Looking for a new press.

[maddmaxx11]

I have been using a lee pro 1000 for a few years and after getting used to it and making a few minor modifications it has worked great. I really would like a Dillon 650 but may consider the Lock-n-load ap. Are these really that much better that the Lee for the price? I had considered the loadmaster but most people seem to hate that press.

 

[AFK]

I think the LNL AP or the 650 will suit anybody just fine. As I am sure you have read, there are die hard fans of both. I own a LNL AP and one of my friends has a 650. Both are great machines. I think that anybody with experience on both machines would agree that if you could take features of both and combine them in to one, it would be perfect. All machines have their quirks, but both the LNL and the 650 can be tuned to run very smooth and reliably. I don't have any first hand experience with the LEE progressives, but I do know that you get what you pay for. I have been thinking about picking up a used Loadmaster to tinker with, but it certainly wouldn't replace my LNL.

 

[cfullgraf]

All machines have their quirks, but both the LNL and the 650 can be tuned to run very smooth and reliably.

I definitely agree.

maddmaxx11,

The the press whose color best matches the decor in your reloading room. It will serve you well.

Seriously, look at some videos on You Tube on the operation of both the Hornady L-N-L and the Dillon 650 and see how there operation will fit with your current process. It will make the transition a bit easier.

I chose the Hornady L-N-L over the Dillon 650 but I do have a Dillon BL550 and SDBs. For my purposes, the Hornady works for me. If my needs were different, the Dillon 650 might have been the preferred option.

 

[AzShooter1]

I have a 650. Just upgraded from a 550. I love the new machine with the auto indexing and the case feeder. I can load in an hour all the ammo I need for the next few weeks.

It's easy to do caliber changes as well. I normally load 9 mm but switched the machine over to .38s so I can get some reloads for my Model 10. It took me 1/2 hour including setting up the new tool head, getting the right amount of powder and changing out the feed parts.

Now I can do a change in about 15 - 20 minutes with no problems.

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

Love my new Dillon 650, but it can get expensive for several tool heads set up in 4-5 calibers. Dies,powder measure, etc. I wouldn't even consider another press, it works out great for my needs.

 

[Elkins45]

I used a Lee Pro1000 for 25 years and just recently bought a Horndy LnL AP. I choose the Hornday over a Dillon 550 for two reasons: 1) progressive operation and 2) five die stations instead of four. I wanted to use a separate crimper for my 300 blackout and 10mm loads. People also say the Hornady drum type powder measure is better that the sliding bar the Dillon uses.

The fact that Midsouth had it for $389 with free shipping and that you get 500 bullets for $15 was just an added bonus.

 

[Hondo 60]

I got so frustrated with a Pro 1000, that I boxed it up after about 6 months & sold it.

Got a Dillon 550, unused, but 2nd hand.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!! Love my 550!

Not bashing all Lee stuff as I have a Pro auto disk, lotsa Lee dies & lotsa Lee casting molds.
But I just don't like their progressive presses.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I have loaded on a LnL since 2008. I really like it....I paid $390 for it and got 1k premium bullets. I thought it was a great deal. I chose 185 gr. 45 cal XTP's for the bullets. I haven't even opened them, yet.

 

[Stev32k]

Here is one of the best write-ups comparing the LNL, Dillon, and Lee presses I've seen. It's worth taking the time to read.

 

[david bachelder]

Stev32K

Thanks for posting the press review. It was a good read and in the end the brand of press I bought was the winner. I like my LNL and I like it a lot. I have owned a few RCBS presses and was very satisfied with them as well. I still have the RockChucker I bought from someone on this site a few years back. I can't remember his name.

The LNL is the only Progressive press I've ever owned. I do own and use a lot of RCBS equipment. I also have a small collection of LEE equipment. I feel like when it comes to LEE that if you are sure of what it is you want, you can get good stuff.

Bottom line for me is, I'd suggest Hornady to anyone wanting to jump into a progressive set up. It's good stuff and the manufacturer stands behind it.

 

[Elkins45]

Just to muddy the waters a bit: Midsouth has the RCBS Pro 2000 on sale for a crazy low price of $329 right now. If you are considering a manually indexing press I would give it a hard look: five die stations and the fantastic APS priming system. APS strips load in about 1/4 the time of pickup tubes, and it comes with a strip loader.

I may end up talking myself into getting one to compliment my Hornady!