Thinking about going progressive for the mini.

I have the Hornady AP. Can’t beat it. Take your time setting it up, and you’re golden. I like that I can use it just like a single stage and just run them through one die at a time if I want, or I can run it full progressive. Best of both worlds

 

Im leaning strongly to the Hornady.

 

I have both the 550's and the Hornady's AP's! The original two are over 30 years old and two are less than 5 years old with the latest upgrades! I use these for rifle cartridges 2 set up for large and 2 each set up for small primers! Yes, I'm OCD and prefer the consistency of not having to change settings when reloading the 5 -6 cartridges I shoot on a regular basis. I'm retired from competition now but used to reload 6-8k rounds a year.
That being said, I really like the AP because of the auto advance. And I really like the 550 because it is manual! WHAT! In other words, either system works just fine, and neither is a deal breaker. The only issues I've had with either has been with the older 550 primer system! They tend to get "wonky" after around 5,000 reloads!

Both companies have excellent tech support and warranty service if needed!

 

Before I bought my Dillon 550C I almost went blind reading reviews on both the Dillon and Hornady AP. From what I read the Dillon and Hornady are equally good with very small differences. It's great that reloaders have these excellent presses to chose from.

I went with the 550C because of the ease and quickness of caliber change overs. I switch back and forth from 9mm to 45acp a lot Also the powder measure on my Dillon is pretty impressive for throwing consistent pistol charges. Like LiveLife I prefer to reload rifle the slow and precise way on my Redding T7.

 

I had a couple LNL’s a pre and post EZ Ject. I really liked the idea of the half index until I used it loading 308. The combination I was using was tall enough I couldn’t set the bullet on the case mouth to seat, because it was not under the die when it finished the second half of the index, knocking the bullet off.

I had to put the bullet up into the die, raise the handle enough for it to finish the index and set the bullet into the case, then finish the stroke.

I am pretty sure you would be just fine with the .223 but I’d still get a Dillon. I had actually bought my first LNL because of how much better everyone claimed their powder measure worked with extruded powders and I had a lot of old long cut 3031. Unfortunately, I couldn’t tell their measure did any better than the Dillon.

If you were the one that started the what powder thread and are going progressive (any of them) do your self a favor and purchase spherical or ball powders.

 

DILLON by mile

 

I could sell my outdated dillon 650 for more money then what I paid for it back in 2012.
You are not doing that with a Hornady

Imo, the dillon 650/750 was built around the case feeder. On the Hornady it was an after thought.

Don't know how much you plan on shooting that mini, but the dillon trim dies and rt1200/1500 was worth every penny to me.
I don't like finger humping every single piece of brass.

 

Been using a 550 since '87 or so............never a hitch, never a breakdown or event that was not my fault. Caliber change ability and warranty are just two of the top notch features........if you want you can use it nearly as a single stage by simply running a single round thru the stations. It is truly the most outstanding purchase in reloading gear I have ever made and I've been loading since roughly 1959. Haven't bothered to count but I load approximately 20 calibers on the thing.

You cannot go wrong with Dillon!

 

I'll be loading others too. Im thinking i'll get a shell plate for the .223 and 9mm to start. I'll learn the press with 9mm and others that the 9mm plate will work with. Then go to .223 is my plan.

 

Brownells as a $45 off coupon. Buy over $300

When I got my LnL they (Hornady) had the free bullets offer. I got a bunch of 45 acp. Think I still have them.

https://www.brownells.com/

I have not done any price checking but when I got mine, it was cheaper to buy cases of 5.56 and 9mm. They are the only shell holders I have. I load all my other calibers on the Lee turret.

If you have never used a progressive, there is a learning curve despite what some think it takes a bit of getting used to especially if you are priming with it, Much easier to screw up then single stage or turrets,

 

Al, off hand I believe the shell holder plates for the 9/.223 are identical...............might be that you simply need the die holder ands dies themselves..........and while on that subject I am more than impressed with Dillon's dies..........handgun calibers are exceptionally easily cleaned without having to remove the entire die body from the insert.....rifle dies are just raw quality..............expensive, but quality.

 

I started with a RCBS Rock Chucker in 64, still have it , certain special projects. Way later, mid 70's, got a Dillon 550 ! Very happy with it !

Not pushing any brand. BUT there is learning curve and there is a lot going on at the same time with a progressive.
SOOO my advise is focus focus focus all the time. Do not relax you attention. When you relax or get distracted that is when things go wrong!

Whatever you get enjoy being able to spend less time reloading and more time shooting

 

Here is a good video comparing. Im not ready to buy yet. Figuring this winter.

 

These threads always turn BLUE

 

When changing calibers on the dillon. Is all this needed? Or just a shell plate?
Amazon.com : Dillon Precision 20127 RL 550 Conversion Kit 9mm 38sup Shellplate Powder Funnel : Gunsmithing Tools And Accessories : Sports & Outdoors

 

NO easiest way to change calibers with a Dillon is having pre setup tool heads ,pull two pins and change shell plate and You're good to go **. I've been running a Dillon 550 since 1988-89 bought it from Mike Dillon himself.
I load #18 calibers excluding 12 20 and 28 gauge on Mec's with MY 550 and 650 . MY most popular shooting calibers ALL have their own powder measure and anvils are REALLY precise ,once their set to a specific powder and charge . I remember when the presses W/caliber set up were under $200.00 !. I had until we moved every Dillon Blue Press monthly catalog and watched as prices rose over the years . So in 91 I bought tool heads powder measures primer tubes plastic tips and ALL the shell plates I figured ,I'd ever need . Boy am I ever so thankful I purchased that back then .

** Provided You're Not changing primer size ,as that's an extra step and requires a setup in doing it correctly . Some fellow out of Texas makes a roller guide for proper primer anvil cup alignment and it WORKS WELL !.

 

It just dawned on me. I can use my lee auto drum.