whats the best progressive press?
- Thread starter evel knievel
- Start date
The Hornady LNL AP is the one I would recommend - like any press there is some setup and quirks to learn into.... I can do 300 rounds an hour at a smooth pace without trying too hard. I really didnt care about the cost difference but Im happy with my choice and glad i saved the money and put it to better use.
This article tipped it in favor of the hornady, doesnt seem to have been written by a hornady fanboy either - http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf
The conclusion from the comparision
"Is the Dillon three times the press as a Lee, functionally speaking? No, although it is the better machine. Is the Hornady twice the press as the Lee, functionally speaking? Darn close – maybe more so. Does the Lee allow for powder check and separate seat/crimp stations? No - if that's a show-stopper for you, you have to take a Dillon or a Hornady. The Dillon should, in principle, make more accurate ammo than the Lee – and the Hornady should be a little better than the Dillon). How much more, and how much that matters, is an issue for each shooter. After some soul-searching, I have switched to the Hornady. Compared to the Lee, it‟s smoother, the powder system is better, the case feeder is more reliable and versatile, and it‟s a true five-die setup. Compared to the Dillon it‟s cheaper and faster to do calibre changes, and smoother to operate. I‟ll miss the Dillon – finely-made equipment is a joy to have around..."
The first portion of the article is very funny.... its make Dillon look like the APPLE of the reloading business.
With the money I saved I also bought a Lee Classic Turret press (100 rounds/hr). I absolute love the Lee Classic Turret and use it for high power precision ammo where speed of reloading is not as important. I use Lee dies for all calibers I load (even on the hornady) along with some specialized crimp dies for big calibers. Lee dies all work fine and PTX is included in their dies.
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Hammerless-12
Member
I brought a Dillon RL 550 B way back in about 1994 I think. WOW is that the machine. I liked it so much I brought a Dillon XL650 and use it only for my 45 ACP and 44 mag. loads. I am on call 24/7 and do not want to spend all my time reloading or fixing a reloader. I have not made one call into Dillon about a problem with either machine. And they have both loaded a TON of ammo. Someone else said it best, and I believe this whole heartedly, you get what you pay for. I started out with an old Pacific single stage, and thats is a good way to get familiar with the reloading hobby, but it is NO way to make ammo fast. I was very skeptical of loading my rifle ammo with the "progressive press. But one day I tried it and put that ammo to the test at 300 yards. Can you believe it shot as good as my single stage bests target rounds. So yes. the 650 loads 45 and 44 and the 550 loads everything else.
I would say to ANYONE that loves to shoot and range time, get the Dillon, and never settle for 2nd best. I veiw this as a lifetime hobby, in other words, I will be shooting my guns until the day I die. So looking at it from this perspective the Dillon is cheep.
Stay FAR away from the Lee's, built way to cheep and will never hold up if you shoot allot. I know because all my cheep buddies want me to "fix" em so they can get back on the range. And they even have the balls to ask to "borrow" the 550 for a couple days. Aint happenin.
No one I know has the "Lock & Load" Hornady around here, so I cant comment on that one. I do know Hornady does make quality stuff.
Good luck in whatever you purchase, and a hugh WELCOME to the reloading hobby.
I would say to ANYONE that loves to shoot and range time, get the Dillon, and never settle for 2nd best. I veiw this as a lifetime hobby, in other words, I will be shooting my guns until the day I die. So looking at it from this perspective the Dillon is cheep.
Stay FAR away from the Lee's, built way to cheep and will never hold up if you shoot allot. I know because all my cheep buddies want me to "fix" em so they can get back on the range. And they even have the balls to ask to "borrow" the 550 for a couple days. Aint happenin.
No one I know has the "Lock & Load" Hornady around here, so I cant comment on that one. I do know Hornady does make quality stuff.
Good luck in whatever you purchase, and a hugh WELCOME to the reloading hobby.
toytacoma9
Member
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As someone who used to own the Hornady LNL, I don't agree with the review at all. While the press was OK, it had frequent problems with the shell plate springs, case feeder, and auto-indexing. I ended up selling the press and was happy to be rid of it.
I bought a used blue press, had Dillon rebuild it, and it's been 100% flawless. The Hornady can be picked up at a very attractive price right now, but I can't recommend it after my lemon of a press. Buy something that is blue and be done.
I bought a used blue press, had Dillon rebuild it, and it's been 100% flawless. The Hornady can be picked up at a very attractive price right now, but I can't recommend it after my lemon of a press. Buy something that is blue and be done.
fredj338
Member
THis is a frequent issue w/ the LNL. I have abuddy that bought one, he is a machinist by trade. He has done all kinds of tweeking to get his to run near 100%. It's now a pretty good machine for him, but having run it & the 650, the 650 is a better rig IMO. It is also what I bought when replacing one of my 550B. Better priming system, far better case feeder & I like the tool heads for caliber changes, but admit to leaving this one setup for 45acp at the moment.
mkk41
US Veteran
For years I swore by my single stage and at turrets and progressives. Most owned by friends seemed more trouble than they were worth.
The Dillon 550B is just the opposite. Very consistant and reliable. Caliber changes are a snap with the interchangable die blocks/tool heads . Set 'em and forget 'em. Haven't had to adjust my .38 Special or .45 ACP settings in years. Dillon's video makes set up and getting started so simple , and their customer support is impeccible.
The Dillon 550B is just the opposite. Very consistant and reliable. Caliber changes are a snap with the interchangable die blocks/tool heads . Set 'em and forget 'em. Haven't had to adjust my .38 Special or .45 ACP settings in years. Dillon's video makes set up and getting started so simple , and their customer support is impeccible.
Beerjman
Member
Dillon 550B
40 years ago I started reloading on a Lee reloader .
The type you use a hammer to drive the case in and out of the die .
Over the years I have owned , Lyman and RCBS reloading presses .
In 1989 I bought a Dillon 550B . When I am not shooting matches I shot about 200 - 300 rds a week . I am loading pistol and rifle ammunition on that press .
I have also used my friends other brands reloading presses.
The Dillon 550B is BY FAR the best press of the bunch .
Once the press is "charged" with primers and powder it takes me about 41/2 to 5 minutes to load 50 rounds of 45 ACP .
With the exception of one part of the primer feed mechanism that I destroyed (replaced by Dillon at no cost to me) my
550B never needed the warranty service from Dillon.
40 years ago I started reloading on a Lee reloader .
The type you use a hammer to drive the case in and out of the die .
Over the years I have owned , Lyman and RCBS reloading presses .
In 1989 I bought a Dillon 550B . When I am not shooting matches I shot about 200 - 300 rds a week . I am loading pistol and rifle ammunition on that press .
I have also used my friends other brands reloading presses.
The Dillon 550B is BY FAR the best press of the bunch .
Once the press is "charged" with primers and powder it takes me about 41/2 to 5 minutes to load 50 rounds of 45 ACP .
With the exception of one part of the primer feed mechanism that I destroyed (replaced by Dillon at no cost to me) my
550B never needed the warranty service from Dillon.
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Missionary
Member
Good morning
Get a 550 Dillon. If you hunt and be patient you can come up with a good used press in the caliber or possibly multiple calibers you want. Last one I bought cost me $250 with numerous accessories. They are garenteed and Dillon is good to help.
Get a 550 Dillon. If you hunt and be patient you can come up with a good used press in the caliber or possibly multiple calibers you want. Last one I bought cost me $250 with numerous accessories. They are garenteed and Dillon is good to help.
OK Im going to break the chain of thought here...I don't think the Dillon is a good chice for a beginner. Sorry. Don't get me wrong I own a Dillon and plan on buying another, but... for a beginner I really believe you are best off with a single stage press (Lee Aniversary kit). Buy it load 1,000-5,000 rounds, get you head around everything then go for a progressive. I believe you will learn more an better, as trying to concerntrate on 4 things at once with a progressive is a bit too much for a learner. But as for a progressive, Dillon gets my vote. Love my 650.
OK Im going to break the chain of thought here...I don't think the Dillon is a good chice for a beginner. Sorry. Don't get me wrong I own a Dillon and plan on buying another, but... for a beginner I really believe you are best off with a single stage press (Lee Aniversary kit). Buy it load 1,000-5,000 rounds, get you head around everything then go for a progressive. I believe you will learn more an better, as trying to concerntrate on 4 things at once with a progressive is a bit too much for a learner. But as for a progressive, Dillon gets my vote. Love my 650.
I would strong recommend going straight to a progressive especially with all these tutorial videos available now.. I've done it. A single stage to do the entire process is a massive waste a time especially just for plinking. Just run 1 shell at a time through the progressive till everything is running smooth and you can understand everything
I bought presses in the following order
1) Progressive
2) Classic Turret
3) Single Stage
For a pistol shooter who shoots quite a bit, like getting into IDPA, getting a single stage for their only press is a huge mistake that can cause the new reloader to quit in frustration. It is just too slow for loading hundreds of cartridges.
If they have no mentor and don't trust their ability to understand and follow directions, then the Lee classic turret might be a simpler start.
However, I have mentored several reloaders who started right out on the Dillon and never regretted it. I was there to verify their press and procedures, and give them a "no, no" when they got the urge to skip steps and let safety get slack.
Biggest problem I had with beginners was not with their learning the press, but simple stuff like not wanting to use a scale to recalibrate the powder measure when changing lots of powder because "they thought it would be OK."
If they have no mentor and don't trust their ability to understand and follow directions, then the Lee classic turret might be a simpler start.
However, I have mentored several reloaders who started right out on the Dillon and never regretted it. I was there to verify their press and procedures, and give them a "no, no" when they got the urge to skip steps and let safety get slack.
Biggest problem I had with beginners was not with their learning the press, but simple stuff like not wanting to use a scale to recalibrate the powder measure when changing lots of powder because "they thought it would be OK."
25 years ago, I had a Hornady (I think that is what it was) progressive press - it was okay.
When I got back into shooting earlier this year, I went with the Dillon Square deal. It is a very good press and I have no regrets. I am also borrowing a Dillon 550 press from a friend which is an older unit. One of the parts failed on it, I wrote Dillon, they sent the part out right away. Can't beat the service and support.
Both machines are rather easy to setup and use and no one should fear the "complexities" of a progressive press. Not to be rude, but if you can handle a gun, clean the gun, and take it apart and put it back together again, you should be comfortable with a progressive press.
Part of my decision to go with Dillon had to do with availability of reloading components locally. No one around here stocks all the stuff so I had no choice but to go with mail (internet) order. From that point, I looked around to see who was getting service and Dillon stood out pretty loudly.
Just my 2 cents
Chris
When I got back into shooting earlier this year, I went with the Dillon Square deal. It is a very good press and I have no regrets. I am also borrowing a Dillon 550 press from a friend which is an older unit. One of the parts failed on it, I wrote Dillon, they sent the part out right away. Can't beat the service and support.
Both machines are rather easy to setup and use and no one should fear the "complexities" of a progressive press. Not to be rude, but if you can handle a gun, clean the gun, and take it apart and put it back together again, you should be comfortable with a progressive press.
Part of my decision to go with Dillon had to do with availability of reloading components locally. No one around here stocks all the stuff so I had no choice but to go with mail (internet) order. From that point, I looked around to see who was getting service and Dillon stood out pretty loudly.
Just my 2 cents
Chris
SD$Bob
Member
Auto indexing and price made the choice easy for me. The Dillon 650 is a great machine but cost sent me to the Hornady LNL and I am happy with it.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
There is no BETTER progressive press than any one that Dillon makes. There are some that are as good, and some with different features, but none better. That being said, a progessive is not for everyone. Some folks just never get a grip on "righty tighty and lefty loosey" and if that is you, don't get a progressive press. If you have mild mechanical skills, and have a modicum of attention to detail, then you can use any of them.
My first progressive press was a Square Deal that I got used for $150. Son #1 has it now and is loading on it. The next one I bought off of ebay and it was a Square Deal as well but cost me $200. Then, there was a guy that wanted to sell his last Square Deal B press and I bought that for $150 and our son in law is loading 40 S&W on it. At this time, I have an XL650, a Square Deal B, a Lee Classic Cast Turret Press and several single stage presses.
Each has its use and purpose. If you are going to be shooting a lot, there is nothing like a progressive press. If you aren't going to shoot as much as all that, the Lee Classic Cast Turret is a great choice.
The biggest thing is to get started reloading and do it now. There isn't too much pressure on the hobby now but let a liberal congress get back in or some other political catastrophe happen and the supply of ammo is going to dry up again. Then where will you be?
I will have ammo. Hopefully, so will you......................
My first progressive press was a Square Deal that I got used for $150. Son #1 has it now and is loading on it. The next one I bought off of ebay and it was a Square Deal as well but cost me $200. Then, there was a guy that wanted to sell his last Square Deal B press and I bought that for $150 and our son in law is loading 40 S&W on it. At this time, I have an XL650, a Square Deal B, a Lee Classic Cast Turret Press and several single stage presses.
Each has its use and purpose. If you are going to be shooting a lot, there is nothing like a progressive press. If you aren't going to shoot as much as all that, the Lee Classic Cast Turret is a great choice.
The biggest thing is to get started reloading and do it now. There isn't too much pressure on the hobby now but let a liberal congress get back in or some other political catastrophe happen and the supply of ammo is going to dry up again. Then where will you be?
I will have ammo. Hopefully, so will you......................
OP
evel knievel
Member
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
And just think, all you had to do is mortgage your firstborn! For some, that may not be a bad choice! hahahaha
Take your time in setting it up. Did you get a strong mount? If not, make sure the lever will make a full stroke where you mount it. That turkey goes back under the table a ways and can cause you some trouble if you aren't too careful!
Let us know how things go!
Take your time in setting it up. Did you get a strong mount? If not, make sure the lever will make a full stroke where you mount it. That turkey goes back under the table a ways and can cause you some trouble if you aren't too careful!
Let us know how things go!
FloridaFlier
Member
You don't even know yet how good you did! I have owned a Dillon 550 for about 5 years. My best guess is that I've loaded about 15,000 rounds in 3 calibers. Every time I've called Dillon to ask a question, I've talked to a fellow who reloads his own ammo. No 'tech support in India' with these guys. Only advice now; if you've never reloaded, find a buddy near you who can help you set up. It will be so very much easier than going it alone at this stage.
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