the shooting sports.
Reloading Presses for Every Level
Lyman offers a complete line of reloading presses for both beginners and experienced reloaders. The Ideal C-Frame press is perfect for newcomers or as a secondary press for experienced reloaders. The Victory Single Stage press delivers the robustness and precision that serious reloaders expect. For maximum efficiency, the Brass-Smith All-American 8 offers eight stations in a turret configuration, the only eight-station turret press on the market. All presses are made from solid cast iron and manufactured in the United States.
Case Prep and Brass Preparation
A well-prepared case is the foundation for accurate ammunition. Lyman offers an extensive range of case prep tools to optimize every step of the preparation process. The Deburring Tool deburrs and chamfers case mouths from caliber .17 to .45 in one operation, with a self-centering design that requires no fine motor skills. The Flash Hole Cleaner removes residue from the flashhole for consistent ignition.
For lubrication, Lyman offers various solutions. Quick Slick case lube is a petroleum-based spray that can treat a complete loading block within seconds and dries quickly to a thin, clear film. Case Neck Dry Lube reduces friction when resizing necks and extends the life of both cases and dies. The complete Case Lube Kit contains everything needed for thorough lubrication inside and out.
Scales and Powder Systems
Precision in weighing powder is fundamental for safe and accurate reloading. The Lyman Digi-Touch 1500 is a compact digital scale with a capacity of 1500 grain, equipped with a clear LED display and internal rechargeable battery. The Powder Pal Universal Funnel combines scale pan and funnel in one, allowing you to pour powder directly from the weighing pan into the case without a separate funnel.
Bullet Casting Tradition
Lyman has a rich history in bullet casting dating back to the Ideal period. Their extensive range of bullet moulds covers both popular and antique calibers, allowing cast bullet shooters to realize virtually any project. Lyman casting furnaces and accessories provide everything needed to go from raw lead alloy to finished bullets.
Lyman at Hop.nl
Hop.nl offers a carefully selected range of Lyman products for Dutch and Belgian reloaders. Whether you're starting with reloading and looking for reliable basic tools, or an experienced reloader who needs specific Lyman products, at Hop.nl you'll find quality products from this respected American brand. With over 145 years of experience, Lyman guarantees equipment that lasts for generations.