I have been reading to the point my head hurts. For those who have them and especially those who have tried different ones which do you recommend and why. Dillon, hornady,ect.. And which model. Must be able to reload both rifle and handgun. Wanting something that is fairly easy to change calibers and can cut down my time at the press. I dont need to do 1000 rounds an hour but several hundred would be nice. Price under $1000.
- Thread starter stoney15
- Start date
Re: Which progressive press
I bought a Dillon 650. I have bought toolheads, caliber conversion kits, items from Whidden Gunworks and Uniquetek, and who knows how many other doo-dads over the years for it that I now have way over $3k in items for it. But, it was a $600.00 investment when I first got it. I load everything I shoot on it and an old RCBS Rockchucker.
Dillon has stood behind their warranty regardless of how bad I have screwed up and it is going strong with well over 500k rounds loaded on it now.
I bought a Dillon 650. I have bought toolheads, caliber conversion kits, items from Whidden Gunworks and Uniquetek, and who knows how many other doo-dads over the years for it that I now have way over $3k in items for it. But, it was a $600.00 investment when I first got it. I load everything I shoot on it and an old RCBS Rockchucker.
Dillon has stood behind their warranty regardless of how bad I have screwed up and it is going strong with well over 500k rounds loaded on it now.
Re: Which progressive press
I have a hornady lock-n-load AP press. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/679228/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-progressive-press
I think if you have the money to burn, then get the dillon. Better built.
As for my lock-n-load AP press. I really like it but I have had some problems with the primer shuttle area, BUT hornady stood behind their word and shipped new shuttle parts free of charge with no questions asked days later. Can't go wrong with the hornady LNL AP press especially for the money. Many options with the LNL AP press also. It has been an excellent press for me and I can really knock out the pistol ammo fast.
When I was in the process of purchasing my press, I was up in the air about getting a single or progressive press. I'm sooooo glad I spent the extra money and went with the LNL AP progressive press now that I have pistols. I even save loads of time reloading for rifle ammo.
I have a hornady lock-n-load AP press. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/679228/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-progressive-press
I think if you have the money to burn, then get the dillon. Better built.
As for my lock-n-load AP press. I really like it but I have had some problems with the primer shuttle area, BUT hornady stood behind their word and shipped new shuttle parts free of charge with no questions asked days later. Can't go wrong with the hornady LNL AP press especially for the money. Many options with the LNL AP press also. It has been an excellent press for me and I can really knock out the pistol ammo fast.
When I was in the process of purchasing my press, I was up in the air about getting a single or progressive press. I'm sooooo glad I spent the extra money and went with the LNL AP progressive press now that I have pistols. I even save loads of time reloading for rifle ammo.
Re: Which progressive press
oh yeah, and this prob goes for all presses, but you need to keep the primer shuttle area of the LNL AP press really really clean. One spec of varget in your primer shuttle area can shut down the whole operation. Other than that, it's an awesome press.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elfster1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a hornady lock-n-load AP press. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/679228/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-progressive-press
I think if you have the money to burn, then get the dillon. Better built.
As for my lock-n-load AP press. I really like it but I have had some problems with the primer shuttle area, BUT hornady stood behind their word and shipped new shuttle parts free of charge with no questions asked days later. Can't go wrong with the hornady LNL AP press especially for the money. Many options with the LNL AP press also. It has been an excellent press for me and I can really knock out the pistol ammo fast.
When I was in the process of purchasing my press, I was up in the air about getting a single or progressive press. I'm sooooo glad I spent the extra money and went with the LNL AP progressive press now that I have pistols. I even save loads of time reloading for rifle ammo. </div></div>
oh yeah, and this prob goes for all presses, but you need to keep the primer shuttle area of the LNL AP press really really clean. One spec of varget in your primer shuttle area can shut down the whole operation. Other than that, it's an awesome press.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: elfster1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a hornady lock-n-load AP press. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/679228/hornady-lock-n-load-ap-progressive-press
I think if you have the money to burn, then get the dillon. Better built.
As for my lock-n-load AP press. I really like it but I have had some problems with the primer shuttle area, BUT hornady stood behind their word and shipped new shuttle parts free of charge with no questions asked days later. Can't go wrong with the hornady LNL AP press especially for the money. Many options with the LNL AP press also. It has been an excellent press for me and I can really knock out the pistol ammo fast.
When I was in the process of purchasing my press, I was up in the air about getting a single or progressive press. I'm sooooo glad I spent the extra money and went with the LNL AP progressive press now that I have pistols. I even save loads of time reloading for rifle ammo. </div></div>
Re: Which progressive press
+1 for Dillon XL650, mine loads 9mm, .38, and .223 great. Automatic case feed is nice. They have Good CS too for parts and instruction if needed.
A friend bought a H Lock-N-Load and tried to load on it for about a month and ended up trading it for a pistol, maybe an isolated case, just sayin.
+1 for Dillon XL650, mine loads 9mm, .38, and .223 great. Automatic case feed is nice. They have Good CS too for parts and instruction if needed.
A friend bought a H Lock-N-Load and tried to load on it for about a month and ended up trading it for a pistol, maybe an isolated case, just sayin.
Re: Which progressive press
I do no pistol reloading but have reloaded many between 19 calhoon and 338 Allen Mag. I use my Dillon 550 as a single stage quite a bit and since it doesn't auto index makes it easy to do. I do find the powder measures on the Dillon to suffer a little when loading over 30 grains(I use a lot of grain powder) ball powder does fine. I bet auto index would be nice for pistol. Loading 200 or more an hour should be easy.
I do no pistol reloading but have reloaded many between 19 calhoon and 338 Allen Mag. I use my Dillon 550 as a single stage quite a bit and since it doesn't auto index makes it easy to do. I do find the powder measures on the Dillon to suffer a little when loading over 30 grains(I use a lot of grain powder) ball powder does fine. I bet auto index would be nice for pistol. Loading 200 or more an hour should be easy.
Re: Which progressive press
I've been using a Hornady Projector (predecessor to the LNL) for over 20 years. I have been very pleased with it, and I bought a LNL 3 years ago so I could have the case feeder.
I've been using a Hornady Projector (predecessor to the LNL) for over 20 years. I have been very pleased with it, and I bought a LNL 3 years ago so I could have the case feeder.
Re: Which progressive press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: korykhunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do no pistol reloading but have reloaded many between 19 calhoon and 338 Allen Mag. I use my Dillon 550 as a single stage quite a bit and since it doesn't auto index makes it easy to do. I do find the powder measures on the Dillon to suffer a little when loading over 30 grains(I use a lot of grain powder) ball powder does fine. I bet auto index would be nice for pistol. Loading 200 or more an hour should be easy.</div></div>
Should be able to clear 600 in an hour on the 650 fairly easily if you have primer tubes ready or have a primer filler. Once set up I do 100 match 223 in 6 minutes, and that's working the handle very slowly so I don't spill powder while the cases index.
Absolutely love the 650.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: korykhunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do no pistol reloading but have reloaded many between 19 calhoon and 338 Allen Mag. I use my Dillon 550 as a single stage quite a bit and since it doesn't auto index makes it easy to do. I do find the powder measures on the Dillon to suffer a little when loading over 30 grains(I use a lot of grain powder) ball powder does fine. I bet auto index would be nice for pistol. Loading 200 or more an hour should be easy.</div></div>
Should be able to clear 600 in an hour on the 650 fairly easily if you have primer tubes ready or have a primer filler. Once set up I do 100 match 223 in 6 minutes, and that's working the handle very slowly so I don't spill powder while the cases index.
Absolutely love the 650.
Re: Which progressive press
Dillon 550. More calibers, fast as you need, and cheaper to buy other calibers. For the difference, you can have two 550's and not worry about primer size changes. JMHO
Dillon 550. More calibers, fast as you need, and cheaper to buy other calibers. For the difference, you can have two 550's and not worry about primer size changes. JMHO
Re: Which progressive press
NO regrets with my Hornady LNL AP. Hard to imagine a better built press. I've heard many good things about the Dillon 550's and 650's.
That said, most of my loading happens on my Lee Turret press - mostly for accuracy / specific loads.
NO regrets with my Hornady LNL AP. Hard to imagine a better built press. I've heard many good things about the Dillon 550's and 650's.
That said, most of my loading happens on my Lee Turret press - mostly for accuracy / specific loads.
Re: Which progressive press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brasscow</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: korykhunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do no pistol reloading but have reloaded many between 19 calhoon and 338 Allen Mag. I use my Dillon 550 as a single stage quite a bit and since it doesn't auto index makes it easy to do. I do find the powder measures on the Dillon to suffer a little when loading over 30 grains(I use a lot of grain powder) ball powder does fine. I bet auto index would be nice for pistol. Loading 200 or more an hour should be easy.</div></div>
Should be able to clear 600 in an hour on the 650 fairly easily if you have primer tubes ready or have a primer filler. Once set up I do 100 match 223 in 6 minutes, and that's working the handle very slowly so I don't spill powder while the cases index.
Absolutely love the 650. </div></div>
What do you use for lube? I've never had any luck with the spray lubes, so .223 takes forever for me.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: brasscow</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: korykhunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do no pistol reloading but have reloaded many between 19 calhoon and 338 Allen Mag. I use my Dillon 550 as a single stage quite a bit and since it doesn't auto index makes it easy to do. I do find the powder measures on the Dillon to suffer a little when loading over 30 grains(I use a lot of grain powder) ball powder does fine. I bet auto index would be nice for pistol. Loading 200 or more an hour should be easy.</div></div>
Should be able to clear 600 in an hour on the 650 fairly easily if you have primer tubes ready or have a primer filler. Once set up I do 100 match 223 in 6 minutes, and that's working the handle very slowly so I don't spill powder while the cases index.
Absolutely love the 650. </div></div>
What do you use for lube? I've never had any luck with the spray lubes, so .223 takes forever for me.
Re: Which progressive press
RCBS manual progessive does a good job for me but the primer strip gizmo never worked correctly in the press so I prime before the cases go into the press. I have good luck with Hornady spray case lube just remember to let it dry before sizing.
RCBS manual progessive does a good job for me but the primer strip gizmo never worked correctly in the press so I prime before the cases go into the press. I have good luck with Hornady spray case lube just remember to let it dry before sizing.
Re: Which progressive press
Take a good look a the 550B. I reload .223 and .308 as well as 7 different pistol calibers on it. Have individual tool heads set up for each caliber which making change outs quick. Dillon's CS is excellent and never had an issue. Reloaded thousands of rounds on it without a hitch.
Take a good look a the 550B. I reload .223 and .308 as well as 7 different pistol calibers on it. Have individual tool heads set up for each caliber which making change outs quick. Dillon's CS is excellent and never had an issue. Reloaded thousands of rounds on it without a hitch.
Re: Which progressive press
get the Dillon 550 or 650 this will do the trick
Bill
get the Dillon 550 or 650 this will do the trick
Bill
Re: Which progressive press
My vote is the Dillon 650. I like my 550 also but prefer the 650 because of auto indexing.
My vote is the Dillon 650. I like my 550 also but prefer the 650 because of auto indexing.
Re: Which progressive press
I just got a 550 about a month ago.
My only regret is not getting one any sooner
I just got a 550 about a month ago.
My only regret is not getting one any sooner
Re: Which progressive press
Had a Dillon 550, was going to upgrade to a 650 but then I talked to my friend who owned a 650 and Hornady LNL. After trying the two next to each other I went with the Hornady (which is the one he recommended). Been going strong for about a year now, load 10mm, 45acp, 357, and 44 and it's been great. Had an issue with my 44 shellplate and Hornady took care of it no problem.
Had a Dillon 550, was going to upgrade to a 650 but then I talked to my friend who owned a 650 and Hornady LNL. After trying the two next to each other I went with the Hornady (which is the one he recommended). Been going strong for about a year now, load 10mm, 45acp, 357, and 44 and it's been great. Had an issue with my 44 shellplate and Hornady took care of it no problem.
Re: Which progressive press
I have a Hornady LNL AP as well. I really like it. I had to do some minor polishing around the primer areas to get the primers to feed 100% of the time, but other than that I have had no problems. I was priced right as well. I am sure you would not go wrong with any of the Dillon products either. i have heard great things about them, I was just on a budget when I bought the Hornady. You won't go wrong with either.
I have a Hornady LNL AP as well. I really like it. I had to do some minor polishing around the primer areas to get the primers to feed 100% of the time, but other than that I have had no problems. I was priced right as well. I am sure you would not go wrong with any of the Dillon products either. i have heard great things about them, I was just on a budget when I bought the Hornady. You won't go wrong with either.
Re: Which progressive press
I have a 550 and load multiple calibers. I didn't see the need to spend more fo auto-indexing.
I have a 550 and load multiple calibers. I didn't see the need to spend more fo auto-indexing.
Re: Which progressive press
I've been very happy with my LnL AP also. Polishing up the primer feed area and keeping that clean has become part of my process. With the case feeder it is pretty fast, easily 400+ rounds or more per hour if I get industrious and keep the powder and primers loaded up. I've been looking at buying the bullet feeder at some point since I have a good amount of my pistol calibers to reload and it might be handy to have. I hear that Hornady is going to have the rifle bullet dies for the bullet feeder available at some point this year too.
I use mine to load 9mm, 40S&W, 357 Sig and 45ACP in pistol, 5.56/.223 in rifle.
In theory you can load 338LM on it by having Hornady's Custom Shop make up a shell plate for it but the guy I spoke to there said that while they CAN do it the recommend not using the LnL AP for 338LM - just in case you are thinking in that direction now or later.
I've been very happy with my LnL AP also. Polishing up the primer feed area and keeping that clean has become part of my process. With the case feeder it is pretty fast, easily 400+ rounds or more per hour if I get industrious and keep the powder and primers loaded up. I've been looking at buying the bullet feeder at some point since I have a good amount of my pistol calibers to reload and it might be handy to have. I hear that Hornady is going to have the rifle bullet dies for the bullet feeder available at some point this year too.
I use mine to load 9mm, 40S&W, 357 Sig and 45ACP in pistol, 5.56/.223 in rifle.
In theory you can load 338LM on it by having Hornady's Custom Shop make up a shell plate for it but the guy I spoke to there said that while they CAN do it the recommend not using the LnL AP for 338LM - just in case you are thinking in that direction now or later.
Re: Which progressive press
I'm a recent purchaser of the Hornady LnL. I sold a Dillon SDB to upgrade to a press of higher capacity. I know this comparison would be apples to oranges, but will offer it anyway.
I LOVED the Dillon SDB, but I wanted rifle loading capability and a case feeder. The small Dillon unit gave me NO headache whatsoever. I went with the Hornady vs. the Dillon 650 due to price. I hadn't had any personal experience with either machine prior to my purchase.
When I first got the LnL set up and for the first 1k rounds produced, I was shaking my head and wished I had spent the extra money and bought the Dillon. The LnL seemed very "quirky" and problematic. Now that I've got a couple thousand rounds through it, I'm liking it more and more. I've learned its nuances and stroke the lever at a pace that both the machine and I are comfortable. I've learned that I can load 9x19mm at a pace of about 600-700 rds/hr with the case feeder and bullet feeder and do it quite comfortably with the machine giving me few problems.
Now that I've consumed most of my pistol components, I've moved to loading .223/5.56 ammo. The case feeder is giving me fits thus far, but I'm making micro-sized adjustments to the feed door and it's getting better. I've also shaped the opening a little bit with a Dremel which has helped to some degree. I'm also getting inconsistent seating depth using first a Redding seating die, then a Lee seating die (after the results from the Redding, I tried a Lee to see if things changed). I think I've narrowed the cause of this to having a Lee FCD set up in the following station. If a case is having a bullet seated in station 4 and a case is being crimped in station 5, I'm getting seating depth "A". If for whatever reason station 5 does not have a case in it when station 4 is seating a bullet, I get seating depth "B" (shorter by anywhere from .005-.010"). My theory is when the ram is encountering the little amount of resistance required to operate the Lee FCD, it is causing the case in the adjacent bullet seating station to rise that .005-.010" less. I'm still experimenting. I've only done about 100 pieces of rifle ammo with the press so far.
Caliber changes with the LnL are a breeze. I don't know what the pros/cons would be to having dies set up in a caliber specific toolhead in the Dillon. If that offers significant advantage, it also adds cost to the Dillon machine that is encountered only by the inexpensive LnL bushings on the Hornady. I cannot comment on changing primer size on the larger Dillon machine, but if it is the same as the Dillon SDB, I would say that the Hornady and Dillon both change from large primer to small or vice versa in a relatively painless manner.
I'm very happy with the performance of the Hornady press with handgun ammunition thus far. While still learning its nuances while loading rifle cartridges, I feel that things are improving and I'll be loading top shelf ammo with it shortly.
I cannot comment if the Dillon 650 has these same nuances that the Hornady does. I feel fairly certain that it probably has its own issues to one degree or another and would require a similar learning curve to operate the press in an efficient manner.
If I had the money back and could do it over again, which would I buy? I honestly don't know the answer, even after having used the Hornady. Although I like the machine, it hasn't yet sold itself to me 100% over the longer tested Dillon 650.
I'm a recent purchaser of the Hornady LnL. I sold a Dillon SDB to upgrade to a press of higher capacity. I know this comparison would be apples to oranges, but will offer it anyway.
I LOVED the Dillon SDB, but I wanted rifle loading capability and a case feeder. The small Dillon unit gave me NO headache whatsoever. I went with the Hornady vs. the Dillon 650 due to price. I hadn't had any personal experience with either machine prior to my purchase.
When I first got the LnL set up and for the first 1k rounds produced, I was shaking my head and wished I had spent the extra money and bought the Dillon. The LnL seemed very "quirky" and problematic. Now that I've got a couple thousand rounds through it, I'm liking it more and more. I've learned its nuances and stroke the lever at a pace that both the machine and I are comfortable. I've learned that I can load 9x19mm at a pace of about 600-700 rds/hr with the case feeder and bullet feeder and do it quite comfortably with the machine giving me few problems.
Now that I've consumed most of my pistol components, I've moved to loading .223/5.56 ammo. The case feeder is giving me fits thus far, but I'm making micro-sized adjustments to the feed door and it's getting better. I've also shaped the opening a little bit with a Dremel which has helped to some degree. I'm also getting inconsistent seating depth using first a Redding seating die, then a Lee seating die (after the results from the Redding, I tried a Lee to see if things changed). I think I've narrowed the cause of this to having a Lee FCD set up in the following station. If a case is having a bullet seated in station 4 and a case is being crimped in station 5, I'm getting seating depth "A". If for whatever reason station 5 does not have a case in it when station 4 is seating a bullet, I get seating depth "B" (shorter by anywhere from .005-.010"). My theory is when the ram is encountering the little amount of resistance required to operate the Lee FCD, it is causing the case in the adjacent bullet seating station to rise that .005-.010" less. I'm still experimenting. I've only done about 100 pieces of rifle ammo with the press so far.
Caliber changes with the LnL are a breeze. I don't know what the pros/cons would be to having dies set up in a caliber specific toolhead in the Dillon. If that offers significant advantage, it also adds cost to the Dillon machine that is encountered only by the inexpensive LnL bushings on the Hornady. I cannot comment on changing primer size on the larger Dillon machine, but if it is the same as the Dillon SDB, I would say that the Hornady and Dillon both change from large primer to small or vice versa in a relatively painless manner.
I'm very happy with the performance of the Hornady press with handgun ammunition thus far. While still learning its nuances while loading rifle cartridges, I feel that things are improving and I'll be loading top shelf ammo with it shortly.
I cannot comment if the Dillon 650 has these same nuances that the Hornady does. I feel fairly certain that it probably has its own issues to one degree or another and would require a similar learning curve to operate the press in an efficient manner.
If I had the money back and could do it over again, which would I buy? I honestly don't know the answer, even after having used the Hornady. Although I like the machine, it hasn't yet sold itself to me 100% over the longer tested Dillon 650.
Re: Which progressive press
Just bought a Hornady LNL AP press here as well. looks very well made. I bought it for pistol blasting ammo, and 5.55 blasting ammo. Got tired of loading plinking ammo on a single stage. Have not even got the press set up yet, I am hoping I like it, but I found it in the bargin cave at Cabelas for $350. couldn't pass it up.
Just bought a Hornady LNL AP press here as well. looks very well made. I bought it for pistol blasting ammo, and 5.55 blasting ammo. Got tired of loading plinking ammo on a single stage. Have not even got the press set up yet, I am hoping I like it, but I found it in the bargin cave at Cabelas for $350. couldn't pass it up.
Re: Which progressive press
I bought a 650 XL for pistol and still load single stage for rifle. I was going to switch to using the 650 XL for rifle and buy a Hornady LNL for pistol, but two things changed my mind.
First was price... I thought that the LNL would be cheaper, but I wanted a few mods like an Ultramount riser (like Dillon makes for the 650), a new handle, and a low primer alarm like Dillon has... this is basically the equivalent of Brian Enos' "as it should be" package, only for a LNL press. Well, I price it out and it is basically the same price as the Dillon 650... mainly because the riser and roller handle are cheaper from Dillon than to buy from Inline fabrication, but also because you have to buy the shellplate and case feeder disc (or whatever it's called) separately. These come with the 650.
And then something happened. I disassembled my Dillon for cleaning and lubing and didn't reassemble correctly. Long story short, I had a primer detonation. It messed up a whole bunch of parts.
I called Dillon and thought that I would be harangued because I bought through a third party. First question was, "What is your customer number?" Damn, I knew it. I don't have one. He said, "OK, what's your address." I told him my name and address. He told me he was going to send me a whole new primer system. I told him that I only needed a couple of parts here and there, but he told me that I might replace those parts and then find out that I needed another part and rather than waiting for them to ship the parts piecemeal, he was going to send me the whole unit. And bam... he shipped it right there. No BS. No long explanation. No complaining about what I did being my fault (it was). He just sent me a brand new module.
Don't get me wrong... I was looking at the Hornady LNL for a reason. Caliber changeovers look to be easier with the LNL. Also, the indexing for the 650 XL needs to be "fixed." It indexes too hard, but this can be fixed with less than $5 worth of parts. The nice thing about Dillon is that there are a number of aftermarket mods and fixes fro known problems (for instance, you need to polish the powder bar and the dispenser).
For rifle, you can buy a Whidden floating toolhead and a clamping system from Uniquetek to improve runout and get rid of OAL variation. Basically, anything wrong with the press, the user base has already figured out how to fix.
So my answer would be the standard "you can't go wrong with either press." I definitely considered going the LNL route after the Dillon, but for precision rifle, I truly believe a hot rodded Dillon 650 is the way to go. For pistol, either press is a winner and will churn out equivalent ammo. If you go with the LNL ammo plant, you could probably make pistol ammo even faster on the LNL (for a few dollars more, of course). In the end, I decided to stay with Dillon for both units after my experience with the Dillon warranty service.
I bought a 650 XL for pistol and still load single stage for rifle. I was going to switch to using the 650 XL for rifle and buy a Hornady LNL for pistol, but two things changed my mind.
First was price... I thought that the LNL would be cheaper, but I wanted a few mods like an Ultramount riser (like Dillon makes for the 650), a new handle, and a low primer alarm like Dillon has... this is basically the equivalent of Brian Enos' "as it should be" package, only for a LNL press. Well, I price it out and it is basically the same price as the Dillon 650... mainly because the riser and roller handle are cheaper from Dillon than to buy from Inline fabrication, but also because you have to buy the shellplate and case feeder disc (or whatever it's called) separately. These come with the 650.
And then something happened. I disassembled my Dillon for cleaning and lubing and didn't reassemble correctly. Long story short, I had a primer detonation. It messed up a whole bunch of parts.
I called Dillon and thought that I would be harangued because I bought through a third party. First question was, "What is your customer number?" Damn, I knew it. I don't have one. He said, "OK, what's your address." I told him my name and address. He told me he was going to send me a whole new primer system. I told him that I only needed a couple of parts here and there, but he told me that I might replace those parts and then find out that I needed another part and rather than waiting for them to ship the parts piecemeal, he was going to send me the whole unit. And bam... he shipped it right there. No BS. No long explanation. No complaining about what I did being my fault (it was). He just sent me a brand new module.
Don't get me wrong... I was looking at the Hornady LNL for a reason. Caliber changeovers look to be easier with the LNL. Also, the indexing for the 650 XL needs to be "fixed." It indexes too hard, but this can be fixed with less than $5 worth of parts. The nice thing about Dillon is that there are a number of aftermarket mods and fixes fro known problems (for instance, you need to polish the powder bar and the dispenser).
For rifle, you can buy a Whidden floating toolhead and a clamping system from Uniquetek to improve runout and get rid of OAL variation. Basically, anything wrong with the press, the user base has already figured out how to fix.
So my answer would be the standard "you can't go wrong with either press." I definitely considered going the LNL route after the Dillon, but for precision rifle, I truly believe a hot rodded Dillon 650 is the way to go. For pistol, either press is a winner and will churn out equivalent ammo. If you go with the LNL ammo plant, you could probably make pistol ammo even faster on the LNL (for a few dollars more, of course). In the end, I decided to stay with Dillon for both units after my experience with the Dillon warranty service.
Re: Which progressive press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0311@lar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have not even got the press set up yet, I am hoping I like it, but I found it in the bargin cave at Cabelas for $350. couldn't pass it up. </div></div>
If a deal like that fell in my lap, I would gladly go with the LNL.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 0311@lar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have not even got the press set up yet, I am hoping I like it, but I found it in the bargin cave at Cabelas for $350. couldn't pass it up. </div></div>
If a deal like that fell in my lap, I would gladly go with the LNL.
Re: Which progressive press
I'm a dillon guy. Had an RCBS press decades ago when I only reloaded for .30-30, then after settling in, retiring here in 1994, I joined the Meade Rifle and Pistol club and started shooting regularly. Then I bought some subguns. Mac10, M16, Uzi, FN-FAL, Sten followed. Then I shot a LOT. Figured out I could reload cheaper than buying new. All that 7 cents a round Egyptian surplus with the cracked cases had disappeared years earlier. Guy at the club sold me a Dillon RL550 cheap. I maybe made up around 40,000 rounds on that in a few short years. It goes by fast. Listening to internet talk radio, Truth for Life sermons, kept me off the streets at night. Became a regular buyer at Hi-tech for surplus stuff. Then I found a deal I couldn't refuse on an XL650. I liked the powder sensor feature. Had a few squib rounds I couldn't blame on my son's helping me reload (that 44 magnum round I just KNOW he spilled the powder out of...), and it helps. This machine, in ten years, I've pushed over 70,000 rounds through (the counter is stuck, should read 67,000 and I installed it after the first year I owned it, hadn't kept track until then). 9mm, .45 acp, .44 mag, .380 acp, .38 spl, .357 mag, 357 SIG, .223, .308. I own several Dillon die sets, many more Lee dies. Lee dies just work. They're cheaper, but not cheaply made. I've broken some parts. Primer seater and the big plastic indexing rig, also the shell feeder (big black plastic dingus below the case feeder). Dillon's "No BS warranty?" Amazes me no end. They're come through every time. I even had the carbide core come out of a .223 die, sent it back, they fixed and returned it inside of a week. Still going strong.
The blue wrap on the handle is coban tape over a sheet of sorbothane wrapped around the handle for comfort.
I didi buy a large-knob powder adjusting screw. Makes a HUGE difference not having to use a wrench to adjust the nut on the standard model. I bought a shell-plate bearing last year to keep .223 and other cases from spilling powder when indexing, it works pretty well when I remember to use it when I'm setting up.
Oh, and I use the lanolin-alcohol spray Dillon and Frankford arsenal sells through MidwayUSA. To get it off I used to run the cases through dry corn cob media, but now that I'm using a stainless steel tumbler I do an initial case cleaning with corn cob and Dillon polish, spray, resize, trim (Thank you Doug Giraud for helping to spend my kids' inheritance), trim out the crimp if there is one, ream the primer hole and run the finished cases through the SS media tumbler about 200 at a time. Shiny.
Hint: you can use a small-caliber bore snake to clean out the primer tubes after a while. The powder and other debris WILL cause primers to jam up inside them eventually.
I use Lee presses for other, odd calibers (300 win mag, .375 H&H, .458 win mag, and cowboy action loads like .44-40 and .45 Colt), keep one with a universal deprimer tool in it. Comes in handy.
I'm a dillon guy. Had an RCBS press decades ago when I only reloaded for .30-30, then after settling in, retiring here in 1994, I joined the Meade Rifle and Pistol club and started shooting regularly. Then I bought some subguns. Mac10, M16, Uzi, FN-FAL, Sten followed. Then I shot a LOT. Figured out I could reload cheaper than buying new. All that 7 cents a round Egyptian surplus with the cracked cases had disappeared years earlier. Guy at the club sold me a Dillon RL550 cheap. I maybe made up around 40,000 rounds on that in a few short years. It goes by fast. Listening to internet talk radio, Truth for Life sermons, kept me off the streets at night. Became a regular buyer at Hi-tech for surplus stuff. Then I found a deal I couldn't refuse on an XL650. I liked the powder sensor feature. Had a few squib rounds I couldn't blame on my son's helping me reload (that 44 magnum round I just KNOW he spilled the powder out of...), and it helps. This machine, in ten years, I've pushed over 70,000 rounds through (the counter is stuck, should read 67,000 and I installed it after the first year I owned it, hadn't kept track until then). 9mm, .45 acp, .44 mag, .380 acp, .38 spl, .357 mag, 357 SIG, .223, .308. I own several Dillon die sets, many more Lee dies. Lee dies just work. They're cheaper, but not cheaply made. I've broken some parts. Primer seater and the big plastic indexing rig, also the shell feeder (big black plastic dingus below the case feeder). Dillon's "No BS warranty?" Amazes me no end. They're come through every time. I even had the carbide core come out of a .223 die, sent it back, they fixed and returned it inside of a week. Still going strong.
The blue wrap on the handle is coban tape over a sheet of sorbothane wrapped around the handle for comfort.
I didi buy a large-knob powder adjusting screw. Makes a HUGE difference not having to use a wrench to adjust the nut on the standard model. I bought a shell-plate bearing last year to keep .223 and other cases from spilling powder when indexing, it works pretty well when I remember to use it when I'm setting up.
Oh, and I use the lanolin-alcohol spray Dillon and Frankford arsenal sells through MidwayUSA. To get it off I used to run the cases through dry corn cob media, but now that I'm using a stainless steel tumbler I do an initial case cleaning with corn cob and Dillon polish, spray, resize, trim (Thank you Doug Giraud for helping to spend my kids' inheritance), trim out the crimp if there is one, ream the primer hole and run the finished cases through the SS media tumbler about 200 at a time. Shiny.
Hint: you can use a small-caliber bore snake to clean out the primer tubes after a while. The powder and other debris WILL cause primers to jam up inside them eventually.
I use Lee presses for other, odd calibers (300 win mag, .375 H&H, .458 win mag, and cowboy action loads like .44-40 and .45 Colt), keep one with a universal deprimer tool in it. Comes in handy.
Re: Which progressive press
I have a 550 as a first press, and I really like it. I found it on CL for a steal with the whole loading setup, and since I needed it all, that was great. 45, 223, 308, all work great. Thrown powder for plinking or pistol, and a chargemaster and a funnel for precision loads.
If you've loaded before I'd take a real look at the 650. The case feeder has me dreaming sometimes, but I don't figure I `need` it quite yet.
Hornady gets great reviews every time I hear about it, but after my experience with Dillon I'd have a hard time changing.
I have a 550 as a first press, and I really like it. I found it on CL for a steal with the whole loading setup, and since I needed it all, that was great. 45, 223, 308, all work great. Thrown powder for plinking or pistol, and a chargemaster and a funnel for precision loads.
If you've loaded before I'd take a real look at the 650. The case feeder has me dreaming sometimes, but I don't figure I `need` it quite yet.
Hornady gets great reviews every time I hear about it, but after my experience with Dillon I'd have a hard time changing.
Re: Which progressive press
The 550B is what I use because of the flexibility of pouring powder into a case from my Charge Master or drop it in from the Dillon powder measure. it's simple and easy even when manually feeding cases and bullets.
The 550B is what I use because of the flexibility of pouring powder into a case from my Charge Master or drop it in from the Dillon powder measure. it's simple and easy even when manually feeding cases and bullets.
Re: Which progressive press
I have the LNL, and have never been able to get it to seat primers consistently enough to prevent me from just giving up and priming all my rounds by hand. Still faster than a single stage, but not what I had hoped for. Hornady's support has been great, but form some reason, buy unit has had primer bugs that have evaded fixing.
I have the LNL, and have never been able to get it to seat primers consistently enough to prevent me from just giving up and priming all my rounds by hand. Still faster than a single stage, but not what I had hoped for. Hornady's support has been great, but form some reason, buy unit has had primer bugs that have evaded fixing.
Re: Which progressive press
I only have experience with dillon, I have a 550 and 650. If you set up the 650 and leave it alone, it'll run a bunch of rounds with little effort. I had a lot better luck with it on handgun, pretty well runs itself. Change over is a little cumbersome. The 550 is a little slower, but it runs pretty well with very little dicking with it and change over is quick. Money for money, I'd buy a 550 all over the 650.
I only have experience with dillon, I have a 550 and 650. If you set up the 650 and leave it alone, it'll run a bunch of rounds with little effort. I had a lot better luck with it on handgun, pretty well runs itself. Change over is a little cumbersome. The 550 is a little slower, but it runs pretty well with very little dicking with it and change over is quick. Money for money, I'd buy a 550 all over the 650.
Re: Which progressive press
I have a 550 and a 1050 Dillon. I absolutely love the 550 for eases of changing calibers. I would greatly recommend it to anyone. As far as find one in stock. Don't waste your time looking. Just order one from Brian Enos and plan on getting it in 3-5 weeks. By the time you dink around looking you could have a week off the 3-5. Brian is great, call him and he will set you up. Plus he has discounted packages.
I have a 550 and a 1050 Dillon. I absolutely love the 550 for eases of changing calibers. I would greatly recommend it to anyone. As far as find one in stock. Don't waste your time looking. Just order one from Brian Enos and plan on getting it in 3-5 weeks. By the time you dink around looking you could have a week off the 3-5. Brian is great, call him and he will set you up. Plus he has discounted packages.
Re: Which progressive press
Dillon 650...I run mine between 9mm and .223. Change over time is about 10 min (including my clean & lube routine) and it runs like a top. I have powder measures set up on both blocks so I can just swap out and go.
Best progressive I've used.
Dillon 650...I run mine between 9mm and .223. Change over time is about 10 min (including my clean & lube routine) and it runs like a top. I have powder measures set up on both blocks so I can just swap out and go.
Best progressive I've used.
Re: Which progressive press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heydavemd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the LNL, and have never been able to get it to seat primers consistently enough to prevent me from just giving up and priming all my rounds by hand. Still faster than a single stage, but not what I had hoped for. Hornady's support has been great, but form some reason, buy unit has had primer bugs that have evaded fixing. </div></div>
I have had the same issue, and broken unknown number of primer shuttles over the past 4 years. I now have a 650 for pistol rounds and 223, and my LNL has been relegated to reloading 308, 260, 45 ACP and 44 mag until my dillon 550 gets back.
To the OP - I have used the 550, 650, and the Hornady LNL. For pistol, the 650 is great, and I have yet to find an issue with it that can not be solved in 15 minutes. I have yet to have a primer issue (failure to feed), and the bar style powder thrower is good in it's own right. I would say it is consistent within .1 grain on ball type powder, which is within expectation.
I see the 550 as a good all round machine, but I prefer to have a powder cop for pistol. For rifle, I load standing up, and have lights mounted in order to see into the cases to check for powder. The biggest turnoff (challenge) is the primer conversion, which is why I now only reload large primers from my 550.
The LNL has positives and negatives. The number one issue I have had had been the priming system. the shuttle system shuts down if you have the least bit of dust in the track. When I am using it, I keep a small paintbrush and canned air to blow it out every 20-30 minutes. I like the powder measure though. I know of many people who do not like it, but a friend has a franken-650 that uses the Hornady powder thrower on his 650. The LNL inserts are nice, however they have increased in price over the last 3 years, and are now the better part of $40 for 10, or $12 per caliber change, which still is not bad. The shell plates used to be easy to find, today not so much, but they take all of 30 seconds to change, which is nice. Pistol to pistol changeovers are quite simple, but the same can not be said about pistol to rifle conversions.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: heydavemd</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have the LNL, and have never been able to get it to seat primers consistently enough to prevent me from just giving up and priming all my rounds by hand. Still faster than a single stage, but not what I had hoped for. Hornady's support has been great, but form some reason, buy unit has had primer bugs that have evaded fixing. </div></div>
I have had the same issue, and broken unknown number of primer shuttles over the past 4 years. I now have a 650 for pistol rounds and 223, and my LNL has been relegated to reloading 308, 260, 45 ACP and 44 mag until my dillon 550 gets back.
To the OP - I have used the 550, 650, and the Hornady LNL. For pistol, the 650 is great, and I have yet to find an issue with it that can not be solved in 15 minutes. I have yet to have a primer issue (failure to feed), and the bar style powder thrower is good in it's own right. I would say it is consistent within .1 grain on ball type powder, which is within expectation.
I see the 550 as a good all round machine, but I prefer to have a powder cop for pistol. For rifle, I load standing up, and have lights mounted in order to see into the cases to check for powder. The biggest turnoff (challenge) is the primer conversion, which is why I now only reload large primers from my 550.
The LNL has positives and negatives. The number one issue I have had had been the priming system. the shuttle system shuts down if you have the least bit of dust in the track. When I am using it, I keep a small paintbrush and canned air to blow it out every 20-30 minutes. I like the powder measure though. I know of many people who do not like it, but a friend has a franken-650 that uses the Hornady powder thrower on his 650. The LNL inserts are nice, however they have increased in price over the last 3 years, and are now the better part of $40 for 10, or $12 per caliber change, which still is not bad. The shell plates used to be easy to find, today not so much, but they take all of 30 seconds to change, which is nice. Pistol to pistol changeovers are quite simple, but the same can not be said about pistol to rifle conversions.
Re: Which progressive press
+1 on the Dillon 650. Awesome Press!
+1 on the Dillon 650. Awesome Press!
