Which Reloading Press Should I Buy??

[SILENTSOUL308]

Ok, here's the deal, my budget is $800 and I'm thinking of buying a new press. Currently I have a Dillon RL550B (it's at least 10-15 yrs old, but works well...it could use some upgrading though) I also have a Lee Classic Cast single stage press. Right now, I only load rifle rounds. I load Match 308win & Match 300 winmag, I just started reloading .223 rem for plinking on my Dillon.

Question is.........which progressive press should I buy (within my budget) or should I use what I have and just stock up on dies, accessories, and extra goodies?


THERE IT IS, SOOOOOO HELP ME OUT FOLKS.....

Thanks in advance

 

[Eric F]

I hate to state the obvious but you already have the press to have $800 wont get you a 1050 so buy the tool heads and dies with your money. there really isnt another press you can get that is better.

 

[Shoney]

I have the 550 and the Hornady LNL progressive. I have relegated the 550 to only one cartridge, and use the LNL for the rest.

The LNL is a much better machine at a much better price, changeovers are a fraction of dillons costs, and the bushing system is faster, the LNL powder measer is superior to dillon measures, and a lot of the top shooters are reporting that the LNL produces much more accurate cartridges.

So do a search and read up on the subject.

 

[Slamfire]

Guy, I have a Redding T-7 and a Dillion 550B. I am covered for all calibers.


The 550 is extremely versatile, unless you are loading a lot of pistol ammo, like 500 rounds a week, seem's any "upgrade" is going to be an expensive but small step up.

 

[threefeathers]

I have an RCBS Pro 2000 and it sizzles.

 

[Hutch]

You already have what you need. Buy components.

 

[Linear Thinker]

It would be hard to upgrade what you have. Dillon 550B has not changed in the last 10-15 years, other than the new powder measure retractor.
If you need more speed, your 550B should be upgradeable to case feeding, Dillon now offers that.
If you need more accuracy, look into Redding competition dies.
LT

 

[Hunter0924]

The Hornady gets my vote. I have loaded a pile of rounds on mine without any trouble.
http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf

 

[First Shirt]

I tried a Hornady progresive and didn't like it. Have used a Dillon 550B for about six years now, and wouldn't take a million for it, if I knew I couldn't get another one. I load for .204 Ruger, .32 H&R, .357, .45 ACP, 45 Colt, .44 Mag,
7mm-08, 30-06, and .308. (Not all of these are mine, but I've told family members that if they provide the conversion kits, and dies, they can use my press to load their own components.) At this point the Dillon has about 25,000 rounds on it, with only minor maintenance, and no major hiccups. And Dillon has the BEST guarantee in the world!

It's not the best choice for load development, but once you settle on a load, you can get a bunch of them done in a hurry.

JMHO,YMMV,IRDDU. (Other caveats as appropriate.)

JWB

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

First Shirt,

What model Hornady progressive did you try? If it was > 6 yrs ago, they're a different press now.

Andy

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

If you're loading rifle rounds, the Hornady's design is a much better progressive. You'll get less run-out (I've checked this using the same components/same gun/same powder weight, etc. on my LnL and my buddy's 650.) and better, more accurate powder drops using the Hornady and it's powder drop than with Dillon 650.

In addition, the Hornady just plain "felt" more comfortable reloading the rifle cartridge than the Dillon did. It's larger, with more room and a stiffer frame.

As far as pistol cartridges go, I can't tell a heckuva lot of difference.

Related to cost, the Hornady has been much cheaper for me to add calibers to than my buddy's 650 has been for him.

Relating the Hornady LnL to the 550, I've the Hornady to be much more comparable to the 650 than the 550. I got rid of my 550 and replaced it with the Hornady and have never regretted it.

Hope this helps,

Dave