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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - progressive press (Page 1 of 2)

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3/25/2014 2:06:23 PM EDT
dillon vs lee progressive press?

lee is alot cheaper in cost
3/25/2014 2:22:59 PM EDT
[#1]
IMHO. I wouldn't waste my money on a Lee. Buy once, cry once!  I'd go with either a Dillon 550/650 or the Hornady lnl AP.
3/25/2014 2:33:05 PM EDT
[#2]
I had a friend who bought a Lee because of the price. He used to come over and load on my Dillon. I don't think there's any comparison.
3/25/2014 2:37:56 PM EDT
[#3]
get the DILLON

3/25/2014 3:08:08 PM EDT
[#4]
If you want a good progressive for less money than the Dillon , take a look at the Hornady LnL ap.
3/25/2014 3:16:50 PM EDT
[#5]
Dillon. I have owned Hornady, RCBS, Lee, and Dillon.

Lee is fine for a single stage. Get Dillon for a progressive.
3/25/2014 3:32:25 PM EDT
[#6]
I just finished loading 150 rounds of 40S&W on my Hornady AP. I truly enjoy running that machine. The Lock-n-Load system is wonderful for flexibility. The Hornady powder measure is super accurate, and the priming system has worked without a hitch. Along with that I got a tracking number from Hornady yesterday showing that my 500 free bullets are on the way to me!
3/25/2014 3:53:54 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:
get the DILLON

View Quote

3/25/2014 3:57:01 PM EDT
[#8]
Going 'cheap' - get a Lee Classic Cast Turret (not the value version..)
Progressives get into a whole lot of questions and opinions.  The questions around what will you be loading, how many different calibers, will you ever add a case feeder, and lots more.

Short version (opinion): The 500B is a good press, but only 4 stations, with no rifle case feeder, and no auto-indexing.  If you do enough searching for 'double charge accidents' and similar, it tends to happen to those who are on a press w/out auto-indexing.  Still possible with an auto-indexing press, but tougher, IMO, while adding a powder check die onto a press with only 4 stations just doesn't work..at least not for pistol.

For me, I see no reason to consider the 550, while I know plenty of owners love theirs.  The LnL AP and XL650 are both 5 station, progressive, auto-indexing presses, with case feeders covering both rifle and pistol.  Neither one is perfect, but once set up and initially 'tweaked,' both should produce good ammo with minimal maintenance on either.  
I'd take the Hornady PM in a heartbeat over the Dillon powder measure (and some Dillon owners do).  The 650 case feeder is likely a bit less fiddly to get it running well.  I wish the LnL AP had caliber specific inserts for the case-feeder, but it runs well enough with a few minor tweaks.

Dillon tool heads + conversion kits for the 650 will cost a bit more than buying bushings + shell plates for the LnL AP.  There are ways to buy only the parts you need via various online caliber conversion documents, but still a slight price edge to the Hornady.  
The case feeders on the other hand...the 650 has the drop tube assembly coming with the press, and the case feeder is ~$100 cheaper for the Dillon, which if buying from the start, balances the prices out a bit.

I've got no regrets on my LnL AP, but expect I'd also have none had I gone with the 650.


3/25/2014 4:06:10 PM EDT
[#9]
IMO

Lee classic turret - You are on a budget, but want to increase production over a single stage press.

Dillon 550b - You want to step up to a progressive, but you want a press that will do it all from load development to production, single stage to progressive. If you can only have one press, this would be my choice.

Hornady LnL - You want auto indexing and/or a 5th die location.

Dillon 650 - You want to use a case feeder and/or a bullet feeder while still being able to use a powder check die.

3/25/2014 4:17:40 PM EDT
[#10]
lee turret = yes

lee pro 1000=no
3/25/2014 4:20:51 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:
IMHO. I wouldn't waste my money on a Lee. Buy once, cry once!  I'd go with either a Dillon 550/650 or the Hornady lnl AP.
View Quote


X's2
3/25/2014 4:44:19 PM EDT
[#12]
No contest - Dillon 550B (not the Square Deal).

Get no other.  Forget the all the discourse and buy a 550B.
3/25/2014 5:30:38 PM EDT
[#13]
Having had several 550's and 650's I'd really like to spend some time on a RCBS PRO2000 if only it seated primers on the down stroke like the 1050 as I've found I like that better
3/25/2014 5:35:21 PM EDT
[#14]
Stay away from all Lee progressive.  The lee cast turret press is a good one.

Go with Dillon.
3/25/2014 5:52:06 PM EDT
[#15]
sounds like hornady lock and load ap or dillon xl650

the hornady is cheaper
3/25/2014 6:04:13 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
No contest - Dillon 550B (not the Square Deal).

Get no other.  Forget the all the discourse and buy a 550B.
View Quote


Not weighing options = bad advice.  Period.

If you want a casefeeder , definitely look more at the 650.  The hornady case feeder is frustrating and takes the fun out of the press.
3/25/2014 6:33:23 PM EDT
[#17]
they have hornady ap here local for 450 vs ordering dillon for 570 and have it shipped?
3/25/2014 6:47:05 PM EDT
[#18]
Palmetto had the Hornady for $344 a couple weeks ago, Cabelas has had them on sale for a little more. Throw in the 500 free bullets and it's a no-brainer.
3/25/2014 7:09:45 PM EDT
[#19]
I wanted a Dillon 650 when I first got in to the hobby. What kept me from drinking the cool aid at the time was the price it was going to cost me to load up initially. I'm not gonna pussy foot around when I go for my 650. I'm gettin the whole kit and caboodle and be done with it. Case feeder, bullet feeder, all the low sensors, everything. At the time, with dies and all, it was going to be around $1700. Mind you that was before I had even a scale so I was literally looking at purchasing everything from BE, to include deluxe conversion kits, low warning sensors and powder dumps for all three calibers I was planning on reloading at the time. I don't wanna have to take the time to swap all that stuff. I wanna swap tool heads and press on.

Upon realizing I didn't wanna take that big of a plunge yet in case I didn't end up enjoying the hobby, and after some good private talks with some members here through private messages, I decided the lee classic turret was my best bet at the time. I got a great deal on a large classic turret package from the EE and was happy I went that route. My lee classic has done me very well and I will always have it mounted on my bench. However, the time has come for me to move on up to the 650 that I've always wanted. That's in the works and is only a matter of time.

As to which progressive press is better, I can't speak to either because I have zero experience with either one. But I can say that after researching both, the Dillon just seems to suit my needs better.

That's what you're gonna have to do. Research both. Look at the features of each. Read reviews, both good and bad. Weigh the positives against the negatives of each. Even youtube both presses and watch some of the videos of them in action. If you pay close enough attention, you might catch something on one of them that you're not quite satisfied with. Prime example, just last week I was researching the Hornady LNL AP on YouTube. Watched a close up video of a guy loading some 44 mag if I recall correctly. But one thing I noticed was in the 10 or so rounds that he had recorded himself loading, twice my eye caught him reaching up and re seating the brass in the shell plate because the case feeder did not seat it properly and the case leaned at stage 1.To me, that's unacceptable. Another thing I noticed was what I would call "slop" in how tight the shell plate holds the brass in place during progressions. Every time he would progress the sequence, all 5 pieces of brass would shake. So since I noticed those on the hornady videos, I went and watch some Dillon videos looking for those items specifically and found that the Dillon appears to hold the brass very securely. The retention pins on the Dillon seem to be a lot better concept to me then a retention spring of that on a hornady.

But again, to each his own. You have to figure out what is acceptable to you and what you feel you would be able to live with. I don't think you'll go wrong with either one.
3/25/2014 7:22:41 PM EDT
[#20]
I really like my Dillons. The hornadys are a little simpler to change over (well, easier than the 650 anyway, the 550 is pretty darn simple, a bolt and two pins) but the Dillons just run and run and run.
3/25/2014 7:46:23 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
Not weighing options = bad advice.  Period.
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Wrong!

It's the voice of experience talking.

Now, if he wanted to go for a 650, there might be a need for some discussion, such as cost of 550B versus 650 and the cost of its caliber conversions.  However, if he's considering a Dillon or a Lee,...DILLON.
3/25/2014 7:51:24 PM EDT
[#22]
never even though about 550 have to check it out
3/25/2014 8:22:30 PM EDT
[#23]

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Quoted:



Quoted:

get the DILLON





People on the arfcom tend to ignore good advice such as this.  So, just buy the Lee.  You can pass on your mistake to someone on the EE who will inevitably make a slightly cheaper mistake.  Kinda like paying it forward.

 


3/25/2014 8:26:28 PM EDT
[#24]

Quote History
Quoted:
Wrong!



It's the voice of experience talking.



Now, if he wanted to go for a 650, there might be a need for some discussion, such as cost of 550B versus 650 and the cost of its caliber conversions.
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Quoted:



Quoted:

Not weighing options = bad advice.  Period.







Wrong!



It's the voice of experience talking.



Now, if he wanted to go for a 650, there might be a need for some discussion, such as cost of 550B versus 650 and the cost of its caliber conversions.
The 550 casefeed restrictions and math is what usually makes people cry. My neighbor sold his 550 the same week he bought it because of this.

 
3/25/2014 8:44:12 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote History
Quoted:
Having had several 550's and 650's I'd really like to spend some time on a RCBS PRO2000 if only it seated primers on the down stroke like the 1050 as I've found I like that better
View Quote


angus6, you are weakening......eventually you will be assimilated.

Priming by pushing the handle toward the bench grows on you.  I especially like the depth stop so I don't have to "feel" anything.  Just push it to the stop.  The important thing is to uniform pockets so the stop set at one single spot sets every primer to the same depth.  Using a press with lots of leverage its pretty difficult to feel it in.....I personally feel the need to be slow and careful to get it perfect every time even with a hand primer.  On the Pro 2000, I set the stop depending on whether large or small, pistol or rifle, by priming one carefully by hand in a hand primer, then mounting that case in station 2 and screw the stop in or out to match it.  Then after a test of a few it's good to go....flawless APS priming.

O.P.  Nothing wrong with the 650 unless it doesn't fit your style.  Same with Hornady's AP.  The two are way different and will appeal to different reloading styles.  The 550 is Dillon's older technology....it stays in the lineup because it's simpler cheaper, and has a large following that goes back years.  For me it was too simple.  4 stations is just not enough for what I want do.  Heck, 5 isn't enough.....but I can't afford a Dillon 1050, and besides it's complicated and expensive to add and change calibers...but its a heck of a fine machine.....and the only one made of iron.....well except for the very uncomplicated and simple to use, RCBS Pro 2000.  

3/25/2014 8:46:17 PM EDT
[#26]
Get a Dillon 650 and never look back.
3/25/2014 9:16:33 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Quoted:


angus6, you are weakening......eventually you will be assimilated.

Priming by pushing the handle toward the bench grows on you.  I especially like the depth stop so I don't have to "feel" anything.  Just push it to the stop.  The important thing is to uniform pockets so the stop set at one single spot sets every primer to the same depth.  Using a press with lots of leverage its pretty difficult to feel it in.....I personally feel the need to be slow and careful to get it perfect every time even with a hand primer.  On the Pro 2000, I set the stop depending on whether large or small, pistol or rifle, by priming one carefully by hand in a hand primer, then mounting that case in station 2 and screw the stop in or out to match it.  Then after a test of a few it's good to go....flawless APS priming.

O.P.  Nothing wrong with the 650 unless it doesn't fit your style.  Same with Hornady's AP.  The two are way different and will appeal to different reloading styles.  The 550 is Dillon's older technology....it stays in the lineup because it's simpler cheaper, and has a large following that goes back years.  For me it was too simple.  4 stations is just not enough for what I want do.  Heck, 5 isn't enough.....but I can't afford a Dillon 1050, and besides it's complicated and expensive to add and change calibers...but its a heck of a fine machine.....and the only one made of iron.....well except for the very uncomplicated and simple to use, RCBS Pro 2000.  

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Quoted:
Quoted:
Having had several 550's and 650's I'd really like to spend some time on a RCBS PRO2000 if only it seated primers on the down stroke like the 1050 as I've found I like that better


angus6, you are weakening......eventually you will be assimilated.

Priming by pushing the handle toward the bench grows on you.  I especially like the depth stop so I don't have to "feel" anything.  Just push it to the stop.  The important thing is to uniform pockets so the stop set at one single spot sets every primer to the same depth.  Using a press with lots of leverage its pretty difficult to feel it in.....I personally feel the need to be slow and careful to get it perfect every time even with a hand primer.  On the Pro 2000, I set the stop depending on whether large or small, pistol or rifle, by priming one carefully by hand in a hand primer, then mounting that case in station 2 and screw the stop in or out to match it.  Then after a test of a few it's good to go....flawless APS priming.

O.P.  Nothing wrong with the 650 unless it doesn't fit your style.  Same with Hornady's AP.  The two are way different and will appeal to different reloading styles.  The 550 is Dillon's older technology....it stays in the lineup because it's simpler cheaper, and has a large following that goes back years.  For me it was too simple.  4 stations is just not enough for what I want do.  Heck, 5 isn't enough.....but I can't afford a Dillon 1050, and besides it's complicated and expensive to add and change calibers...but its a heck of a fine machine.....and the only one made of iron.....well except for the very uncomplicated and simple to use, RCBS Pro 2000.  



Not priming on the up stroke is one of the things I really like with the 1050 and your right I'll end up with a green machine next to the 1050, but you can be sure there wont be any blue next to it again BTDT took the hit getting rid of them

Wished you were local as you would be surprised just how simple the 1050 really is setup and use, much easier then the 650
3/26/2014 5:06:22 AM EDT
[#28]
If you buy a Lee Load Master do yourself a favor DON'T buy a used machine.
The priming system was the big problem and that's been fixed.
The adjustable charge bar has to be at 5.5 gr or higher to throw good charges (optional equipment)
Comes with case feeder, auto disk pro powder throw and a 3 die setup for pistol, rifle is a little different on equiptment


Change the order of die placement

station 1 universal decap die
station 2 sizing die with decaper removed, this station also primes
station 3 powder through expander die
station 4 bullet setting die, don't let it crimp the case
station 5 factory crimp die

I can set down and run a 1000 rounds with not a miss, can't beat that. Big plus is I have enough money left  to buy reloading supplies

But hey it's your money to do with as you wish, just telling the other side of the story
3/26/2014 5:29:04 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
Quoted:
If you want a good progressive for less money than the Dillon , take a look at the Hornady LnL ap.
View Quote


This^^^^^^

I love my Hornady LnL AP

You'll want auto indexing and the 5 stations. The next Dillon that has that is the 650 and more $$$.

Hornady caliber changes are easy. Shell Plates are $25-30. Remember lots of rounds share the same shell plate.

Hornady gives away bullets as well. I bought mine when they had the 1000 bullets special and the free bullets paid for the press.
3/26/2014 5:35:59 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote History
Quoted:
I wanted a Dillon 650 when I first got in to the hobby. What kept me from drinking the cool aid at the time was the price it was going to cost me to load up initially. I'm not gonna pussy foot around when I go for my 650. I'm gettin the whole kit and caboodle and be done with it. Case feeder, bullet feeder, all the low sensors, everything. At the time, with dies and all, it was going to be around $1700. Mind you that was before I had even a scale so I was literally looking at purchasing everything from BE, to include deluxe conversion kits, low warning sensors and powder dumps for all three calibers I was planning on reloading at the time. I don't wanna have to take the time to swap all that stuff. I wanna swap tool heads and press on.

Upon realizing I didn't wanna take that big of a plunge yet in case I didn't end up enjoying the hobby, and after some good private talks with some members here through private messages, I decided the lee classic turret was my best bet at the time. I got a great deal on a large classic turret package from the EE and was happy I went that route. My lee classic has done me very well and I will always have it mounted on my bench. However, the time has come for me to move on up to the 650 that I've always wanted. That's in the works and is only a matter of time.

As to which progressive press is better, I can't speak to either because I have zero experience with either one. But I can say that after researching both, the Dillon just seems to suit my needs better.

That's what you're gonna have to do. Research both. Look at the features of each. Read reviews, both good and bad. Weigh the positives against the negatives of each. Even youtube both presses and watch some of the videos of them in action. If you pay close enough attention, you might catch something on one of them that you're not quite satisfied with. Prime example, just last week I was researching the Hornady LNL AP on YouTube. Watched a close up video of a guy loading some 44 mag if I recall correctly. But one thing I noticed was in the 10 or so rounds that he had recorded himself loading, twice my eye caught him reaching up and re seating the brass in the shell plate because the case feeder did not seat it properly and the case leaned at stage 1.To me, that's unacceptable. Another thing I noticed was what I would call "slop" in how tight the shell plate holds the brass in place during progressions. Every time he would progress the sequence, all 5 pieces of brass would shake. So since I noticed those on the hornady videos, I went and watch some Dillon videos looking for those items specifically and found that the Dillon appears to hold the brass very securely. The retention pins on the Dillon seem to be a lot better concept to me then a retention spring of that on a hornady.

But again, to each his own. You have to figure out what is acceptable to you and what you feel you would be able to live with. I don't think you'll go wrong with either one.
View Quote


A good post, but part is misleading.  Any minor case 'wobble' during cycling of the press is misleading, in that it's meaningless, as long as it doesn't cause powder spillage and the cases feed into the dies properly.  Meanwhile, you've got a few people measuring and claiming less runout on rifle rounds with the LnL over the Dillon, and both of them (LnL AP, XL650) will both spill some powder on fluffy 9mm or .380 cases..I get a few grains here and there with my AP, while Dillon makes it worse by their full single indexing vs AP half-indexing scheme.  I don't mind either retention mechanism; it's easier to remove a case for inspection on the LnL, but - how often are you removing cases once you're set up to load for that session?  (rarely)  

The case feeder comment is more valid.  I think the Dillon feeder requires less tweaking to get it running properly.
Hornady recently did a 'silent upgrade' on their case feeders, which corrects some of the issues some were having with some specific calibers, but the Dillon still has caliber specific funnel inserts and pieces.  My LnL case feeder works pretty well (9mm and .223) after a few minor tweaks (setting the drop tube height properly, shimming the bottom of the case 'pusher' and cutting up a primer tray to narrow the funnel drop (top of tube where the cases come out of the collator), but I believe the Dillon's feeder remains better at this point.  Other calibers or users may see it differently.

3/26/2014 8:25:26 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote History
Quoted:
]The 550 casefeed restrictions and math is what usually makes people cry. My neighbor sold his 550 the same week he bought it because of this.  
View Quote


Did he buy a Lee to replace it?  Does anyone recommend a Lee over the Dillon, especially where cost is the criteria?  Don't bother answering that, I don't want to turn this into an argument.

The overall cost of reloading is so much higher than the price differential between the Lee and Dillon.  Selecting one over the other because of a small initial cost differential is a false economy.  Buy the best press for your needs and do not compromise quality for a small initial cost differential.
3/26/2014 8:55:42 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Quoted:


This^^^^^^

I love my Hornady LnL AP

You'll want auto indexing and the 5 stations. The next Dillon that has that is the 650 and more $$$.

Hornady caliber changes are easy. Shell Plates are $25-30. Remember lots of rounds share the same shell plate.

Hornady gives away bullets as well. I bought mine when they had the 1000 bullets special and the free bullets paid for the press.
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Quoted:
If you want a good progressive for less money than the Dillon , take a look at the Hornady LnL ap.


This^^^^^^

I love my Hornady LnL AP

You'll want auto indexing and the 5 stations. The next Dillon that has that is the 650 and more $$$.

Hornady caliber changes are easy. Shell Plates are $25-30. Remember lots of rounds share the same shell plate.

Hornady gives away bullets as well. I bought mine when they had the 1000 bullets special and the free bullets paid for the press.


The dillon case feeder,  however, is cheaper and far better than the hornady. Initial setup of a 650 and LNL is pretty darn close, although lnl conversions are far cheaper.
3/26/2014 10:48:57 AM EDT
[#33]
While Hornady's LnL AP press is less than Dillon's XL650, their Casefeeder is more so one should look at the combined price to see the true difference.  The LnL press ($450.00 at Cabella's and $436.00 at MidwayUSA ) plus Casefeeder ($320.00 at Cabella's and $334.00 at MidwayUSA) combined cost $770.00.  That's a whopping $16.00 cheaper than Dillon's actual list price for the XL650 ($567.00) plus Casefeeder ($219.00) at $786.00.  For the $16.00, the Dillon is hands down the better choice.  BTW, Hornady's list price is - press $536 + casefeeder $467 = $1,003.  



Yes, there are sales on the LnL at times and yes, the Hornady's system doesn't have separate toolheads but rather their bushing system but there is more setup involved in the LnL than the Dillon as you have more parts to swap.  You can make either brand's caliber conversion cheaper or more expensive depending upon what extra work you're willing to do to change calibers.



I started with the idea of only handloading a couple of calibers and started with the 550B.  It's a great machine, however, I soon realized that handling the brass, especially handling it twice for rifle calibers, got old really fast so I decided to sell my Dillon (got 80% of the current list price) and bought an XL650 + Casefeeder.  Now I do 12 calibers, 6 pistol and 6 rifle, and I'm really glad I made the move to the XL650.
3/26/2014 11:21:47 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
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While Hornady's LnL AP press is less than Dillon's XL650, their Casefeeder is more so one should look at the combined price to see the true difference.  The LnL press ($450.00 at Cabella's and $436.00 at MidwayUSA ) plus Casefeeder ($320.00 at Cabella's and $334.00 at MidwayUSA) combined cost $770.00.  That's a whopping $16.00 cheaper than Dillon's actual list price for the XL650 ($567.00) plus Casefeeder ($219.00) at $786.00.  For the $16.00, the Dillon is hands down the better choice.  BTW, Hornady's list price is - press $536 + casefeeder $467 = $1,003.  

Yes, there are sales on the LnL at times and yes, the Hornady's system doesn't have separate toolheads but rather their bushing system but there is more setup involved in the LnL than the Dillon as you have more parts to swap.  You can make either brand's caliber conversion cheaper or more expensive depending upon what extra work you're willing to do to change calibers.

I started with the idea of only handloading a couple of calibers and started with the 550B.  It's a great machine, however, I soon realized that handling the brass, especially handling it twice for rifle calibers, got old really fast so I decided to sell my Dillon (got 80% of the current list price) and bought an XL650 + Casefeeder.  Now I do 12 calibers, 6 pistol and 6 rifle, and I'm really glad I made the move to the XL650.
View Quote


I only paid 389.99 for the Hornady LNL and recieved 1000 free bullets.
3/26/2014 11:52:33 AM EDT
[#35]
I keep looking for a reason to sell my 550B and get a 650B but just can't come up with one.

If you think you would be fine with a Lee Pro 1000 or the Classic Cast Turret then the 550B is a much, much better investment.

If you must have a case feeder then get the XL650.  If you don't want a case feeder but want to have a 5th station then get the LNL AP.

I don't really feel hampered by my lowly 550B and I don't load enough volume to justify changing now.

ETA: Find someone with a C&R FFL or get one yourself and order a Dillon from Graf's.  They have the best prices by FAR on them and will make you question why you should go LNL AP over Dillon with their pricing.
3/26/2014 12:07:57 PM EDT
[#36]
Absolutely nothing wrong with the 550B.  I had mine for 4½ years and almost 70,000rds and it was solid.  I just was moving into more and more necked rifle reloading volume and because you have to cycle them twice (case prep and then reloading) I found that I was handling a lot of brass and decided I wanted a casefeeder.
3/26/2014 12:20:35 PM EDT
[#37]
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I only paid 389.99 for the Hornady LNL and recieved 1000 free bullets.
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Quoted:
Quoted:
While Hornady's LnL AP press is less than Dillon's XL650, their Casefeeder is more so one should look at the combined price to see the true difference.  The LnL press ($450.00 at Cabella's and $436.00 at MidwayUSA ) plus Casefeeder ($320.00 at Cabella's and $334.00 at MidwayUSA) combined cost $770.00.  That's a whopping $16.00 cheaper than Dillon's actual list price for the XL650 ($567.00) plus Casefeeder ($219.00) at $786.00.  For the $16.00, the Dillon is hands down the better choice.  BTW, Hornady's list price is - press $536 + casefeeder $467 = $1,003.  

Yes, there are sales on the LnL at times and yes, the Hornady's system doesn't have separate toolheads but rather their bushing system but there is more setup involved in the LnL than the Dillon as you have more parts to swap.  You can make either brand's caliber conversion cheaper or more expensive depending upon what extra work you're willing to do to change calibers.

I started with the idea of only handloading a couple of calibers and started with the 550B.  It's a great machine, however, I soon realized that handling the brass, especially handling it twice for rifle calibers, got old really fast so I decided to sell my Dillon (got 80% of the current list price) and bought an XL650 + Casefeeder.  Now I do 12 calibers, 6 pistol and 6 rifle, and I'm really glad I made the move to the XL650.


I only paid 389.99 for the Hornady LNL and recieved 1000 free bullets.


While I think the Hornady is a fine machine, I think the bullets are a poor argument one way or the other. 1000 bullets will be gone in the blink of an eye with any progressive press. Don't buy it for those if it isnt what you want.

3/26/2014 12:25:21 PM EDT
[#38]
Have you checked that the cases don't have primer crimps?
3/26/2014 1:56:06 PM EDT
[#39]
Cases pretty are easy and pretty fast to load into a press, it is placing the bullets that is more difficult. About 15 years with this press just don't see how there would be a big increase in speed with a case feeder.

See how my hand with case ready has to wait for the ram to come down.




3/26/2014 2:22:19 PM EDT
[#40]
Both machines/companies have their pluses and minuses. If you want five stations and aren't worried about a case feeder you can be in the Hornady for ~$380 + 500 free bullets. I got the .10mm 155gr that are $27/100 at Midway. That is a real dollar value to me. The base 650 is $577 IIRC. If you want a case feeder it is a closer comparison. You can find folks that either love or hate each machine. The fact that there are many happy AP owners out there points to the press having many good qualities. Is my machine perfect? No way, I've even got a thread about how to fix some of the bad points. I am confident most would like either one.

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3/26/2014 4:05:18 PM EDT
[#41]
how much difference is the 650 vs the 550b?

extra station and auto indexing is that all?

what is the 5th station for vs the 4 station?
3/26/2014 4:38:17 PM EDT
[#42]
ok way too confusing

i am going to poll everyone  and majority wins

right now i am using rock chucker and do about 100 9mm/hr


i load 9mm mostly prob 200-400/month
the nest 223 prob 100-200/month
next 7.62x39  50-100/month

thats it

550b or 650
3/26/2014 4:40:57 PM EDT
[#43]
650 I would never spend big money on 4 station, why limit yourself.

1 size
2 bell
3 powder
4powder check
5 seat crimp

or

1 powder
2 powder check
3 bullet feeder
4 seat
5 crimp

or

1 size
2 powder thru expander
3 powder check
4 bullet feeder
5 seat crimp
3/26/2014 4:46:36 PM EDT
[#44]
For those requirements, between 550 or 650, go with the 550.

Lee classic turret would work, but the 550 gives you room to grow and is still simple enough for low volume loading that you need right now.
3/26/2014 4:52:00 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Quoted:
how much difference is the 650 vs the 550b?

extra station and auto indexing is that all?

what is the 5th station for vs the 4 station?
View Quote



the 5th station is mostly used for rifle tools, like the Dillon case trimmer.
It can also be used for a powder check Dillon makes, bullet feeder (I think), lots of stuff.


I have a 550 and love it.  Hopefully I will be upgrading to a 650 soon.  When you see the 2 presses side by side, the Dillon just outshines everything else.  it oozes quality.
Lee presses are like Chevy Cavaliers.
Dillons are like Cadillacs

You get what you pay for, period.

If it's your first press, I would recommend the RL550B





3/26/2014 4:53:06 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote History
Quoted:
ok way too confusing

i am going to poll everyone  and majority wins

right now i am using rock chucker and do about 100 9mm/hr


i load 9mm mostly prob 200-400/month
the nest 223 prob 100-200/month
next 7.62x39  50-100/month

thats it

550b or 650
View Quote


I'd do neither unless you want to shoot more.
3/26/2014 4:58:47 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote History
Quoted:



the 5th station is mostly used for rifle tools, like the Dillon case trimmer.
It can also be used for a powder check Dillon makes, bullet feeder (I think), lots of stuff.


I have a 550 and love it.  Hopefully I will be upgrading to a 650 soon.  When you see the 2 presses side by side, the Dillon just outshines everything else.  it oozes quality.
Lee presses are like Chevy Cavaliers.
Dillons are like Cadillacs

You get what you pay for, period.

If it's your first press, I would recommend the RL550B





View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
how much difference is the 650 vs the 550b?

extra station and auto indexing is that all?

what is the 5th station for vs the 4 station?



the 5th station is mostly used for rifle tools, like the Dillon case trimmer.
It can also be used for a powder check Dillon makes, bullet feeder (I think), lots of stuff.


I have a 550 and love it.  Hopefully I will be upgrading to a 650 soon.  When you see the 2 presses side by side, the Dillon just outshines everything else.  it oozes quality.
Lee presses are like Chevy Cavaliers.
Dillons are like Cadillacs

You get what you pay for, period.

If it's your first press, I would recommend the RL550B






I use all 5 stations for hand gun rounds, no trimming. If you ever use lead bullets you will want crimp after seating at station 5.

How is it the 550 is so great yet everybody "hopes to be upgrading to a 650 soon"? The mantra says to buy ONCE cry once.
3/26/2014 5:13:14 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote History
Quoted:

Not priming on the up stroke is one of the things I really like with the 1050 and your right I'll end up with a green machine next to the 1050, but you can be sure there wont be any blue next to it again BTDT took the hit getting rid of them

Wished you were local as you would be surprised just how simple the 1050 really is setup and use, much easier then the 650
View Quote


If I ever get to retire I'll most  likely buy one to go with the Pro2k.  Won't take any convincing.  For now I have a machine made for loading 3 calibers a night if I want, since caliber changes, including bullet feeder and primer size change, only takes about 6 minutes.

3/26/2014 5:16:11 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote History
Quoted:

I use all 5 stations for hand gun rounds, no trimming. If you ever use lead bullets you will want crimp after seating at station 5.

How is it the 550 is so great yet everybody "hopes to be upgrading to a 650 soon"? The mantra says to buy ONCE cry once.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
how much difference is the 650 vs the 550b?

extra station and auto indexing is that all?

what is the 5th station for vs the 4 station?



the 5th station is mostly used for rifle tools, like the Dillon case trimmer.
It can also be used for a powder check Dillon makes, bullet feeder (I think), lots of stuff.


I have a 550 and love it.  Hopefully I will be upgrading to a 650 soon.  When you see the 2 presses side by side, the Dillon just outshines everything else.  it oozes quality.
Lee presses are like Chevy Cavaliers.
Dillons are like Cadillacs

You get what you pay for, period.

If it's your first press, I would recommend the RL550B






I use all 5 stations for hand gun rounds, no trimming. If you ever use lead bullets you will want crimp after seating at station 5.

How is it the 550 is so great yet everybody "hopes to be upgrading to a 650 soon"? The mantra says to buy ONCE cry once.


I use a 550 for most things but leave my 650 set on .45 ACP because I shoot an unholy amount of it.

The 550 is just way, way, way more user friendly and fast to change or alter loads with.
3/26/2014 5:20:53 PM EDT
[#50]
every one is right 650 for the few extra dollars is probably the best choice
already spent the money on a single stage to learn just cant take an hour to load 100 rounds
so time for upgrade
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