[Eb1]

What is your preference?

[ReloaderFred]

I've had a Hornady Pro-Jector for over 20 years and really liked it. I decided to upgrade to the LNL, and I like it even more.

The biggest advantage for me is the left hand does everything on the press and I never have to take my right hand off the handle. It's smooth and makes great ammunition.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[WmCC]

Not asked or listed but the Pro 2000 is the best.

[John C]

I have a 550 (and a square deal B), but if I had to do it over again, I'd get a Hornady LNL. You can't beat auto indexing. I use my square deal much more than my 550, since it auto-indexes.

Of course, when I got the 550, the hornady wasn't out yet, so I'm happy with my choice. So I really should have gotten the 650, but the 550 fit my budget.

-John

[bobotech]

With the new updates done to the Hornady L'nL press as of late (the EZject and better powder measure/belling setup), I would be even more apt to recommend a L'nL but you really can't go wrong with either press.

[Eb1]

Best because you say? Best because of ..... ? Can you explain. I have watched video of the Pro 2000. Looks nice.

I reloaded for a while now. All single stage with either a Hand Press or a Lee Challenger. I make good ammo. Very accurate ammo now, but I am ready for a change.

The Lee Turret seems good, but not a progressive. I don't think the powder dispenser will do what I like. I am wanting to load .223 and 9mm on the progressive.

[WV_Vizsla]

I used a friend's 550 for a thousand rounds. About 25-50 into the process it was clear that auto indexing was worth ~$150 more. Needing the human element to advance the shell seems to produce a few shells with no powder charge. Yet to roll one without powder in the LNL, powder cop monitor is good also.

~11K rolled on the LNL. Adding more calibers to the LNL seems economical and very fast. Several friends use the Lee press, they seem to enjoy the headaches.

[Randy1911]

I like my Hornady LnL. It is easy to setup and change calibers. If I don't have to change primer feed, it takes less than 3 minutes to switch to a different caliber, 4 minutes if I have to change primer feed. And besides, it is cheaper to change over to a different caliber. My left hand does all the placing of shells and bullets, leaving my right hand to stay on the handle.

[Walkalong]

I've had a Hornady Pro-Jector for over 20 years and really liked it. I decided to upgrade to the LNL, and I like it even more.

The biggest advantage for me is the left hand does everything on the press and I never have to take my right hand off the handle. It's smooth and makes great ammunition.That is my story too. Just got my LNL last week. The left hand doing everything while the right hand works the handle has always been the key for me. :)

[Cloudpeak]

I used a friend's 550 for a thousand rounds. About 25-50 into the process it was clear that auto indexing was worth ~$150 more. Needing the human element to advance the shell seems to produce a few shells with no powder charge. Yet to roll one without powder in the LNL, powder cop monitor is good also.

~11K rolled on the LNL. Adding more calibers to the LNL seems economical and very fast. Several friends use the Lee press, they seem to enjoy the headaches.

I have a couple of friends who load on a Dillon 550. Both of them have had "uh-oh's". Bulged barrels due to "squibs", would be my guess. I like the auto index of the LNL. The LNL also has five stations and it's easy to check powder level before placing a bullet on the case for seating (I don't use a powder check die). Also, I think it would take a lot of "work" to double charge on the LNL.

I did a lot of research on the net and bought the LNL. I've loaded over 25,000 rounds in 9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP with zero problems and would buy this press again.

Cloudpeak

[bp78]

I'm very surprised, 3 to 16 in favor of the LnL right now. Had this poll been on a practical shooting forum like BrianEnos.com we'd see just the opposite. I've been loading on a Dillon 550b for about 12000 to 14000 rounds nows and have not yet had an "uh-oh" like the poster above mentions.
Blue vs. Red threads can get very contentious quickly. All my local buddies and USPSA shooters are on Dillon. If you're new to reloading you might consider what your more experienced buddies are using if they'll be a teacher.
I voted Dillon on account my experience with my 550b and Dillon's no hassle warranty which borders on insanity.

[Walkalong]

friends who load on a Dillon 550. Both of them have had "uh-oh's". Bulged barrels due to "squibs",Not the presses fault, no matter what color the press is. If I had bought a Dillon all those years ago, instead of a Hornady, I may have voted differently, who knows. I really have enjoyed my Projector though, and am sure I will enjoy the LNL even more. :)

(I don't use a powder check die).
Me either. I see every charge I seat a bullet over. It's all on me if I mess up, but so far so good. (Knock on wood)

[Cloudpeak]

Not the presses fault.

You are correct. But it still happened:) I just feel like the LNL stacks the deck in the reloader's favor. But it does point out, you've got to pay attention to what you're doing.

I still like my LNL when compared to the 550.

Cloudpeak

[Walkalong]

I still like my LNL I understand. I really like the layout/ergonomics of the design. My right hand never has to leave the handle, and I can easily see everything on the other side (Case & Bullet) that my left hand is doing. Just lean over a little to see the powder in the case on some calibers. :)

[Fred40]

I recently purchased my first progressive press. The two top contenders where the two in this poll.

I had a LOT of people pushing me to purchase a Dillon. In fact they literally made fun of me for even considering a Lock-N-Load.

But I did my homework.....LOTS of research. The Lock-N-Load has come a LONG way since its first incarnation.

As you can guess....I purchased the Lock-N-Load AP EZ-JECT.

In reality it compares more to the Dillon XL650 than the 550B.

5 stage auto indexing
Automatic case feeder is available as an option
The die bushing system is fantastic!
The Ram is huge and the fact that it half indexes on the pull down and half on the push up makes for a much smoother operation.

I've been using mine for about a week now. Before purchasing it I was using my friends 550B. I really like my Hornady and I think all of my homework paid off.

BTW - 1000 free bullets with purchase doesn't hurt either (Make that 1100 after buying a Hornady .45 die set)

It's a smooth operator. 5 stations gives you a lot of options for setting up dies & powder & powder cops. Primer system works great and the case activated powder drop has been dead on.

[X-Rap]

I bought my 1st 550 back when most of the comp. was pretty much wandering in the wilderness as far as progressives.
It has been a good press and aside from some primer feed issues it has been flawless.
I just got a new one and its basicly the same as the old one so I guess you could look at it as a very good initial design or they are to lazy to improve. I tend to believe thr former.
My old one is going back for a 20+ yr rebuild and I'm guessing they will outlast me.

[Shoney]

I have both a 550 and the LNL AP. The LNL is far superior to the 550. Anyone who is honest and has loaded on both would vote LNL, because the difference is that evident.

Dillon has been around $ervicing the shooting public for a lot of years. My biggest peave is when asked to compare, they mindlessly say dillon. How can people who have never loaded on both presses honestly say one is better than the other?????

[X-Rap]

For me I wanted one dedicated to each primer size and couldn't see changing horses in the middle of the stream or I might have gone with with the 650. All the tool heads and powder measurers and then having to duplicate for another brand didn't make sense to me. The Hornady is probably a good machine too just not practical to switch.

[WmCC]

Hello Eb1,

I was simply inserting one more opinion into the "works" with my comment on the 2000. Here's an extremely brief list of the characteristics that meant the most to me after loading for many years on a 550 and 650, both of which have been replaced by the 2000.

Strength: Cast iron vice aluminum in the frame and critical toggle-link assembly. I've seen several broken toggles on blue presses..primarily associated with rifle cartridge production.

Speed of cartridge Conversions and Fine tuning: Easiest and fastest press on the market, bar none. I load for 9 rifle cartridges and 14 handgun cartridges. The Change from large to small primer seating takes 15 seconds.

Simplicity: Robust, with fewer small parts. I constantly needed replacement "piecey" parts for the blue machines.

Size: Much larger operating window over the shell plate ( both W and H ).

Superior Powder Measure: One extremely accurate micrometer adjustable (& repeatable) powder measure which stays on the press. With blue I had several powder measures, each dedicated to a toolhead. The LNL unit is similar to the 2000, a good design.

Cost: Less Expensive in the long run with several (or, many) dedicated die plates, shell plates and accessories.

Control/Operation: I prefer manipulating cases and bullets with the left hand to adjacent stations located at the 8;00 o'clock and 9:00 o'clock positon(s) while the right hand stays on the handle. A personal preference (only), probably a hold over from the old Rock chucker.

Priming: Before trying it I wasn't too keen on the proprietary strip priming system. As a matter-of-fact, I purchased the optional tube system when I bought the 2000. I have never used it. I appreciate and enjoy the strip system far more than I can explain in this short reply. It's super.

Endorsements: When I last checked, the 2000 was the press of choice of the NRA tech staff and the noted shooter and writer, Mr.Taffin.

[lgbloader]

If you can afford either one in these trying times, consider yourself lucky.

Both presses are good and both presses do the job.

LGB

[sailsunfurled]

I have reloaded for some time on a single stage and had been studying the LnL and the 550 as well as a foward move up. I ran across a video on Youtube were this guy had a auto case feeder and an auto bullet feeder.

The question is, on Hornady's web site they give no option for a auto bullet feeder, does anybody have some hands-on opinions with the bullet feeder from KISS?

Looks sweet!

Youtube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHCYnILM6u8

[Eb1]

Here we go again... LOL

So many options. I like my setup now. It is small, and I know it well. I just need a better case prep setup maybe. It is coming time for me to load another 1000 or two of 9mm, and I am really dreading it this time. I have done it all on a single stage so far, and it gets old really quick.

[showmebob]

I did the research and went with the LNL against the wishes of relatives and friends who have the 550. I am happy with my decision. My question is: after seeing this same basic question on several forums, how come everyone comapare the LNL to the 550? They are apples and oranges different. Why not the LNL and the 650?

[Borg]

Because most Dillon owners don't know or won't study the L&L. Because the L&L is cheaper than the 650, therefore is equal to the 550, they think.
'Borg

[redneck2]

I guess a lot depends on what you want to do or achieve. I don't shoot millions of one caliber of pistol. I shoot some 45LC and a little 45 acp. Mostly rifle, which I load one round at a time. That's why I like my 550.

If you were cracking off thousands of rounds of pistol per year, that L-n-L set up looks pretty slick.

I see the auto index as a hinderance (for me) more than a help. You flick the shell plate with your thumb when putting in a bullet. I'm still trying to figure out why it's such a big deal, but I've only had my press eight years.

I didn't vote. In the past, guys here were ready to get into fist fights over brand. Get what you want. It shouldn't be a popularity contest. Not everybody wants or needs the same thing.

[Eb1]

I compared them because of price.

Get what you want. It shouldn't be a popularity contest. Not everybody wants or needs the same thing.

I will. I was not going to go with the "most popular", but was wanting to discuss features and other experiences.

[GSPKurt]

Dillon/Lee/Hornady Comparison (http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf)

I bought a Hornady.

[Walkalong]

Glad to see this go awhile longer. Maybe we can behave.

I bought the Projector years ago and recently upgraded to an LNL. I bought the Hornady based on ergonomics. I liked the way it was laid out. I have no doubt the other presses work just fine to very well, but for me, I liked the operation of the Hornady.

I keep two SS pans to the left of the press. The closest one with bullets, and the next with brass. I pick up 4 to 9 or so bullets in my left hand. After each pull of the lever I grab a new case, insert it on the left side, then I seat a bullet, again, right there on the left side where I can see with out leaning left or right. My right hand never leaves the lever. I do lean in just a tad to see the powder in the case, but just a little, and the case, when brought up halfway and half a station, is directly in front of my vision. When my left hand runs out of bullets, I pick up some more and continue.

That is what I like about the Projector/LNL design. The others are quite different, and while some may like those setups, I do not.

[Johnny Guest]

That may not be the EXACT count, but it sounds about right. That’s enough of this one.

If you need a reason, please check out H&R Forum Rules -- Courtesy and Restraint (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=188346)

There was nothing wrong with the original question. It was a simple request for opinions. Why not simply vote in the poll and leave it at that? If you notice, the OP didn’t even ASK for your reasons or justifications.

For those of you who get so wrapped around the axle about your favorite choice, go to one of the automotive boards and get into a Ford vs. Chevy discussion. Or, you can usually find a 9mm vs. .45 or steel vs. polymer contest somewhere.

Anyhow, I’m shutting down the thread before things get downright nasty. For those that tried to lend a note of rationality, thanks for the attempt.

CLOSED

Johnny Guest
THR Staff
H&R Moderator