Hey folks,
tlen's 1st Post #1:
"I'm thinking about second press to load rifle cartridges and supplement my Dillon RL 550B that is set up for pistol cartridges. I've been considering the Hornady LNL but hear there are some issues with it. Namely, any powder debris stops the primer slide in it's track and over time the primer seater punch causes a divot in the frame resulting in improper primer seating. Hornady's auto indexing, 5 stations, and a powder measure that appears better suited for stick powders used in rifle cartridges looks very appealing.
What are the Hornady LNL issues and how does reliability compare with the RL550B ?"
Yes, any debris in the primer system of any brand progressive press will cause problems. They all have to be clean - it is that simple. Have had my Hornady L&L over 14 years, and it still primes perfectly with no worry about any divot in the frame. The Hornady powder measure is very accurate with ball and flake powders and seems to be more consistent than the Dillon powder measure. Extruded powders do not meter well for me in any powder measure.
tlen's 2nd Post #15:
I plan on loading ,223, .243, AND .30-06 and will do the typical 2 phase process of case prep and removing case lube followed by normal reloading. I can hand prime but would prefer to use the press if I can "feel" the priming.
What intrigues me about the LNL is the auto indexing and the ability to add a casefeeder to load rifle as well as pistol cases like the XL650.
Although the XL650 might be a better upgrade the initial cost is much more [~$180] and the numerous caliber conversions I'd need would all but break the bank. The LNL sells for about the same as the 550 and much less than the comparable XL650.
Yes, the Dillon 650 and the Hornady L&L are both designed to do both pistol and rifle calibers, and they both do them well. Yes, both presses are designed to be fully progressive and do all reloading steps with one cycle of the handle. Some folks choose to not use these presses in their fully progressive capability, and it is usually because they cannot get the priming system to work for them. I have used both presses, and I would submit that both presses are capable of functioning correctly if they are tuned and operated properly. I would not say the 650 is a "better upgrade" than the L&L. Both presses are designed to do the same thing and are comparable. Yes, the 650 is more expensive than the L&L.
tlen's 3rd Post #22:
After reviewing Midway's replacement parts comments for the LNL I discovered the primer shuttle is made of cast aluminum. I assumed Hornady would make the shuttle out of steel. Based upon this and the shuttle's reported susceptibility to damage, it appears the primer shuttle is the LNL's Achilles heel. Additionally, some other replacement parts were reportedly "made of soft material" so that they fail so other more expensive parts don't. I'm getting the impression that I might just be better off investing in a second 550; I haven't broken ANY parts since I bought my old 550 in 1987.
My shuttle is not aluminum, but so what if it would be? As long as it works properly, what does it matter? Neither the shuttle nor the priming system is an "Achilles Heel" for the L&L. As I stated before, the priming system on both the 650 and the L&L will work properly if tuned and operated properly. In his 2nd post he states he wants to get a 2nd press to load several rifle calibers. If that is the case, why would he state in this 3rd post that he
"...might just be better off investing in a second 550..." ??? He clearly stated in his first post his 550 will not reload rifle calibers. Is this a "Red Herring" being continuously brought up?
tlen's 4th Post #25:
If that is the case why then does Midway sell Hornady LNL AP replacement parts ? I don't see Midway selling any Dillon replacements parts.
tlen's 5th Post #27:
ole farmerbuck, I think you answered my question. Apparently Hornady's version of lifetime is different than what they advertise comes with their product.
Blue68f100 explained that "Midway discounts the items they sell, Dillon does not allow this." That is why Dillon parts are not for sale at Midway. ole farmerbuck explained that Hornady did replace the parts under warranty in spite of the fact that he was not the original owner. The "Red Herring" thing is really ringing a bell for me.
tlen's 6th Post #33:
Midway's product information for the LNL primer slide/shuttle clearly indicates the material as "cast aluminum". If this is in error and the material is in fact steel then so much the better.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/216...slide-assembly
Thanks guys for all the insights. I think this thread has run it's course.
Again with the aluminum shuttle? Come on! Several folks have said their shuttles were not aluminum, but that does not satisfy his need to insist there is something wrong with the L&L. No matter though, he tells us the thread has run it's course.
Sorry folks, but this whole thing smells of fish. tien has been a member of this forum for nearly four years, and he tells us in his 3rd post in this thread that he first purchased his 550 back in 1987. You mean in all this time he has not seen numerous threads discussing which is better - Blue or Red? It just seems his posts are intended to stir up that unsavory pot of discontent.
Dillon and Hornady both make fine progressive presses, and there are many folks out there who use both brands quite successfully. Some folks buy them and have problems, but that does not mean that Dillon and Hornady products are not good products. It just means that some folks have problems with progressive presses. I may prefer my Hornady L&L, but I would not think of suggesting that the Dillon 650 is not just as good. I used them both and respect them both. Taking cheap shots at either brand is old news and just plain boring.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
