Buying progressive. Wait for RCBS ProChucker or Dillon 650 / Hornady L-N-L now?

[Twoboxer]

The reason the LNL appears so much cheaper is it comes with zero case feeder parts. The 650 is designed to be used with a case feeder & comes with all the parts but the bowl. Why I said equipped the same, the 650 is only about $75 more. I prefer the LNL if no case feeder is desired, it seems more user friendly. The 650 would have to be modified to work w/o the feeder parts or you would feed cases into the case feeder tube. Having done this when I first got mine, not worth the effort & not any faster than my manual indexing 550B. I am also not a fan of the current fad of lock bushings. Just something to come loose IME. The removable tool head of the Dillon is easier & more reliable for caliber changes. I don't own a LNL, but have loaded quite a bit on my buddy's. Both good machines, but the priming system on the 650 is a bit better, more positive.

I agree with nearly all you said in previous posts, and some of the quoted post. But . . .

While the Dillon and Hornady are closer in price when the case feeder is considered, it's also fair to point out that the more calibers you reload the more expensive the Dillon becomes vs the Hornady.

The bushing system eliminates any slop (upward tilt/shift on ram-up) in the tool head on the Hornady. While they are an added cost they contribute to keeping the cost of changeover parts lower than on the 650.

And I've never had any "come loose". OTOH all parts inserted and removed eventually do wear something or other out.

Both are good presses, have their quirks, priming is ALWAYS the weakest spot, and their customer service and warranties are comparable.

 

[bimmerland]

I've gone back and forth with the merits of a progressive vs single stage for my pistol ammo. Each time I've been ready to make a purchase, I decide to stick with my SS. The new RCBS ProChucker that was introduced at the SHOT show once again caught my attention. It looks like it may address a few of the minor shortcomings of other designs. On the other hand, it is unproven in the real world.

If I'm going to make the move to progressive, do you see enough benefits in the RCBS design to wait, or just go with a Dillon 650 or Hornady LNL-AP that have the proven track record?

I tried to get a reliable bullet from a lee loader but had many issues and broken parts. Also major powder drop failure due to drop tube not seated properly. Had to barrel size most of my output and decided to up my game. Went with a Dillon 550 and never had any issues now going past 5000 rounds. Also eliminated the need for barrel sizing. Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[shanemeehan]

I have been using a Hornady L-N-L progressive and single stage for years. good presses.
Grew up on a Rockchucker, but when I was ready to set up my reloading room I went with Hornady.
I like the Hornady progressive press but I have spent time on my buddy's Dillion and even though I hate to say it, I am jealous.
Hind site is 20/20 and if I had it to do over again I woulda gone with an RCBS single stage and Dillon progressive.

 

[Nitmare2k]

I have a LNL and a Dillion 650.. The LNL has some issues with the priming.. I have broken the rod support about 5 times. also the primer slide is also quirky too that I have replaced both at least twice. I have also broke the indexer and the little beveled pins also. the shell plate mount seems to come loose often. the spring case holder is also a pain. Although I have had some issues but Hornady has replaced all the parts free.. I bought some extras because when a part breaks you are done for a week or so. All in all it is a great press, I have loaded thousands of rounds but I still bought a Dillion XL650 set up for 9mm I like to load 1,000 at a time and all set up it takes minimal time. No parts broken on the Dillion (yet?)

 

[fredj338]

I agree with nearly all you said in previous posts, and some of the quoted post. But . . .

While the Dillon and Hornady are closer in price when the case feeder is considered, it's also fair to point out that the more calibers you reload the more expensive the Dillon becomes vs the Hornady.

The bushing system eliminates any slop (upward tilt/shift on ram-up) in the tool head on the Hornady. While they are an added cost they contribute to keeping the cost of changeover parts lower than on the 650.

And I've never had any "come loose". OTOH all parts inserted and removed eventually do wear something or other out.

Both are good presses, have their quirks, priming is ALWAYS the weakest spot, and their customer service and warranties are comparable.

Yes there is a sightly higher cst for conv, but I get superior priming IMO & I prefer the tool head, it never comes loose. The bushings are a weak link, they do come loose, so much so Hornady will provide you shims.
Changing calibers on a 650 is just swapping the tool head, not 4 diff bushings. Yes swapping powder measures requires about a minute longer. Again, no case feeder, I would probably go LNL.
Btw, for those wanting a bullet feeder, the Hornady is a distant 3rd; mr bullet or RCBS, quieter & reliable.

 

[Abflyboy]

Over the last few months, I have just been through all the research and decision making that OP is going through now.

For pure reliability, productivity, minimal down time, and simple caliber change, Dillon 650XL has it all hands down.

Initial tool head set-up took me about 20 minutes. If not changing primer size, caliber change takes about two minutes. If you are changing primer size, takes about five minutes.

My vote: Dillon 650XL. Tried and true, excellent customer service, and great parts availability.