Which press? Hornady LnL or Dillon 550B

[GarySTL]

I had decided on the Hornady, but the local dealer, who carries both, said he prefers the 550B and would not recommend the Hornady. Now maybe his profit margin is better on the Dillon...

I kind of like the LnL feature to change calibers on the Hornady.

What say you all?

 

[orionengnr]

Recently there was a thread very much like this. It linked to a fairly comprehensive side by side comparison. If I did a search, I could probably find it.

Oh, wait... so could you.

 

[JFettig]

From what I'm told by my dealer, the dillon profit margin isn't all that great.

There are things that are good about both and bad about both, not always the same thing. The only thing I don't like about my LNL is the primer mechanism, a small amount of powder in there can make it very difficult.


Jon

 

[45ACPUSER]

Dillon and never ever look back!

 

[Idano]

IMO from a mechanical standpoint the L-n-L AP is equivalent to the 650 in that it is the same basic design and operation; cost wise it is around the same price as the 550B if you don't factor in the 1,000 free bullets. Both companies have a No BS warranty, in fact most reloading companies anymore stand behind what they make. I have had my L-n-L AP almost three years and I have not had one mechanical issue with it, however, I have heard that there had been a few issues earlier but Hornady stood behind them. Here is my baby all optioned out with a case feed, digital case counter, Dillon roller handle, and RCBS low primer alarm.

Like some Dillon users I have multiple powder measures setup for specific calibers so I don't have to mess with setting up the dispense when changing calibers.

 

[bofe954]

I'll second the recommendation to search and add my 2 cents...

I have the 550.

Dollar for dollar, with the bullet rebate and some of the deals that can be had from Cabela's and other retailers that carry the LnL and not dillon, the LnL is a higher speed press for the money. It truly is progressive and the 550 isn't.

I bought the 550 because it is fast enough for me. I don't want to run a bullet feeder, or case feeder etc. I can get 3-400 rounds per hour and that is OK for me. The 550 is simple to use, simple to change calibers on. The warranty is good. There is a ton of info out there if you have issues or want to change something about it. It works great, I don't regret it for a second. If I had a lot of money to blow, and the space, I'd buy another one so I could load .45, 308 and 3006 on one and .40, 9mm and .223 on the other and do caliber swaps quicker (and less often).

 

[neal7250]

The 550 Dillon is the best of the best. I have a 550, 650, and a square deal, ane I think that the 550 tops them all.

 

[donaldb]

How long and how difficult is it to change calibers on either?

donald

 

[bofe954]

How long and how difficult is it to change calibers on either?

For the 550 (and everything else, but I can only describe the 550) it varies a lot depending on what caliber you are switching to.

You COULD need to change 3 elements-
1. The toolhead and dies
2. The priming system
3. The shell plate

My easiest change is 45ACP to .308. I have a toolhead set up with my ACP dies and and powder measure. I have a separate toolhead set up with my .308 dies and a powder measure. 45ACP and .308 happen to both use large primers and the same shell plate. To switch from 45ACP to .308, I remove my 45 toolhead (2 pins and it slides out, and put in my 308 toolhead. Then I have to verify my powder measure is right (it always is) and that my setup is right (it should be). The end, takes MAYBE 5 minutes.

Now to go from 45ACP to .223, I need to change the toolhead, shellplate and primer system. Talking 15, 20 minutes. If you didn't have a toolhead set up for .223 that would be longer since you'd have to adjust your powder measure, OAL, crimp etc.

The lazy but wealthy man's setup is to have a large primer press and a small primer press and a toolhead and powder measure setup for every caliber you load. This is big $$.

The minimum setup is one press, dies and shellplate for every caliber, one toolhead, one powder measure.

Most people fall in between the lazy and minimum. A toolhead is less than $20 so it's worth it to have one for things you load frequently, and one empty one for extra for stuff you rarely load. This keeps your OAL, crimp etc consistent.

An extra powder measure saves some time but cost $70-$80, so having one for a caliber you load for rarely is kind of silly.

I am still pretty much a beginner reloader. I used a Lee turret for awhile and it was well worth what I paid for it for the ammo I loaded and what I learned. I am really happy with the 550 now though.

 

[GarySTL]

One of the things I like about the Hornady is their lock and Load system. Don't need to make any die adjustments when changing calibers. And from what I read, the dies fit back in the box with the adapters installed. Their powder measure's slightly better according to some.

You can have extra tool heads on the Dillon, but it doesn't seem as convenient to me.

 

[Otto]

I own a LNL AP and the bushing system failed to impress me. It does save time when changing dies but only by a matter of seconds. Furthermore, if you do a search you'll find alot of people (including me) have had their dies become loose and back-out of the LNL bushings. Some replace the adapters others use larger o-rings.
The powder measure is superior to Dillons but you'll have to buy Hornadys pistol rotor to make it reliable with small charges.

 

[Shoney]

It always amazes me that people who have only loaded on one press, and never touched the competition, can give glowing testimonials as to how much better their press is. Well, I have both the LNL and a 550, and occasionally load with a friend on his 650.

Before I got the LNL I used to be a member of the blue buffoon battalion, who, like others here, because of blind loyalty, dishonestly spewed the “lots of BS” Blue Shinola. The first time I saw the Hornady quick change system, my product loyalty was shaken, and I eventually got the LNL. Dillon’s exorbitant costs are a turn off. A caliber change as noted by bofe954 for the 550 costs around $90 w/shipping, while the LNL is around $6 (not considering dies and shell plates). And the LNL is quicker to changeover!!!!!!!!

I have more problems with the Dillon primers system than the Hornady. The Dillon design allow the burned residue from depriming to drop into the working mechanisms and gum them up. I have lots of upside down and sideways primers on the 550.

The old tech slide powder measure on the Dillon is its worst feature, and with age leaks ball powders. Oh Bother. The Hornady powder measure is more versatile, quicker to adjust changeover loads with the micrometer inserts, and overall more accurate.

Now the real shocker. Over the last 6 months, my friend with the 650 and I have done run-out tests on ammo produced in the same dies from the 550, 650, and LNL, The LNL produces significantly more accurate ammo. And after testing was complete, I now load quite a few more rifle cartridges on the LNL.

Price: If you deduct the cost of the 1000 free bullets from the purchase price, the LNL costs under $100.

 

[GarySTL]

I did search THR and found a PDF comparing the Hornady, Dillon 650, and the Lee. Interesting reading and I'm planning on going with the Hornady.

 

[Bowfishrp]

I love my LNL but I cannot say anything bad about the Dillon because I dont own one...other than they wanted more money for it.

I love the LNL bushings and being able to change between 9mm, 45 and 40 in about 5 minutes (not including recalibrating my powder drops since I only have one) is worth it. I would recommend buying a few extra case retaining springs since you will break one every now and then. Hornady will replace them for free but I dont want to wait and they are only about $2. You will need to buy some shellplates but they handle multiple calibers, the #1 that comes with it can handle 45 and 308 among others. I also love the auto-indexing. Have I mentioned that Hornady is some of the best people to call for problems or questions? I have talked to them a couple times about dies and they drop stuff in the mail for free all the time! Great company!

Plus the free 1000 bullets is fantastic!

 

[David Wile]

Hey Gary,

You are not comparing apples to apples when comparing the Dillon 550 to the Hornady L&L. They are not comparable in any way other than a lever is raised and lowered. If you compare the Dillon 650 to the Hornady L&L, then you are at least comparing apples to apples. I prefer my Hornady L&L, but my buddy prefers his Dillon 650. They both produce fine ammo, but the Hornady is really a good bit less expensive than the Dillon 650, and that is without the free bullet deal!

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

 

[GarySTL]

I bought the Hornady yesterday afternoon. Not installed yet as I still need to put my bench together. Bought a Craftsmen Professional 5' which I need to assemble.

I'm impressed with the quick change inserts for the powder measure. It all looks well made. Of course the dealer had the shell plate for 40 S&W, but no dies. He had 9MM dies, but no shell plate. I have the small pistol rotor for the powder measure, so light charges should be no problem.

Where do you folks mount the press? Middle of the bench? off to one side so the middle is clear for other operations? My bench has no drawers, so sitting in front of the press is no issue regardless of location.

 

[Jacka L Ope]

Congratulations on your selection. Hope it brings many years of great service to you.

 

[Idano]

GarySTL,

Congratulations, I think you will be happy with your decision. If there are going to be a problem with your press it will be with the inserts not staying locked. Hornady had a has had some tolerance issue with them recently but that is about it. To help expedite the break in I would recommend polishing up the primer slides and top of the sub plate where the shell plates sit. Any burs or fouling will hang up the primer feed and create flat spots on your case retention spring. If got the case feeder I would recommend polishing up the pivot and pivot adapter too. Don't forget to clean the powder measure real good before you use it!

 

[GarySTL]

I think I have some crocus cloth I can use to make sure every thing's nice and smooth. The instructions for the measure and the dies say to remove all the oil. I was planning on using Gun Scrubber or Brake Cleaner for that, along with compressed air. Either of those should leave an oil free surface behind.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Gary,

Mount the press off to one side of your bench, but far enough from the end things are convenient. Before you mount, think about ergonomics and how you're going to get brass/bullets etc. into the press. Read the sticky about reloading for newbies at the top, gives you some ideas about brass/bullet bins/storage during reloading that'll help you out a good bit.

Don't get in too big a hurry about turning out thousands of bullets initially. Instead, take your time learning your press and setting things up so you understand how things work as well as the quirks of the press. (yes, they all have them)

I have a LnL, my buddy has the 650 and they're both good presses. Neither of us have regretted it, but I load more rifle cartridges on my press than he does. He loads his rifle stuff single stage.

Regards,

Dave

 

[pinkymingeo]

The RCBS Lockout Die will provide peace of mind, and is worth every penny. I have 2, one for large cases and one for small, and wouldn't use my LnL without them anymore. They've saved me from myself a couple of times, and probably will again.

 

[hydraulicman]

both are great. if you want a case feeder get the lock n load. if you like to weigh each charge by hand get the 550b

 

[Joemyxplyx]

The Dillon 550 and the Hornady LnL are both fine presses. They have excellent warranties and will last forever.

The LnL costs less to buy, way less when you factor in the free bullet offer. The LnL costs less for a caliber change and is faster to make the change. The LnL powder measure is much better, both in accuracy and in adjustment. The LnL is faster than the 550 and slower than the 650 in cranking out bullets.

Either one as good. You make the call.

 

[lykoris]

Thread dates from June 2008, I think if he bought a press it was quite some time ago.

 

[Art Eatman]

Ah, necrothreadia!