Topic: I need a new press

[egress81]

I have decided to step up and get a progressive press, but first i need to pick one.
Any ideas?  I was looking at the Hornady LnL and the Dillon 550.

[Jeff]

The best deal IMHO is the 550.  Personally, I think Dillon is the way to go.  I used the Brian Enos site to help decide which Dillon was better suited for me.

I can get Dillon stuff at a discount.  Let me know what you want and I'll see what kind of deal I can get you.

BTW, I bought my 550 from Brian Enos.  Cliff's is pretty good but he doesn't always have what you need in stock (for example I think right now he's out of 550's).  He is great with warranty stuff though.  I figured the tax paid at Cliff's was about equal to the shipping I paid.

[luckypunk]

I have decided to step up and get a progressive press, but first i need to pick one.
Any ideas?  I was looking at the Hornady LnL and the Dillon 550.

It's a good press, you can try mine out is you like

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf

[Jeff]

I read the comparison LP posted.  I do disagree with a few sections.  Using separate tools heads allows for very fast caliber changes on the Dillon.  It takes a couple of minutes at most plus powder adjustments.  The cost is minimal ($15 or less).

And switching between large and small primers is pretty trivial taking just a few minutes.  The Dillon comes with primer tubes for both sizes so I don't understand where he thinks it costs more.

Also, there is a Micrometer Powder Bar Kit for the Dillon that's an extra accessory just like the Hornady.  He must not have known about it.  I'm planning on getting one.

Toolheads may be a bit bulkier than a box of dies but that's so minor I can't believe that he actually used that as a decision criteria.  In fact, if you use multiple powder measures then the extra toolhead is probably a better option.

The bottom line is try them out and pick the one you like.  I decided that the 550 was all that was needed (as a true progressive wasn't really required) so it cost less than the LnL and does everything I need. 

I'm not a Dillonphile as I'll use whatever tool is the best bang for the buck or does the best job (I have a bunch of dies not made by Dillon, a Gracey trimmer, and etc.).  I have sold a variety of presses in the past and based on customer feedback and warranty issues and how they are handled I do think Dillon is the best outfit going.

[luckypunk]

This article is very Hornady > Dillon

Don't drink the blue koolaid

[Jeff]

Well, like with anything you can find a vocal detractor (read complainer) on the internet.  I find it funny that the article is no longer available at the original location (above link is to a google cache) and points to a web site that is at least 2 years old.  Not that being old makes it invalid but take it with a grain of salt.

I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of Dillon customers are very happy with their decision.  As are the vast majority of Hornady users.

I find it funny that this is another of the "religious" topics that generate controversy.

The photographer side of my life has these exact same things.  Canon vs. Nikon.  Epson vs. HP.  Etc., ad nauseum.

[EDGE]

Another vote for the 550.  I've loaded everything from .380 to 44 mag, .223 to my precision .308 rounds.

[Spiff]

I have a 650, it runs flawlessly, and while some manufacturers *might* have warranties on par with Dillon, no one has a better warranty or service than Dillon.

I have no experience with the LNL, so I can't say anything good or bad about it personally. I do have experience with a Lee Pro1000, and it was not a good experience (primer feeding issues and the ratcheting mechanism that turns the shell plate kept stripping..........plastic where it should have been metal).

I have to add though, that the guy writing LPs "Don't drink the blue koolaid" article sounds like a mechanical moron. Moving the Dillon powder measure from one tool head to another is not tedious, and the fail safe bar is not difficult to adjust, and whether the measure is a sliding bar or drum, both do a lousy job at metering extruded powders. Which is far more important than how long it takes to change the bar in a Dillon. I will admit that the Dillon should come with some kind of micrometer dial in the powder bar.

[NGO]

I wish I could afford a progressive press, maybe someday.

When that happens it will be a Dillion, forget Lee it is crap. Been around people that have them, like I said - CRAP.

Hornaday not so much, but nothing like Dillion, especially with Customer service.

For now, just me and my old reliable RCBS Rockchucker....

[luckypunk]

OK, Throw me a bone and admit that the LNL is at least a true progressive in that it has auto-indexing and should be compared to the more expensive 650. 

or you could draw a comparison based on guns

Dillon = 1911
LNL   = glock
Lee   = hi-point


BTW if anyone knows someone who is just starting out and  in need of a single stage press/boat anchor/donation to the Smithsonian musum....

I got these, hell if anyone of you could use them, trade me some of your crap C&R reloading equipment....(free to a good home)

RCBS JR3

Herters super model 3

[egress81]

hey dont knock the JR3 thats exactly what i have now and is still going strong. 

[luckypunk]

HA!, fixed

[NGO]

Mine is 32yrs old and still pounding them out.

Got yours beat by one year. 1974 ( was my dads)

[Spiff]

Mine is 32yrs old and still pounding them out.

I use my RockChucker more than my Dillon. Even sometimes when I have many many rounds to load. 'Cause I like to reload!!

[Shortmag]

And just what the hell is wrong with Lee?  Hmmmmm?   

My grandpa gave me his O-frame that he used for years and it's what i use now.  and it works GREAT!!  I've also got a Lee C-frame that i deprime with that works fine as well.  hell my cheap lee powder measure works great too.  i do have mainly RCBS dies and powder scale though.

SM

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

Hey Jeff are those presses still availble?  I'll take them if they're free, I'll throw you some .223 brass if you want it?

[luckypunk]

yeah, they're still sitting on my bench from when I took the pic.  I'll bring them thursday to IPC unless you want them sooner.

[Idaho_Gun_Nut]

yeah, they're still sitting on my bench from when I took the pic.  I'll bring them thursday to IPC unless you want them sooner.

See you thursday.  Thanks.

[pv74]

Get a Dillon.

[Michael N]

I have a Dillon 550 . When I am making handgun ammo I wish it was a 650 but for rifle stuff it is plenty fast and the powder mechanism throws plenty accurate as long as you are using ball or small flake powders . I am actually thinking of picking up another Dillon Square Deal B (sold mine) just for handgun ammo as they are butt simple and last forever . All my dealings with Dillon were very good and their customer service leaves you wanting for nothing .

The Hornady has its fans as well but I cannot speak to its performance .

[egress81]

I went ahead and ordered the 550. Now i am cant wait to get it set up and start reloading. 

[pv74]

I went ahead and ordered the 550. Now i am cant wait to get it set up and start reloading. 

You wont be sorry 

[pv74]

You wont be sorry 

Now, get that Giraud trimmer so I can borrow it.