which press?

[Walkalong]

If money were no object, I would have several automated 1050s, along with a few LNLs.

 

[cfullgraf]

And a few Ferraris, a P-51, and if enough cash were left over, CCI.

If one could have a chance of actually operating the progressives before buying, one could make a more infomed decision on what would work best for them. While each manufacturer's press ends at the same result, the path to get there is slightly different.

 

[altitude_19]

You might, actually...I know Bass pro in Council Bluffs, IA has a couple presses set up so you can see them outside the box and pull the lever. Not much, but it's something. Otherwise, yeah, getting your mitts on one without ordering it can be tricky.

 

[jack44]

Lee and Dillon are good

 

[Blue68f100]

I have the LNL-AP for over 5yrs now. A very simple design and easy to use. I would buy it again very satisfied with the press. As will all NONE are perfect. All have the + & -. Now if you plan on going to a brass feeder you are with in $100 the price of a 650. The big difference is the caliber conversion cost is a lot more than the LNL.

As for the priming system, there are fixes. And Dillon is not without there share of problems too.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

Thanks for all the advice on here I have decided to go with the Hornady LNL. For the price of the press with the current rebate it's about the same as a lee.

Now quick question about dies. I have the lee 4 carbide die set will these work in the Horandy press? I read that they are on the shorter side, no a big deal if they don't I can always get different dies but was hoping I would run the dies I have. Also I crimp and seat with the lee seating die which means it's pretty far screwed in don't know if that will still work. Thanks Dan

 

[Walkalong]

You should be able to make them work. I found some creative ways to make some of my old short dies work on the LNL. I believe the newer sets have more threads, but I cannot say for sure.

If you have problems, folks here can help, as they have solved that equation already.

 

[mstreddy]

Thompson -
I have owned and used the LNL for a little over a year now. Bought it used via the BST forums here. Except for a couple of issues that I recounted in some threads here it's been solid.
I load 9mm, 38/357, 40S&W, 38 Super, and 45 Auto in "full" mode -- that is a case from resizing/decapping to seating/crimping. I really haven't had any priming issues to speak of, but I am aware of the divot/dimple below the primer seater and will be keeping an eye on it.
I use a mixture of RCBS and Lee dies. You do have to watch the length on some of the Lee dies as it doesn't leave a lot of room there.
On 223 and 308 I resize/decap on my RCBS RC, then after swaging, trimming, etc, I complete the process on the LNL.

What calibers will you be loading for?

And I fully agree with Walkalong's statement, if you have problems bring them here, the folks have been a great help in ironing them out.

 

[Thompsoncustom]

9mm right now and don't really plan on adding any other calibers at this time but I do load some out of the ordinary stuff like 173gr SWC and Zinc rounds so I plan on running into problems here and there.

Also am I big tinkerer and see some neat idea's for homemade bullet feeders and have some idea's in mind.

 

[hAkron]

I like the Dillon case feeder over the Hornady. Much less trial and error when switching between calibers and the Dillon caliber specific parts work better than the Hornady V Block system...not to mention the Dillon color coded plasic drop tubes are better than the Hornady adjustable die bodies.

 

[kostyanj]

There are so many pluses and minuses to each system. It's really hard to make a decision. I think eventually you go with whatever is available.

 

[stubbicatt]

Either the Dillon 650, or preferrably, the 1050.

 

[jtv3062]

Has Hornady fixed the issue with the broken shell plate? I like the Hornady single presses. Dillion for multi station(550).