Wanting a new prorgressive press

[bernie]

I have been handloading on a Rock Chucker single stage for about 25 years. I have decided I might like to move up to a progressive, but do not know much about them. For several years I have looked at the Dillon RL550B, but lately I have been looking at the Hornady LNL AP. Cabela's currently has the Hornady on sale. For those of you with experience on a progressive which would you choose and why. I like the simplicity and warranty of the Dillon, but the price is right on the Hornady. Thanks for your input.

 

[25-5]

I've been using a Dillon 450 for 40 years. I forgot how much it cost long ago.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Do we have to go through this again?

Well, Do you want a self indexing or a manual indexing press? The Dillon 550b has to be indexed by hand and the Hornady LNL-AP indexes automatically.

The Dillon 650XL indexes automatically if you prefer blue to red. It is a better apples to apples comparison to the LNL-AP.

If your going to get a case feeder the Dillon isn't that much more then the Hornady, If your planning on loading a lot of semi-auto pistol loads I would recommend the case feeder for which ever one you decide on.

I really can't answer your question, except to say do your research and make your best decision and be happy with what you bought.

Hornady's customer support is really good but so is RCBS's and Dillon's. Dillon is generally thought of as being the top dog in the warranty end of things. That means a lot, but RCBS and Hornady won't let me buy a damn thing from them either as far as general wear item parts.

They all compete with each other so they have to be top end.

What color do you like the best?

That's my take on it.

 

[Reeferman]

If you decide to go with the Hornady LNL make sure to google Bill Morgan videos on how to set and tune it. He is a bit of a strange duck but after tuning mine up it hasn't missed a beat. Also with the bullet deal it is pretty good price.

 

[gspn]

if you are trying to decide between a Dillon and a Hornady...you're in a good spot...you simply can't make a bad choice between the two.

I own a Hornady LNL. I did my research several years ago, and based on the the information I had at that time the LNL was the best machine for me.

I've never used a Dillon but you don't have to do much research to learn that they have a very loyal fan base...that would not be the case if it weren't a great machine.

Both companies have outstanding warranty and customer service. Find out how both machines work, find out what features are most important to you, and try to pick between them. You have some homework ahead of you...and nothing you read will make the decision easy...because they are both great options.

 

[cfullgraf]

You cannot o wrong with either the Hornady or a Dillon. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

I have both a Hornady L-N-L and a Dillon BL550 (the stripped down version of the RL550).

I really prefer auto indexing progressives but got the BL550 to be able to control the advance of very full cartridges and prevent slinging powder everywhere. I am finding the manual index of the BL550 not the disadvantage I originally perceived.

Having the extra station on a 5 station press is a benefit.

Cruise the internet and U-tube and read folks comments and watch folks loading on the various presses and see how their method meshes with your reloading methods and preferences.

Then choose the one whose color best matches the decor in your reloading room.

 

[Olympus]

I was in your same boat a few months ago. I came within inches of buying the Hornady, but after having severe problems with auto index on a Loadmaster, I decided not having auto index might be a good thing. Bought the 550B and LOVE it so far.

 

[highlander 5]

If you can live with manual indexing the 550 is the way to go.
Not saying there's anything wrong with the LnL or the 650 but the 550 will load rifle and pistol easily. I have 2 650s and loading 45/70 and 40/65 on them just hasn't worked out well. The 550's priming system is easier to change at least compared to the 650,tool heads are cheaper as are the caliber conversations again compared to the 650. I believe the 550 can handle cartridges as long as the 375 H&H.
I won't comment on the LnL as,I know little about it. I should add that I've owned a Dillon press since the day they went factory direct the better part of 30 years ago.

 

[jmorris]

I have at least one of all the Dillon presses and have owned both pre and post EZ ject LNL's.

Before knowing more of what you wanted to do, want to spend, and expect, I couldn't really make a suggestion.

 

[jmorris]

Perfect double.

 

[Olympus]

Coming from a Loadmaster and then from a Classic Turret both with auto index, I can say that I don't miss it at all on my 550. There's fewer parts to get out of adjustment without auto index.

I think the Hornady would also be a good machine, I just had a bad experience with my first progressive with auto index.

 

[dcloco]

I own both flavors. If purchasing again, the color would be BLUE!

 

[Nom de Forum]

I've been doing business with Dillon since 1981. Dillon has an impeccable reputation for making great products and standing by their products if you have any problems. Go Blue, you will not regret it.

 

[jmorris]

Coming from a Loadmaster and then from a Classic Turret both with auto index, I can say that I don't miss it at all on my 550. There's fewer parts to get out of adjustment without auto index.

I think the Hornady would also be a good machine, I just had a bad experience with my first progressive with auto index.

The Hornady has two index paws that can get out of adjustment, the SD, 650 and 1050 operate with a much less complicated index methods than the 1/2 index up, 1/2 index down, LNL. If you have broken the indexer on the 550 you'll have to go to the doctor to have them fixed.

 

[evtSmtx]

+1 for dillon 650

I load 9mm, 45acp and 30-06 on my dillon 650 & have no complaints.

 

[Blue68f100]

Either one will serve you well. Now a few questions to determine which one would be the best for your application. The LNL-AP is a simpler press than the 550, not as many adj. The LNL-AP is setup so you can add accessories, brass feeder and Bullet feeder. Now if you plan on adding the brass feeder your getting very close to the 650 price. The 650 is designed around the brass feeder so it should be std, but not optional. Just because the way the 650 feeds. If you have any arthritis you will want the auto indexing, just makes it easier on you. The LNL will operate with or without a brass feeder with the only difference being your speed. With the LNL you never need to remove your right hand off of the handle. Ever thing is feed from the left. I've owned mine for near 8 yrs now. It has been trouble free for years, requiring no tweaking on the indexing or primer feed system (old style). As with any thing mechanical it MUST be setup and adjusted correctly. Does not matter whose machine it's is. Take the time to ensure every thing is adj right and it will run trouble free for a very very long time.

Either machine will serve you. Your real choice is weather you want to pay the blue tax or tax free Hornady. Dillon uses a lot of plastic parts on there machines and that does require replacing routinely. The reason they want you to buy a small parts kit. Hornady only has 2 pieces that are plastic and they are in a non critical area. Holds the primer feed guide rod at the top and Brass feed guide rod at the top (breakway on jam). The 650 brass feeder system is better than the LNL. I wish Hornady would come out with a mod to make the seating depth adjustable. But if you think about it the proper depth is when it bottoms out and that's what Hornady goes by. But the primer feed system on the LNL is a lot simpler and does not have a history on detonating primer. This is why if something jams you DO NOT FORCE IT. This seams to happen when a plastic part get worn. Dillon has know about this for decades and fail to redesign the system. Hornady is constantly improving on their design. Some bash them for making improvements but that should be a plus. Caliber conversions are more expensive on the Dillon's.

Hard choice. For me I chose the LNL for I did not think I needed the brass feeder. A year later I had to add it since I broke my left wrist and still needed to load ammo to shoot. The brass feeder is trickier to setup than any press. Takes awhile to learn how to adj it for it's trouble free.

 

[warhwkbb]

I'll put in a plug for the RCBS Pro2000 w\auto index. For a progressive, the ability to change over to different calibers quickly (two minutes) earns it's keep as my primary press. I load for 27 separate calibers, from 32ACP to 348 WIN and everything in between.

Because it's so easy to change calibers, I can load small batches without much fuss or setup time. The APS primer system is safer and quicker than the primer tube's on most other presses.

I routinely load around 250 p\h at a leisurely pace that could be doubled with a powder lockout die. (I visually check each powder drop.)

If you primarily load for one or two calibers, I would go the Dillon route. Maybe because of Dillon, RCBS also has a "no questions asked" lifetime warranty that I've used a time or two.

I am close to 200k reloads on my Pro2000 and I feel it is just getting broke in.

 

[Dudedog]

I am happy with my Hornady LNL but I have not used any other progressives to compare it to.
I would buy it again.

 

[mstreddy]

OP, Any of the progressives mentioned above, Dillon 550, 650, Hornady LNL, or the RCBS Pro2000 should serve you well. You really have to take a look at some of the videos and how tos for them and see which system might work better for YOU.

Same as DudeDog, I own an LNL and don't own the others, so I can't compare. And somewhat similar, I would buy another LNL -- I actually did. I have 2 of them setup.

I think JMorris's comment on what your needs are is very valid. He has lots of experience with many presses.