Briefly, I've had to make some changes in my shooting/firearms. One consequence is that in the future I will either be reloading for my .38 Spec., .357 Mag., .45ACP and .30-06 or I will not be shooting them. My time for hobbies will be limited. I've sold a couple of firearms that were surplus to my needs/interests. I will be selling others. Out of this mess one happy result is that I will be able to buy a progressive reloading press that will allow me to simplify/economize in my loading. I am considering either a Dillion Square-Deal or 550 or else the Hornaday Lock-N-Load. I would appreciate thoughts/suggestions from those with actual experience with these presses. I have been loading ammunition since 1980. Once in 1990 I owned a Square Deal that I enjoyed. Sincerely. bruce.
Need informed advice on progressive reloading.
- Thread starter brucev
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
folkenheath
Member
Check this thread out, lots of info there...
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/109192-need-opinions-progressive-presses.html
The Hornady LNL AP is more comparable to the 650 when you consider it has auto indexing and 5 stations.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/reloading/109192-need-opinions-progressive-presses.html
The Hornady LNL AP is more comparable to the 650 when you consider it has auto indexing and 5 stations.
Last edited:
robctwo
Member
I bought a LnL in 2004. It's had about 200k put through it by me and the neighbor. I had to send it to Hornady at around 85k for a loose base plate. They rebuilt the press for free.
I like the quick caliber change. The primer feed and seat is good. I really like the auto index feature. The powder feed with the pistol micrometer is very accurate with most powders. I get about 300 rounds per hour without rushing.
When I was comparing presses I came to the conclusion that the LnL had the Dillon 650 features for the price of the 550. Probably not the 650 quality.
I have never pulled a handle on a Dillon, so no opinion on any of them.
I like the quick caliber change. The primer feed and seat is good. I really like the auto index feature. The powder feed with the pistol micrometer is very accurate with most powders. I get about 300 rounds per hour without rushing.
When I was comparing presses I came to the conclusion that the LnL had the Dillon 650 features for the price of the 550. Probably not the 650 quality.
I have never pulled a handle on a Dillon, so no opinion on any of them.
butchd
Member
Auto indexing is an important function to me. My mind has a tendancy to wander. I'm glad I learned on a Bonanza Co-Ax. I have 3 SDs on my loading desk that I use for quantity. If I don't need but 50 shells of a caliber I can set up the old single stage but SDs rule AFAIC.
jubela#4
Member
I started out loading revolver/pistol ammo on a Dillon SDB back in the late 80's. I still have that press set up for large pistol and another SDB set up for small pistol.
If you had a SDB at one time then you know how they are to load on. I love my two SDB's. The automatic progression helps to eliminate a double charge but regardless one still has to devote their full attention to reloading when doing so.
So having said all that I would reccomend you get another SDB for loading your revolver/pistol rounds.
If you had a SDB at one time then you know how they are to load on. I love my two SDB's. The automatic progression helps to eliminate a double charge but regardless one still has to devote their full attention to reloading when doing so.
So having said all that I would reccomend you get another SDB for loading your revolver/pistol rounds.
TSQUARED
Member
I loaded for many years on a 1960's vintage RCBS A-2 single stage press. When I started shooting larger volumes of pistol I purchased a Dillon 550 which I use to reload 9mm, 40 S&W 38 Special, 45 ACP, 45-70 and 458 Win Mag. I prefer the Dillon 550 since I can visually inspect each powder drop befiore moving to the next station. When I purchased my Dillon 550, ca 10 years ago, the Hornady LNL was experiencing some diffculties which I believe have been overcome. The Dillon SDB is only for pistol calibers and I believe only ususe their proprietary dies. I would look seriously at both the Dillon 550 and Hornady LNL.
folkenheath
Member
Here is my post from the other thread...
I went through the same thing in 2008. I ended up getting the Hornady LNL-AP. Here's why
-It has the easiest changeover, even with primers, with the bushings.
- it has 5 stations like the 650 for seperate crimping or a powder check die
-You can change one die or all 5, you don't have to change all five every time with a whole block. So you can change just a crimper die for a different bullet, etc, and not change the rest of the set-up.
-primer change is only 3 parts, just a couple minutes to change
-you can remove/insert the case easily at any position in the rotation with one hand
-primers are seated from the bottom at a "half" station by pushing the bar forward, so you can feal the primer seat without anything else covering up the feel of it.
- auto indexing, which is not only faster but reduces the chances of a double charge.
- if there is no case at the powder drop, powder won't come out
- I bought the micrometer powder measures, one for rifle, one for handgun. With those two parts it is easy to adjust settings and return the powder measure to those settings for any previous load, makes powder measure easy to set-up, and return to any previous set-up. And you can write down infinite setups and return to them quick and easy.
Because of all this you can also easily use this press as a single stage (without having to change dies because they are all installed if you want) for developing small load batches. Because you can remove and replace the case at any time to clean primer pockets, measure powder or custom add powder, trims cases, etc. And none of the other stations are effected by the fact that there is no case there. And if you only want to run a bunch of cases through and resize and punch out primers, go ahead, just pull out the remaining dies and leave the resizer in there alone. Any combination is possible at any time without readjusting your setup because the whole setup isn't attached to one block.
And to top this off, you can get 500 free bullets, which reduces the cost of the press depending on what bullet you choose. For me it was no brainer. Actually I ended up getting more free bullets because I bought 6 die sets too over the following year.
I went through the same thing in 2008. I ended up getting the Hornady LNL-AP. Here's why
-It has the easiest changeover, even with primers, with the bushings.
- it has 5 stations like the 650 for seperate crimping or a powder check die
-You can change one die or all 5, you don't have to change all five every time with a whole block. So you can change just a crimper die for a different bullet, etc, and not change the rest of the set-up.
-primer change is only 3 parts, just a couple minutes to change
-you can remove/insert the case easily at any position in the rotation with one hand
-primers are seated from the bottom at a "half" station by pushing the bar forward, so you can feal the primer seat without anything else covering up the feel of it.
- auto indexing, which is not only faster but reduces the chances of a double charge.
- if there is no case at the powder drop, powder won't come out
- I bought the micrometer powder measures, one for rifle, one for handgun. With those two parts it is easy to adjust settings and return the powder measure to those settings for any previous load, makes powder measure easy to set-up, and return to any previous set-up. And you can write down infinite setups and return to them quick and easy.
Because of all this you can also easily use this press as a single stage (without having to change dies because they are all installed if you want) for developing small load batches. Because you can remove and replace the case at any time to clean primer pockets, measure powder or custom add powder, trims cases, etc. And none of the other stations are effected by the fact that there is no case there. And if you only want to run a bunch of cases through and resize and punch out primers, go ahead, just pull out the remaining dies and leave the resizer in there alone. Any combination is possible at any time without readjusting your setup because the whole setup isn't attached to one block.
And to top this off, you can get 500 free bullets, which reduces the cost of the press depending on what bullet you choose. For me it was no brainer. Actually I ended up getting more free bullets because I bought 6 die sets too over the following year.
a BIG thumbs up on a Dillon 550...you can load both rifle and handgun calibers on it. Your 30-06 is no problem.
I have used one for almost ten years and can tell you that Dillon's Customer Service is the best in the entire industry bar none!
Randy
I have used one for almost ten years and can tell you that Dillon's Customer Service is the best in the entire industry bar none!
Randy
folkenheath
Member
Which ones use proprietary dies?
ChuckS1
US Veteran
Square Deal. It uses drop-in dies. I have an original Square Deal I bought back in the mid-80's and love it. I have a separate tool head for each of my calibers (9mm, .38, .44 Special, and .45 ACP). I also bought a separate primer setup for large and small primers so changing primers is pretty simple.
- Joined
- May 12, 2011
- Messages
- 1,503
- Reaction score
- 777
You can use any dies with 7/8"-14 threads in a Dillon. These include Hornady, RCBS and others. If you drop powder, you need a Dillon powder funnel/expander, or you can adapt any powder measure with a 7/8"-14 thread (e.g., RCBS) and flip the lever manually. Otherwise, you could use a standard expansion die and use the 550 to prep the cases (deprime, prime and expand).
For optimum performance, you could buy a Dillon powder funnel and seating die, and use the sizing and crimping die (with the bullet seater backed off) from another set, for a savings of about $30.
Dillon dies separate the seating and crimping operations. This is much more forgiving of variations in case length, and requires very little force, compared to combined seating/crimping dies. Furthermore, they come apart easily for cleaning, without disturbing the settings.
For optimum performance, you could buy a Dillon powder funnel and seating die, and use the sizing and crimping die (with the bullet seater backed off) from another set, for a savings of about $30.
Dillon dies separate the seating and crimping operations. This is much more forgiving of variations in case length, and requires very little force, compared to combined seating/crimping dies. Furthermore, they come apart easily for cleaning, without disturbing the settings.
rrockefe
Member
I love my Dillon SD! Of course I only want to reload pistol anyway. Dillon customer service is a very positive experience, especially since I am within 45 min. of their location.
Aticus
Member
If you want to load 30-06 don't get a Dillon SDB. An SDB won't load 06. Also the SDB uses proprietary dies. The 550 and L-N-L use standard dies. I use a 550 and won't trade. I have used an L-N-L and my only objection is the L-N-L bushings. The one I used the bushings had a tendency to come loose unless they were tightened with a tool. (I used a small pair of channel locks.) The one I used was a very early production and Hornady says they have that fixed. Find a reloading store and check them both. They're both worth it.
Pecos
Pecos
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
Okay, some boni fides: Been reloading for awhile now, started on a single stage/turret press. Bought standard dies for every caliber I loaded for. Wanted to go progressive for my competition handgun ammo, only one caliber, at least that was the original plan. 
Ended up buying a Dillon Square Deal B used from a fellow competitor for $150. Bought 2 caliber changes, proprietary or not, and went to work on cranking out good ammo. Thousands of rounds were loaded on that first press. Since then, I bought two more so I didn't have to keep changing the press over. Bought one from another shooter for $150 and one from ebay for $200. I got a bunch of extra stuff in those deals too.
I gave one to our oldest son, with 45ACP and 38spl dies. I gave another one to our #2 son in law in 40S&W & 38spl. They both are enjoying them and cranking out ammo like crazy.
If you don't have any dies at this time, it is a fine option for a beginner. Nothing says you are married to any of your presses and can get just about full price for them on the used market if you don't run in to a tight wad like me!
Now, I have one SDB on the bench right next to a Lee Classic Cast Turret Press and a Dillon XL650. That is that bench. On the other bench, I have a Dillon RL450B that has the new powder and primer modification next to a Dillon XL650.
Only one of those XL650s was bough new.
It really all depends on your needs. The RL550B is a good press and as has been stated can do rifle cartridges as well. The XL650 is as close to a production machine as you can get, the Hornady LNL AP seems to be in that same ballpark. Not for everyone. Personally, I like to be able to change out all of the dies in one move. But, since I have two presses, they just pretty much stay set up in the calibers I need most.
Check out the used market first. Dillon's warranty isn't negated because you buy them used.
FWIW
Ended up buying a Dillon Square Deal B used from a fellow competitor for $150. Bought 2 caliber changes, proprietary or not, and went to work on cranking out good ammo. Thousands of rounds were loaded on that first press. Since then, I bought two more so I didn't have to keep changing the press over. Bought one from another shooter for $150 and one from ebay for $200. I got a bunch of extra stuff in those deals too.
I gave one to our oldest son, with 45ACP and 38spl dies. I gave another one to our #2 son in law in 40S&W & 38spl. They both are enjoying them and cranking out ammo like crazy.
If you don't have any dies at this time, it is a fine option for a beginner. Nothing says you are married to any of your presses and can get just about full price for them on the used market if you don't run in to a tight wad like me!
Now, I have one SDB on the bench right next to a Lee Classic Cast Turret Press and a Dillon XL650. That is that bench. On the other bench, I have a Dillon RL450B that has the new powder and primer modification next to a Dillon XL650.
Only one of those XL650s was bough new.
It really all depends on your needs. The RL550B is a good press and as has been stated can do rifle cartridges as well. The XL650 is as close to a production machine as you can get, the Hornady LNL AP seems to be in that same ballpark. Not for everyone. Personally, I like to be able to change out all of the dies in one move. But, since I have two presses, they just pretty much stay set up in the calibers I need most.
Check out the used market first. Dillon's warranty isn't negated because you buy them used.
FWIW
Double-O-Dave
US Veteran
Check out the used market first. Dillon's warranty isn't negated because you buy them used.
Neither is RCBS. I've rebuilt my Rockchucker and Piggback II several times over the years at no charge. The customer service at RCBS is legendary.
Regards,
Dave
Neither is RCBS. I've rebuilt my Rockchucker and Piggback II several times over the years at no charge. The customer service at RCBS is legendary.
Regards,
Dave
dirty gary
Member
Have loaded on every Dillon up to and including the 1050, settled on a 550 about 10 yrs ago. Very versatile, with a few toolheads setup in advance you can load lots of different calibers quickly. As many have mentioned, Dillon is top-notch about customer service, always quick to get any problem fixed so you can keep cranking 
Another vote for the 550, I've had mine about 20 years and it has loaded thousands and thousands of pistol and rifle rounds. It is the only press I've ever had, and it was not hard to learn on it. And Dillon has always been fantastic about sending parts (not that I've had many issues), or taking time to help figure out a problem if needed. They do cost more up front, but I think over the long run they are certainly worth it!
I use an old Hornady Pro-Jector (the predecessor of the LnL AP), and have tried most of Dillon's presses. The Hornady press is the operational equivalent of Dillon's 650, but at a much lower price, probably the best bang for the buck in a progressive press, and the quality is excellent. Hornady customer service is excellent, at least on a par with Dillon. Caliber changeover is, to me, easier and quicker than with the Dillon presses, and much less expensive (no toolheads for each caliber, no proprietary dies, no need to mount a powder measure on each toolhead for each caliber, etc.). The Hornady has plenty of room for rifle cartridges, as well. I am considering purchasing a new LnL AP for the quick change capabilities, leaving my old Pro-Jector set up as a dedicated press for 45 ACP.
BearBio
Member
You can get the particulars from my other posts but I had a Hornaday and they were the worst CS I've experienced. Press was a ***. Got a Dillon and no regrets.
