Thinking about going progressive for the mini.

Looking at this. It probably won't be until after the holidays though. I don't want a lee.
https://www.amazon.com/Hornady-0951...ssive-Reloading/dp/B000PD01NS#customerReviews

 

The Hornaday quick change system is a fight to get set because backing off unlocks the die. If you only tighten no big deal. Once set, just crank them out.

 

Dillon makes nice stuff. Not for every budget, but worth considering.

How are you planning on trimming (on/off press)?

 

While I prefer to load rifle cartridges on single stage (I enjoy the slow methodical process ... almost therapeutic), when I had to liquidate 15 presses recently due to my aging parents' medical issues, I let Dillon 650 with case feeder go and kept the 550C to load rifle calibers with the option of using C-H 502 powder measure which meters very well.

For around $500 price range, you can get Dillon 550C for $549 - https://www.scheels.com/p/dillon-precision-rl550c-reloading-press/60982420252.html

 

Make sure you don't have to pay shipping on that, it will cost you around $40.00 more if you do.
When I bought my Hornady AP I ended up paying $15.00 more for it from Cabela's (with free shipping) and saved $35.00 in shipping over the less expensive company.
Just something to consider.
If you have prime your all set.
I bought my AP in 2011 and have never regretted it for a second. I later added the case feeder and control panel which was well worth it to me.

 

Works for me. Check out Brownells and if they have a coupon. Forever Guarantee

https://www.brownells.com/reloading.../lock-n-load-auto-progressive-press-prod38390

 

I use Hornady's split die rings and just tighten them with my fingers on the dies, and leave the clamp screw loose until I get my die set, then when I'm done I tighten the clamp screw against the LNL bushing and it is locked in place.
From that point the only one you should have to mess with is the seating die when you change bullet types.
Those split die nuts https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1165236200?pid=236200 are well worth the money over the set screw type.
Also add these to the order. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1165277407?pid=786036 you will find out you need them.

 

I have and use the exact same split lock rings, and I will debate they are the best. I was referring to the lock and load press bushings for quick change. Those are the battle.

 

https://www.brownells.com/reloading...-n-load-auto-progressive-press-prod38390.aspx
That's the best price I've seen on an AP this year.
@Rule3 your link isn't working.

 

I'll resize and trim off the progressive. I was thinking about that last night. I like the Dillon.

 

Very satisfied with my Dillon BL 550.
Manual priming avoids the 550 priming issues.
Mounted my Redding 10X powder measure for precision powder drops.
Very precise press, price is right.

 

I load nine cartridges with my LNL-AP, which required me to set up multiple dies in LNL bushings. I did not find it to be that difficult.

I started loading ammo in 1980, using an RCBS Rockchucker and dies with split lock rings. When I got a die adjusted just right and tightened the screw in the lock ring, it would prevent me from removing the die from the press. I had to work around that. Every system has its quirks.

 

Ive had my LnL so long and run so many rounds thru it, I wore out a press deck. Its a great press right up until you add the case feeder. Youll spend alot of time trying to get it all sorted and working perfectly.

The 550 is a great press for doing rifle, but a case feeder for rifle isnt an option. I dont consider 4 stations enough for pistol as I dislike combining stations.

The 750 is a great press too, but it is spendy, especially when doing change overs. Ive been considering buying one just for small primer cartridges I run in lots of 1000+ and leaving my LnL setup for large primer stuff that I run in far lower numbers.

Its all in what you want.

 

I went with a BL550 for non-bulk loading with the intent to use as a turret or semi-progressive with precision off-press powder drops (chargemaster, BR-30). I still intend to size exclusively on the T7. For full-progressive operation I would want an RL550C, but I didn't need/want that.

For bulk loading I went with the XL750 w/case-feed. It's ridiculously fast.

 

The Hornady clamp is designed for the LNL bushings. That's why you can't unscrew it when you tighten the clamp.
You can buy LNL adaptors for in your rockchucker to replace the threaded insert in it now but then you are committed to either changing the adaptor every time you want to run dies you don't have bushing for, or you need to buy a lot of LNL bushings, enough for all your dies.

Then once you tighten the clamp down on the LNL bushing it stays there like it should. Then just pop the die and bushing in and out of the single stage press.
You cannot take them out of a LNL-AP press and pop them into a Rockchucker and use them without changing the settings on the die.

I made a spacer for my RCBS Rockchucker so I can take my dies out of the AP and put them in the Rockchucker without changing the settings on the dies.
This is a major time saver for me. The only die I have found wouldn't work easily in this setup is my Lee Auto Prime ll. It does work but it's on the last thread for the jam nut to get it screwed in low enough to prime my cases. I thought about making a longer punch for in ram but it hasn't failed yet so I use it as is.

So is the Hornady case feeder if you set it up right. The last time I clocked my case feeder with 9mm cases, I was resizing and priming at 33 cases/min for first pass, and my case feeder kept up to me, that's 1980/hr.
It doesn't like long skinny cases like .327FM because it really slows down with them. I doubt any case feeder will be fast with 327 cases, they are to long for all the heavier the case head is.

 

CoalCrackerAL, If you decide to go with a Dillon, your getting a good press, If you decide to get a Hornady, your getting a good press.
How you run them is up to you and you need to decide which is best for you for the reason your buying it.
Your not going to loose either way. The warranty is the same for them also. The last time I called Hornady about one little thing they wanted to send me a shipping label for me to send the press to them on their dime, so they could go all over it. I didn't send it in, I didn't want to and I found out what I wanted to know over the phone with them. Just saying, you will get a good press with either company.

 

Main reason im avoiding lee. Is the plastic indexing parts. What are the indexing parts made from on the Dillon and Hornady press's?

 

Steel. The Hornady, for better or worse, has adjustable indexing. I cant speak on the Dillon stuff. I dont have one.

 

I know you have to borrow some kind of alignment tool from Dillon to retime them, but the Dillon operators will have to explain what that entails.
On the Hornady, you set timing on the index wheel on bottom of the ram, only need an hex wrench.
Don't think either one comes out of time very easily.
Mine hasn't in 11 years.

 

On the 550 the indexing parts are metal, it is a manually indexed machine.

If you call Dillon, they will send you one Free of charge. You also need a powder die to use it . Its a pretty simple operation........

 

Depends on the Dillon. The 550 manually indexes, so it's main indexing part is your finger...On the bigger presses, the primary parts are steel or aluminum, with a plastic index ring that is intentionally the weak link, and designed to break under stress. The spare parts kit comes with an extra one, and if you do break one, Dillon will ship you a new one under warranty for your entire life.

 

If i went for a Lee 1000. If the ratchet system drives me nuts. Can it be indexed by hand? I run my turret one by hand. The 1000 seams to come with everything but a bullet feed.

 

The answer is yes, you take out the center indexing rod and it will need to be indexed by hand.

 

I watched some videos of each press. Ruled out the Lee.