Hornady LNL or Dillon 550B?
- Thread starter HKGuns
- Start date
- Status
when i bought mine (1050), brian was pretty much the only guy offering a discount (a whopping 5%) off list price.
i bugged the crap out of the tech guys at dillon asking questions before i bought the press. then i asked them if they had a discount, and if they prefered that i buy direct or from one of their dealers. they said they didn't care and pointed me to brian for the discount.
brian's an excellent guy. great source of info.
i bugged the crap out of the tech guys at dillon asking questions before i bought the press. then i asked them if they had a discount, and if they prefered that i buy direct or from one of their dealers. they said they didn't care and pointed me to brian for the discount.
brian's an excellent guy. great source of info.
Since someone dug this thread up I may as well post a follow-up.
I have been loading with my Hornady for a while now and am completely satisfied. Great press at a decent cost. Caliber changes take zero time to complete.
Oh, and I've found the Hornady customer service to be extremely helpful and nice.
I have been loading with my Hornady for a while now and am completely satisfied. Great press at a decent cost. Caliber changes take zero time to complete.
Oh, and I've found the Hornady customer service to be extremely helpful and nice.
TooTaxed
Member
I faced the same problem....and fortunately located friendly reloaders who would let me test out their machines (plus Lee progressives).
The Hornady won hands down. Dillon has been at the top of the heap for about a generation...but they really need to re-engineer their powder measure and shell plate system into a modern design. It was such a hassle to change powder measure settings when changing calibers that my buddy bought two additional measures...at $60 or so each! And, the expense of changing shell plates at $38 each, plus the rather complex procedure of changing them...and removing a case from an intermediate station...are handicaps. I found the Dillon to be a bit dirty...stray decapped primers. There's no doubt that the Dillon is a good machine...but the design is a bit "long in the tooth".
The Hornady uses a modern rotary powder measure very quick to change settings, and it's easy to remove cases from intermediate stations. It's also far less expensive to change calibers. And, as noted above, the Hornady sells for $300 at Midway, far less than you can get a Dillon (though I see many used Dillons on EBAY auctions...but no Hornadys as yet).
The 2 Lee progressives aren't bad...especially the 5-station Loadmaster, which has some rather innovative features, including a fully enclosed reservoir for de-capped primers and ease in removing cases from intermediate stations.. Some of the operating parts are made of nylon or some similar durable material...I'm not sure how well they hold up over the long run...though my buddy hadn't had to replace any of his yet, after about three years of reloading. Replacement parts are dirt cheap...$2 to $3. The Lees are the least expensive to change calibers by far.
Midway has attractive pricing for the Hornady and Lee machines.
The Hornady won hands down. Dillon has been at the top of the heap for about a generation...but they really need to re-engineer their powder measure and shell plate system into a modern design. It was such a hassle to change powder measure settings when changing calibers that my buddy bought two additional measures...at $60 or so each! And, the expense of changing shell plates at $38 each, plus the rather complex procedure of changing them...and removing a case from an intermediate station...are handicaps. I found the Dillon to be a bit dirty...stray decapped primers. There's no doubt that the Dillon is a good machine...but the design is a bit "long in the tooth".
The Hornady uses a modern rotary powder measure very quick to change settings, and it's easy to remove cases from intermediate stations. It's also far less expensive to change calibers. And, as noted above, the Hornady sells for $300 at Midway, far less than you can get a Dillon (though I see many used Dillons on EBAY auctions...but no Hornadys as yet).
The 2 Lee progressives aren't bad...especially the 5-station Loadmaster, which has some rather innovative features, including a fully enclosed reservoir for de-capped primers and ease in removing cases from intermediate stations.. Some of the operating parts are made of nylon or some similar durable material...I'm not sure how well they hold up over the long run...though my buddy hadn't had to replace any of his yet, after about three years of reloading. Replacement parts are dirt cheap...$2 to $3. The Lees are the least expensive to change calibers by far.
Midway has attractive pricing for the Hornady and Lee machines.
TooTaxed, I see most your points but one. Removing the case from an intermediate station is a simple matter of removing a brass button on the 550.
I agree, the powder measure on the 550 can involve a lot of trial and error to set up for a different powder throw and the screw lash of the powder bar only compounds it. All in all, I'm very pleased with my Dillon. The Hornady is a fine press also and I don't feel anyone would go wrong either way. The Hornady's ease/expense of caliber changes certainly has it over the Dillon.
OBTW, The Dillon 550 is on par with the Hornady price wise.
Bronson7
I agree, the powder measure on the 550 can involve a lot of trial and error to set up for a different powder throw and the screw lash of the powder bar only compounds it. All in all, I'm very pleased with my Dillon. The Hornady is a fine press also and I don't feel anyone would go wrong either way. The Hornady's ease/expense of caliber changes certainly has it over the Dillon.
OBTW, The Dillon 550 is on par with the Hornady price wise.
Bronson7
oct_97
Member
Cortland, sorry to take so long to answer your question, I’ve been away. I asked the Hornady Company a question (Twice via telephone and one email) that led to my buying the LnL. During assembly I realized I had been mistakenly misinformed. When I emailed Steve Hornady about it he responded with a rude, defensive, email. I thought an apology was in order, not the type of response I received, so I decided to just make it go away.
John
John
How hard is it to adjust/set the powder activation when changing calibers? I'm not talking about the amount of powder dumped (already have a hornady measure), just case-activating the measure. What about preset powder activation dies for each caliber, practically required or not? Is the shellplate really the only part required for a practical caliber conversion? I'm aware of the 3-4 die bushings per caliber. People typically buy a toolhead and powder die for each caliber change on Dillon equipment in addition to shellplate/buttons/funnel. What would a typical Hornady change entail.
I'm reading this is superior to a Dillon 550 (my current recommendation to other people), I'd like some real details of what is involved with a caliber conversion. What about primer size changes?
I'm reading this is superior to a Dillon 550 (my current recommendation to other people), I'd like some real details of what is involved with a caliber conversion. What about primer size changes?
Guy B. Meredith
Member
1911user,
If I read your post correctly you are asking about the LNL.
I started to reply then realized I don't know what I'm talking about--I just reload revolver rounds and had forgotten about rifle, etc.
Looking back at the manual, there are three powder drop sleeves that come with the press. One is for all pistol, one for large bore rifle and one for small bore rifle. The powder measure adaptor that fits in to the LNL bushing in the press is adjusted for case length and the powder measure sits on top.
Changing from small to large primers requires changing out the primer slid--which requires removing one spring and perhaps loosening one knurled screw--and replacing the primer punch. The primer punch change is not something I would do on a daily basis as it is under the shell plate where my fingers don't fit really well and I am just too sure to cross thread.
So for the most radical change the procedure is to swop out powder drop sleeves (no hassle), adjust adaptor height, remove primer slide spring and replace with other slide, reattach spring, unscrew punch assy from bottom, screw in other size punch, do the quarter turn trick with the 4 dies that need to be replaced for caliber change.
I am lazy and have purchased a second adaptor assembly so that one is adjusted for .38 spl case length and the other for .357 mag case length and have a set of dies for each. I had been experimenting with RCBS and Hornady dies so I had an extra set. For conversion I change out the adaptors and dies in about 30 seconds. Going to a larger primer would require another two or three minutes.
If I read your post correctly you are asking about the LNL.
I started to reply then realized I don't know what I'm talking about--I just reload revolver rounds and had forgotten about rifle, etc.
Looking back at the manual, there are three powder drop sleeves that come with the press. One is for all pistol, one for large bore rifle and one for small bore rifle. The powder measure adaptor that fits in to the LNL bushing in the press is adjusted for case length and the powder measure sits on top.
Changing from small to large primers requires changing out the primer slid--which requires removing one spring and perhaps loosening one knurled screw--and replacing the primer punch. The primer punch change is not something I would do on a daily basis as it is under the shell plate where my fingers don't fit really well and I am just too sure to cross thread.
So for the most radical change the procedure is to swop out powder drop sleeves (no hassle), adjust adaptor height, remove primer slide spring and replace with other slide, reattach spring, unscrew punch assy from bottom, screw in other size punch, do the quarter turn trick with the 4 dies that need to be replaced for caliber change.
I am lazy and have purchased a second adaptor assembly so that one is adjusted for .38 spl case length and the other for .357 mag case length and have a set of dies for each. I had been experimenting with RCBS and Hornady dies so I had an extra set. For conversion I change out the adaptors and dies in about 30 seconds. Going to a larger primer would require another two or three minutes.
Master Blaster
Member
You know I keep getting tempted to add a LNL to my press collection. Midway has specials on these that make them look quite good. I've seen one in person and it looks like a real durrable robust piece of equipment.
Then I read all the reviews at Midway USA. Even the ones that loved the press all start out talking about the powder dumping into the primer seating area, and how it jams it up, but that is easily avoided. Or the rounds with no primers they loaded, but that only happens with the large primer punch. Then they talk about the ejector spring and how they broke one and how it launched rounds across the room. then they talk about how the indexing screws needed locktite and then they got the indexing working. I have put about 30,000 rounds through my Dillon in the 5 years I have been using it. I have never had it dump powder into the primer feed, I have never even had it break a single part.
HMMMMM
Then I read all the reviews at Midway USA. Even the ones that loved the press all start out talking about the powder dumping into the primer seating area, and how it jams it up, but that is easily avoided. Or the rounds with no primers they loaded, but that only happens with the large primer punch. Then they talk about the ejector spring and how they broke one and how it launched rounds across the room. then they talk about how the indexing screws needed locktite and then they got the indexing working. I have put about 30,000 rounds through my Dillon in the 5 years I have been using it. I have never had it dump powder into the primer feed, I have never even had it break a single part.
HMMMMM
New L'n'L owner, ex Lee turret user, longtime Dillon shopper. Just on the points referenced in the post above by MasterBlaster...
spring case retainer - yep, on my 4th in 1200 rounds BUT, I popped the cases in and out dozens of times getting the two powder drops and the seater setup and then adding a Lee FCD in the 5th position...if I had just rotated the plate around instead of being quite so impatient, I'd still be on the original...also, had I begun with the pistol powder drop rather than the standard it would have been simpler/quicker ... I've also used 4 different powders which required a lot of case in and out while I adjusted to get my settings recorded
ejection spring will not "launch" anything - I eventually rotated it out of the way in order to use the FCD but it works as one would expect - no drama, it's just acts as a gate to shepherd the rounds out to the collector bin ... no idea how one could break one while in use...?
primer feed does NOT like stray powder - no reason to get any in there tho and if it's an issue, keep an air can (computer accessory) nearby
haven't adjusted the pawls at all - came timed perfectly in the box from Midway - looks easy enough tho if they ever require adjustment - expect that to be a LONG time and many rounds in the future
no Loctite needed anywhere
few general points...powder drop is GREAT...I only load pistol at the moment and got the micrometer meter, same with the seater...now with the micrometer readings, resets after experimenting or caliber change is quick and painless (well one pain...those little etched numbers are not in a contrasting color so they're a challenge to read)...very smooth plate rotation with half motion on the upstroke and half on the down, even pretty full cases won't jostle any out
built like a tank, more modern design than the Dillon which I used and researched extensively, bushing system rather than screwing in the dies is just plain sensible, everyone should be doing it...cheaper to convert calibers, well-built, more modern press design, less expensive initially, New Dimension titanium carbide dies (marketing crap!) are reasonablly priced ($29 for 45acp from Midway) and work very well ....so... only downside I can see is that resale will not be as good as a Dillon but, I didn't buy it to sell it.....
assembly manual just plain bites!! Thanks god, if you look at the exploded picture a moment, you discover that it's over 80% assembled and ADJUSTED in the box ... really just need to stick components together
here's a reference/review that's got a few pics
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammunition/lock_1105/
plus everything that Cortland has posted in the article "Don't drink the Blue Kool-Aid" is correct - thanks for the guidance!
/Bryan
spring case retainer - yep, on my 4th in 1200 rounds BUT, I popped the cases in and out dozens of times getting the two powder drops and the seater setup and then adding a Lee FCD in the 5th position...if I had just rotated the plate around instead of being quite so impatient, I'd still be on the original...also, had I begun with the pistol powder drop rather than the standard it would have been simpler/quicker ... I've also used 4 different powders which required a lot of case in and out while I adjusted to get my settings recorded
ejection spring will not "launch" anything - I eventually rotated it out of the way in order to use the FCD but it works as one would expect - no drama, it's just acts as a gate to shepherd the rounds out to the collector bin ... no idea how one could break one while in use...?
primer feed does NOT like stray powder - no reason to get any in there tho and if it's an issue, keep an air can (computer accessory) nearby
haven't adjusted the pawls at all - came timed perfectly in the box from Midway - looks easy enough tho if they ever require adjustment - expect that to be a LONG time and many rounds in the future
no Loctite needed anywhere
few general points...powder drop is GREAT...I only load pistol at the moment and got the micrometer meter, same with the seater...now with the micrometer readings, resets after experimenting or caliber change is quick and painless (well one pain...those little etched numbers are not in a contrasting color so they're a challenge to read)...very smooth plate rotation with half motion on the upstroke and half on the down, even pretty full cases won't jostle any out
built like a tank, more modern design than the Dillon which I used and researched extensively, bushing system rather than screwing in the dies is just plain sensible, everyone should be doing it...cheaper to convert calibers, well-built, more modern press design, less expensive initially, New Dimension titanium carbide dies (marketing crap!) are reasonablly priced ($29 for 45acp from Midway) and work very well ....so... only downside I can see is that resale will not be as good as a Dillon but, I didn't buy it to sell it.....
assembly manual just plain bites!! Thanks god, if you look at the exploded picture a moment, you discover that it's over 80% assembled and ADJUSTED in the box ... really just need to stick components together
here's a reference/review that's got a few pics
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammunition/lock_1105/
plus everything that Cortland has posted in the article "Don't drink the Blue Kool-Aid" is correct - thanks for the guidance!
/Bryan
Guy B. Meredith
Member
I haven't read through the comments at Midway's site, but some sound very dated. If so, Midway should clean up the site to carry comments relevent to the current version. I have one of the first presses and have gone through the development and upgrades.
Absolutely true it is necessary to keep powder out of the priming area--says so in the manual. Dirt or powder gets under the primer punch, prevents seating at bottom, punch blocks slide movement. With reloading cleanliness prevents too soon being close to Godliness.
No primer was an issue with the old primer system and also what happens when the powder gets under the punch, etc. as in the paragraph above. Bad news as that case travels around spreading powder through the open primer hole. The new priming system is slick and a joy to use.
The locktite might have been necessary on the original indexing screws, but they changed to nylon screws quite a while back. I was unaware of the upgrade and when Hornady learned I had the old 'knuckle' that carries the screws they told me about the upgrade and sent one in the mail shortly threreafter. I have loaded over 20,000 rounds and have no need to adjust.
There are a few nice things that make changing things out easier on the newer powder measure that I would like to have, but I'll put off until this one wears out.
No machine is without a history as can be seen be the threads on THR asking for help in fixing/adjusting Dillon, Hornady, Lee, RCBS and other units.
Absolutely true it is necessary to keep powder out of the priming area--says so in the manual. Dirt or powder gets under the primer punch, prevents seating at bottom, punch blocks slide movement. With reloading cleanliness prevents too soon being close to Godliness.
No primer was an issue with the old primer system and also what happens when the powder gets under the punch, etc. as in the paragraph above. Bad news as that case travels around spreading powder through the open primer hole. The new priming system is slick and a joy to use.
The locktite might have been necessary on the original indexing screws, but they changed to nylon screws quite a while back. I was unaware of the upgrade and when Hornady learned I had the old 'knuckle' that carries the screws they told me about the upgrade and sent one in the mail shortly threreafter. I have loaded over 20,000 rounds and have no need to adjust.
There are a few nice things that make changing things out easier on the newer powder measure that I would like to have, but I'll put off until this one wears out.
No machine is without a history as can be seen be the threads on THR asking for help in fixing/adjusting Dillon, Hornady, Lee, RCBS and other units.
Mr Meridith, you did answer my questions. thank you. I'm not ready to give up my 550, but the Hornady seems like it'd do the job. I don't like the coil spring around the base of the cartridges, though. I'd rather have the different sized buttons, they don't break.
happy old sailor
Member
i have two friends that have Dillons. one w/550, one w/650. i used them both before making the decision to purchase my LnL. an article, side by side comparison of LnL and 650, convinced me, as the author said "save your money, get the LnL". i should have bookmarked it, but did not. sorry. the LnL runs as slick as the 650 i used.
as for the Hornady guarantee, i have used it. not on the LnL, but on their Projector model, which i got at a pawn shop. it was not much more than a frame, but was C-H-E-A-P as it was so far from complete. i'm thinking "good way to check out a gurantee". so, i called them. "send it in". i did and a few days later they telephoned me with results of their endeavors. they replaced many parts under warranty and a couple of small ones i had to pay for. it was well worth the money. for far less than $50, less shipping by UPS, i have another fine machine. the Projector does not have the quick change die feature. i hate adjusting dies, so have it dedicated to 357. i load all others on the LnL.
anyway, thats my experience with Hornady's warranty work and their ease of use. would i buy another LnL - yes, but i have really wanted a 550 for years. i definitely dont need a 550 and dont know what i will use it for, it is just a matter of want. oh, the ppl at Hornady were very nice, helpful, etc.
the 550 will load as many rounds per hour as a normal human could want, but cannot keep up with either an LnL or a 650, especially with a case feeder, which is not a 550 option. so what!!!, i still want one.
check Cabelas for a deal on the LnL with a case feeder kit included. advice - leave the case feeder alone until you get the press running smoothly.
i understand the dilema of choosing. i went around over my choice. as someone advised, you cant go wrong. disposable income may come into play.
as for the Hornady guarantee, i have used it. not on the LnL, but on their Projector model, which i got at a pawn shop. it was not much more than a frame, but was C-H-E-A-P as it was so far from complete. i'm thinking "good way to check out a gurantee". so, i called them. "send it in". i did and a few days later they telephoned me with results of their endeavors. they replaced many parts under warranty and a couple of small ones i had to pay for. it was well worth the money. for far less than $50, less shipping by UPS, i have another fine machine. the Projector does not have the quick change die feature. i hate adjusting dies, so have it dedicated to 357. i load all others on the LnL.
anyway, thats my experience with Hornady's warranty work and their ease of use. would i buy another LnL - yes, but i have really wanted a 550 for years. i definitely dont need a 550 and dont know what i will use it for, it is just a matter of want. oh, the ppl at Hornady were very nice, helpful, etc.
the 550 will load as many rounds per hour as a normal human could want, but cannot keep up with either an LnL or a 650, especially with a case feeder, which is not a 550 option. so what!!!, i still want one.
check Cabelas for a deal on the LnL with a case feeder kit included. advice - leave the case feeder alone until you get the press running smoothly.
i understand the dilema of choosing. i went around over my choice. as someone advised, you cant go wrong. disposable income may come into play.
oct_97
Member
Dillon has developed a case feeder for the 550.
RugerGuy
Member
Dillon has developed a case feeder but I heard it won't be available until December. At $200 I don't think I'll be buying one.
trickyasafox
Member
i wanted a LNL like it was nobody's business, but it just wasnt an option for me economically, nor could i go blue. so i ordered a pro1000. im not expecting it to compete with either of the above presses, but untill i can afford better i think it will get by ok.
that being said i do think the LNL has a better design. i really really really am a fan of those quick die changers they have. that to me just seems like it would be the cat's meow. then again, everyone blue cant be wrong. . .
that being said i do think the LNL has a better design. i really really really am a fan of those quick die changers they have. that to me just seems like it would be the cat's meow. then again, everyone blue cant be wrong. . .
oct_97
Member
I went back to Dillon after selling my Hornady due to a horrible experience with their Customer Service. Never even set it up and sold it at a substantial loss. As always, there are two sides to every story, I'm sure their's differs from mine, BUT, I was the customer that had just purchased their top of the line model and was treated terribly. Why else would someone take such a loss just to make something go away?
TooTaxed
Member
I've used Dillon 550Bs, Hornaday L&Ls, and Lee Loadmasters. Hornaday currently is 1st (but very close, considering cost), and Dillon comes last. Dillon makes a fine machine and has been at the top of the heap for a generation...but they've let the competition surpass them...especially considering cost! They really need to modernize their design... 
- Status
