Need a new press. Suggestions

[bigboremaico]

If you owna 650 or LnL AP sell me on why I need that one. Don't tell me how many are in service.

Don't speak against a brand you do not personally use.

Thanks is advance

bbm

PS Please do not make this a flame out thread. State facts if you have them.

[Brass Nazi]

The Dillon is the press by which others are judged. The gold standard. Many people are happy with the LNL and it probably costs a little less.


I prefer tried and true which is why I chose Dillon when I bought a 550B. The outstanding service reputation is all I needed to nudge me over the top in my decision.

The LNL was tempting back when you got 1000 free bullets. If I got the Hornady I probably would have been happy but I do like my Dillon.

[D. Manley]

The Dillon is the press by which others are judged. The gold standard. Many people are happy with the LNL and it probably costs a little less.


I prefer tried and true which is why I chose Dillon when I bought a 550B. The outstanding service reputation is all I needed to nudge me over the top in my decision.

The LNL was tempting back when you got 1000 free bullets. If I got the Hornady I probably would have been happy but I do like my Dillon.

:iagree:

Nothing whatsoever wrong with the LNL, I've not seen an unhappy buyer. That said, there are good reasons why all brands are compared to Dillon. When it comes to service most are good, some are barely adequate but Dillon is in a class of it's own...so much so it's very difficult to convey to anyone who's not experienced it first hand.

[Dark Horse]

I learned how to reload on a Lyman Turret press. I was ready to drop money one instead of bugging my buddy to use his. I had the opportunity to try a Dillon 550 right before I dropped the coin. I bought the Dillon 650. I tried a few others presses before I laid out the coin, not a LNL though. None of them made me second guess my decision to get the Dillon.
Of your two choices, Both are good machines, neither will be a bad or wrong choice.
Get the Dillon

[Pitmaster]

+1

[alank2]

Hi BBM,

What cartridges do you plan to load? How many of each per month? How often do you change calibers? Do you want a casefeeder? These answers will help push you in a direction usually...

Thanks,

Alan

[giddyupgo55]

Not able to answer on the LNL, but I have a Dillon 650 and the service is great. If I had the money I would buy a 2nd one just so I wouldn't have to change from small primer to large.

[Ledhore]

I've got a LNL and love it. If you're going to be changing calibers a lot I think the LNL bushing system is hard to beat.

[BigSlick]

Dillon.

They have indeed been the gold standard by which all others are judged for many years.

I've never regretted for an instant owning any Dillon product.

Dillon customer service is top notch, they accommodate more calibers in the 550 than any other progressive on the market and loading on a 550/650/1050 will never leave you wanting something different.

I've personally caused more than one to go past the 50k mark and never one complaint.

I don't know about the LNL, but my past dealings with Hornady customer service has left a *really* bad taste in my mouth about their presses. To be fair, I've heard many claim their customer service is much better than it used to be.

But, burn me once and that's enough.

Dillon never burned me (or anyone else I've ever heard of).

Plus, Dillon supports our troops, and during the Katrina aftermath Dillon replaced one hell of a lot of presses for free. I don't recall one account of Hornady doing anything even close.

Hornady used to give away some free bullets when you buy a LNL, but, those won't last long and then you have a LNL.

I don't think the quality of the LNL is bad, at all, quite the contrary. It's as good as most and better than a lot of presses out there.

Buy the Dillon.

[Rollis]

The main resean I bought the 650 was the superior primer system over the hornady system. This was pre LnL. I don't worry about speed as much as having everything done at once. The 650 can be changed over in as little as 30 secounds, to as long as 30 minutes.

[BigSlick]

Large to small primer swaps can be done quickly, and are brain dead simple.

If you want them to be even easier and faster, you can buy a large (or small) primer mag and wheel setup and have it changed in about 10 seconds (2 screws).

Bullet feeders are available for 650's, powder check dies and other little niceties should you be inclined to have any bells and whistles.

A Press Monitor (http://www.pressmonitordevice.com/) will work well with either one

[craig110]

I used to have a LnL which I really liked except for the well-known problem that they used to have ejecting 9mm. They've fixed that. (I got rid of mine due to not shooting enough and felt that someone else could make better use of it, so please don't take my "used to have" as a slam against them. It isn't.) Now, which would I get if I decided to get back into using progressive presses? Tough call. Dillon certainly has the edge on customer service and a lifetime no-BS warranty (that they actually stand behind) is nothing to sneeze at. On the other hand, the LnL had (when I was looking - I have to admit to not knowing the details of the comparative pricing these days) the price advantage and changing calibers was really trivial, including changing primer size. You hear about people having multiple 650s for different calibers or at least different primer sizes, but you don't hear that with the LnL which tells me that people who buy LnLs either wouldn't want to buy another or don't need to buy another due to its convenience. I suspect it is the latter in most cases.

Again, tough call if I had to pick one. What would probably clinch going the Dillon route is if I could get a 650 cheap on eBay or somewhere else and then send it in to Dillon for refurbishing. That would give me a new-quality good press at a, presumably else I wouldn't be doing it, good price.

[creophus]

I have Dillon equipment here and an LCT. If you just want to run a bunch of pistol you could get by with the Dillon SDB. I have one dedicated to 9mm and am glad that I do.

No experience with Hornady stuff so I can't speak on them.

P.S. The LCT isn't really progressive, but it sure does a good job of pretending to be!

[BigSlick]

Craig brings up an interesting and noteworthy point.

Dillon will rebuild your 650 for the price of shipping to the factory and $30 (last time I looked) to cover return shipping. Whether you are the first owner or the last, zero crap.

I had them rebuild a SDB about five years ago. I scored it off fleabay for insane cheap on a 4:00 am bid close time and sent it to them for a refurb.

It originally had the old style powder measure and a zillion miles on it.

It was returned looking like new, with the new style powder measure and a thank you note for being a Dillon customer.

Try that with Hornady and they'll laugh you off the phone.

[bhawkeye]

You didn't mention what was important to you in a press - but here goes anyway. I have 2 LnL AP's, which I really like. I read, googled, & talked to a lot of people prior to buying the LnL's & the two things I liked vs the 650 were the half-step indexing & the primer system operation. After getting these presses (one for .45 & one for 9mm & 10mm), I have to say I really like them - except for primer seating on the .45's. I load a lot (for me) of .45 & yes, I'm a brass whore. So, I get a few crimped primer cases mixed in & don't have any problem with de-priming & sizing - but seating a new primer is a b*#ch! I tried to sort 'em all out, but would always miss a few.

I put up with it as long as I could - then got a 1050. I have to say it made reloading for .45's a completely different experience! Now I have one of the LnL's set up for 9mm & one for 10mm (& de-priming 45.s - casefeeder makes it quick & easy).

So, I think if you want load several calibers on a single press - either the 550, 650, or the LnL AP will not make you regret your decision. If you load primarily one caliber & it's fairly high volume - the 1050 is the ONLY choice. JMHO

[VN350X10]

I've loaded on both, have Dillon's in SDB, 550, 650 & 1050.
The only Dillon device I DON'T lilke is the "merry-go-round" primer system on the 650. I really wish that Dillon would have used the straight-line setup on the 650 like the others.
This is a personal gripe, I know that others love it.
Like I said, I've loaded on both, it's almost a coin toss.
Dillon's warranty might just be the deciding factor. BEST customer service in any business I've seen. Even better than Sturm Ruger.
Knowing what I do, I'd buy the 650 again.

Whatever you decide, you'll get a damn good press !

uncle albert

[Jerry Snyder]

Dillon XL650. I have had mine for many years and have over 250K on it. Anytime (3) a part broke, Dillon sent me one free. Lonnie came down to my house a few years back and we tried to see how fast we could make it load, I think we did 42 rounds in one minute. I think he got some of it on film.

In reality, I load about 700 rounds an hour.

Simple to use, very low maintenance, and world famous customer service, what is there to think about. It you fine out you hate it, you can sell it for 80% of what you paid for it years after you have bought it.

JS

[sparky241]

dillon 550. i can not tell you the # of times i have broken or bent somthing for the press and dillon has always made it right for me. NO BS warenty mean no bs at all.

[bigboremaico]

dillon 550. i can not tell you the # of times i have broken or bent somthing for the press and dillon has always made it right for me. NO BS warenty mean no bs at all.

Don't want any maually indexing press. Must be auto indexing.

Thanks for the replies.


bbm

[VN350X10]

Like I said, I've used a LnL & have a 650.
Toss the coin.
Buy one or the other.
Load & be happy !

uncle albert

[R.Ph. 380]

I've been using a LNL for the last 3 years, only gripe I have is the Primer procedure, so I use a RCBS Universal hand Priming tool and work up 5-600 at a time and go about the rest of the job. Blue, Red, Green, or yellow will get the job done and you'll enjoy it just as much. I find that the processing of components into things that go bang is relaxing and helps me unwind after a hard day of counting pills and sticking labels on those little bottles.:wave:

Bill

[BigSlick]

Yes it does help.

Nothing like a little prep time to relax you

[bigboremaico]

That is part of what I don't want. A lot of time spent reloading. It is not fun for me but a required evil. I want to relax I'll ride one of my motorcycles or head to the range. Loading is an associated headache:censored::36::49:

[BigSlick]

Loading is no different that doing a top end in some repects.

Yep, it isn't as much fun as riding, but, who would you trust to do your top end ?

Plus, when you're done, you know it's right.

It's an extension of shooting that will make you a much better shooter... really.

[bigboremaico]

Loading is no different that doing a top end in some repects.

Yep, it isn't as much fun as riding, but, who would you trust to do your top end ?

Plus, when you're done, you know it's right.

It's an extension of shooting that will make you a much better shooter... really.

I've heard that but for sure, it's not relaxing to me. Just makes it so I can shoot more and maybe do some GSSF stuff. Else I wouldn't consider it.

[Anvil]

There probably aren't any takers on this one but I wish I had a CORBINS CSP1 Mega-Mite single stage. Somewhere on the Corbins site they claim it's co-axial and it can reload any conventional ammo or any other single stage function plus it's actually designed to swage bullets from lead or copper wire into shootable bullets. It costs about 650 but that's what you're gonna spend on a Dillon with about 2 or 3 caliber set ups and a strong mount / roller handle and scale. You can even rig it up with hydraulics for making incendiary or tracer ammo (to hide behind the barricade).
http://www.corbins.com/images/csp-1.jpg

[craig110]

There probably aren't any takers on this one but I wish I had a CORBINS CSP1 Mega-Mite single stage. Somewhere on the Corbins site they claim it's co-axial and it can reload any conventional ammo or any other single stage function plus it's actually designed to swage bullets from lead or copper wire into shootable bullets. It costs about 650 but that's what you're gonna spend on a Dillon with about 2 or 3 caliber set ups and a strong mount / roller handle and scale. You can even rig it up with hydraulics for making incendiary or tracer ammo (to hide behind the barricade).
http://www.corbins.com/images/csp-1.jpg


That is a very, very nice press. If I didn't find my Herters 234 on the cheap, I probably would have gone the CSP1 route.

[VN350X10]

That is DEFINATELY a reloading machine. Worth every penny, I just don't need one.(YET!)


uncle albert

[rico567]

I load all pistol and .223 on a 650. The rest of the rifle goes on the 'ol Rock Chucker. To comply with the OP, I now list the reasons I like / don't like a 650.

Pros

1. Fast

2. Smooth

3. Very easy on my arthritis

4. Dillon customer support

Cons

1. Complex caliber change*

2. Expensive

3. Overkill for what I load

* People will say they can change calibers in a 650 in 10 minutes; I'm waiting for the YT video. My best workaround for the complicated caliber change is to buy more brass and load more, less often.

[bigboremaico]

I load all pistol and .223 on a 650. The rest of the rifle goes on the 'ol Rock Chucker. To comply with the OP, I now list the reasons I like / don't like a 650.

Pros

1. Fast

2. Smooth

3. Very easy on my arthritis

4. Dillon customer support

Cons

1. Complex caliber change*

2. Expensive

3. Overkill for what I load

* People will say they can change calibers in a 650 in 10 minutes; I'm waiting for the YT video. My best workaround for the complicated caliber change is to buy more brass and load more, less often.

Thanks rico.

I'm leaning to the LnL AP. But I have not made the decision yet. I'm selling my month old Load Master so either will be a true upgrade. But not for the reasons most think.

[Hornady]

I hear a lot of guys say they hate reloading, If just pumping out a bunch of 9mm, I could see it, I load 7 pistol calibers, and 6 rifle, I use the LNL but only for the 3 rounds I shoot most often, the 9MM, 40 S&W and the 45ACP, all others are done on a single stag press I have used for 40 plus years.
The LNL I have no complaints about, I have had mine a couple years now, and the free bullets are not bad either, it was 1000 when I got my press I think it’s 500 now. But with the Dillon or LNL, when you start adding calibers, the money starts adding up fast.
I am particular about my rifle ammo and do not see how a progressive press could work for me with rifle ammo.
One thing I don’t think a lot of guys take into consideration when buying a progressive press, will it ever be cost effective. If loading 9MM you can buy a lot of ammo for the price of the press, add ones and components, 45 Colt at $30.00 a box not so much.
But then we are back to do you enjoy reloading; I do and can easily justify the cost.
But if you truly hate reloading, remanufactured or bulk ammo may be a better

[Pitmaster]

I enjoy reloading AND casting.

[Hornady]

I love my wife and it may be from all the years behind a welding helmet before I retired, But there is just something very peaceful about getting away from all the everyday BS , I go down to the Basement or Garage if casting, turn the radio on. Yes shooting is only 1/3 of the appeal. You would think after over forty years of reloading and casting it would have lost some of the appeal. But just the opposite, I now have more time for it. My wife will retire in about 5 years, so I think I need to get as much in now as possible, she has big plans for her retirement, and I do not think it has much to do with shooting, reloading, or casting.

[BigSlick]

Hornady makes a great point about some calibers really making sense to reload.

Take a look at .41 Mag factory ammo and you will see reloading is the only way to go.

As far as caliber conversions, yep, they add a few bucks, but once you have the press, adding a caliber is pretty cheap given the additional savings.

Even with 9x19, you can save a bundle if you shoot often. Reloading .40 and .45 ACP will surprise you too where the savings are concerned.

But, over and away, by far the best reason to reload is to get better ammo.

Even if you go with a turret, you will cut your costs and make better ammo.

LNL or 650 either one will get the job done.

Dillon offers better customer service and lots of used parts and pieces (cheaper than the price of new) out there to choose from when adding a different caliber or a different bullet profile.

All covered by the incredible warranty

[creophus]

Another vote for getting better ammo when rolling your own. I told a friend not long ago that I reload match quality ammo for the price (or less) of WWB. I tune a load to my needs and enjoy shooting it much more.

Whatever groups I get at the range are not only a function of my ability to maintain a proper sight picture while pulling the trigger, but also a function of my ability to load consistent ammo while at the bench.