I am not trying to start a fight........Dillon vs Hornady

[mstreddy]

Mavracer -- if you like that Projector but would like the LNL AP, Hornady has a upgrade program == send them your old press and 200 and they will send you a spanking brand new LNL AP complete!
I just recently took advantage of that offer after a tip here by grubbylabs. They will also convert the older shellplates to the LNL standard (ezject cuts) for $10 each.
If you are interested call them up for the details and order. They take about a week or 2 to get the press to you and if you send in shellplates, they may take about 3 or 4 weeks or those.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

price for Dillon 650 with case feeder and pictured options, from their own website. $1150.00.

The $1150 price is more then just a 650 and case feeder, from the Dillon Blue Press flyer they mail out, that 1150 price includes, powder check system, one die setup, strong mount, roller handle, low powder sensor, bullet tray, and wrench tool holder.

A 650 is $566, the case feeder at $218, total of 774.
The current price on the Hornady from Midway is 435, the case feeder is 333, total of 768.

 

[mavracer]

Mavracer -- if you like that Projector but would like the LNL AP, Hornady has a upgrade program == send them your old press and 200 and they will send you a spanking brand new LNL AP complete!

Wow that's cool what a great company, I'll sure give it some thought.

 

[mstreddy]

Mav,
Let me tell you as a former Projector owner: The LNL is several steps ahead. The priming is MUCH better. The ejection is problem-free and it does come with the case activated powder drop system. The LNL bushings seem gimicky at first, but they make die swapping pretty easy. A 1/4 turn, pull out die and put in a box. When it's time to use them it's a 1/4 turn and they are ready to go.
I started my progressive loading on a Projector that I had bought back in the late 80s - early 90s. I bought a used LNL AP back in early 2012. I relegated the Projector to the back shelf. I was getting ready to play with setting it up again and I saw the post from Grubby mentioning the deal from Hornady -- I didn't bat an eye, I was on the phone with them the next day. Boxed off and shipped the Projector to them and 2 weeks later -- there is a brand new LNL waiting to be set up on the bench. I'm deciding whether to set both up at the same time or to swap them out as needed.

 

[fiftybmg]

The $1150 price is more then just a 650 and case feeder, from the Dillon Blue Press flyer they mail out, that 1150 price includes, powder check system, one die setup, strong mount, roller handle, low powder sensor, bullet tray, and wrench tool holder.

A 650 is $566, the case feeder at $218, total of 774.
The current price on the Hornady from Midway is 435, the case feeder is 333, total of 768.

The $566 is the press only, $218 for the case feeder, and all the other bits account for the $376 difference ?

What is the cost of a toolhead with dies and powder measure for each caliber you reload ?

 

[Winchester 70]

Just for a point of reference, I spent $418.31 (Delivered) for the press, and another $44.09 for 10 LnL bushings and $27.00 for a shell plate . I have die sets for the calibers that I currently load. I am not a case feeder kind of guy but may shop for a deal on one and give it a try . So, I just need a few more shell plates and we are off to the races!

Thanks again for all the help guys!

 

[sevt_chevelle]

The $566 is the press only, $218 for the case feeder, and all the other bits account for the $376 difference ?

What is the cost of a toolhead with dies and powder measure for each caliber you reload ?

For 556, you get the basic 650. That includes one tool head, one caliber conversion of your picking, a powder measure. Just add dies and you can start loading. The extra $376 is accessories, not stuff you need to load, just like you can buy accessories for a LNL.

I get my tool heads for around 22 bucks if I remember right, the LNL bushings cost around the same. The caliber conversion kits cost about 75, the LNL shell plates go for around 25-30. Powder measures are around 75 as well. You don't need to buy a powder measure for each caliber, I have 2 measures for the 6 calibers I load. The guys with measures for each caliber do so out of convenience not necessity.
So to do a caliber swap on a Dillon to Hornady price wise is about a difference of 50 bucks cheaper on the Hornady.

 

[Winchester 70]

The extra $376 is accessories, not stuff you need to load, just like you can buy accessories for a LNL.

Yeah, I am finding that to be true real quick as I just spent a little bit of time and money over on Inline Fabrications Web Site

 

[Winchester 70]

Now this is painful........My new press is sitting at my house (Man Midsouth ships FAST ) and I am out of town on business I also have a package from Inline fabrication......I wonder what that could be

The saying like a kid in a candy store is coming to mind

 

[Walkalong]

That must be frustrating.

Please update us when you get home and dive in.

 

[Winchester 70]

That must be frustrating.

Please update us when you get home and dive in.

Will Do!

 

[mugsie]

Dillon 550b. Works as a progressive or single stage. I do have rock checkers too, but the Dillon gets the most usage. For precision seating on my rifles, I use the RC with a Foster micrometer die, works perfectly every time!

 

[Winchester 70]

Here it is......

I got back in town a few hours ago and set it up on the bench. I will take care of the clean up and set up tomorrow evening and start cranking out some rounds.





Thanks again for the advice and help in this thread!

John

 

[Winchester 70]

And I added the light kit from Inline Fabrication. This is really going to help my eyes!





I am not the least bit excited if you cannot tell

 

[GT1]

Very nice.

 

[pretzelxx]

Well, Dillon makes the super swage 600 and if you plan to use military brass, get it. I know I will!

 

[RealGun]

Winchester70, you may be right, but on my Inline handle I put the nut on the upper side and added a 5/8 lockwasher. I haven't tried it but am not sure there is enough thread to put a lockwasher on the bottom.

For the lighting, I have what you show but was not able to see down into cases for a powder check until I added the SkyLight to the center hole of the die platform, or whatever it's called (not a turret per se).

 

[Winchester 70]

Well, Dillon makes the super swage 600 and if you plan to use military brass, get it. I know I will!

That is on my short list of things to get.

 

[Winchester 70]

Winchester70, you may be right, but on my Inline handle I put the nut on the upper side and added a 5/8 lockwasher. I haven't tried it but am not sure there is enough thread to put a lockwasher on the bottom.

For the lighting, I have what you show but was not able to see down into cases for a powder check until I added the SkyLight to the center hole of the die platform, or whatever it's called (not a turret per se).

I got the tip to put the jam nut on the bottom from this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=HOQPg-rLZKQ

I may add the skylight later but I have the powder cop for monitoring the powder level. I am going to add the audible alarm powder level checker at a later date.

Thanks!
John

 

[RealGun]

I got the tip to put the jam nut on the bottom from this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=HOQPg-rLZKQ

Assuming my handle stays tight, I have about 3/4" more length with nut and lockwasher on the top side. The shaft is indented on the bottom 1/16" or less, so there is plenty of engagement.