Which Progressive Loading Press would you choose

[alfsauve]

Okay, I'm thinking of a progressive press this Christmas.  But question is which.

Dillion 650 or Hornady LnL AP? 

Okay Dillon has the reputation but Hornady is a little less and has some features I like.

Both are a little confusing as to what comes with them and what doesn't.  The way I priced it, Dillion would work out to $800 and Hornady to $500 with the same basic options.

The way I read it, the powder checker on both takes up one of the 5 stations, but can the powder measure be used with my expansion die?    I need 4 stations for my dies.  Re-size, Expansion, Seating and Final sizing.   If powder has to be separate then I can't have the powder checker.

And why doesn't Dillion's pistol dies have an expansion die?   I haven't found an explanation for why they don't think that's necessary.


Oh, features Hornady has I don't think Dillion has (but you can set me straight).
- Powder feed only if case is present (prevents spills)
- Flexible case retention so case can be removed/replaced at any step
- Cheaper powder checker (though not 'electronic')

Dillion has a plethora of accessories and parts, including part kits to keep you running.

[ellis4538]

How many cals. and how much of each you are going to load might help us to help.  I only load pistol...no place to shoot rifle so the Dillon 550 is what I have.  Have loaded ? thousands on it.  Don't have the ceiling height for a 650 or probably the L&L.  I don't have the low powder sensor and have never needed it.  I have a good light placed so that I can check for powder in the cases and I check the powder hopper often.  Dillon has a video for sale covering the 650 or whatever...you might see if anyone on the forum has one to lend.  Also get a copy of the "Blue Press" it can be of help.  Call Dillon and have them answer any questions.  Hornady probably has a CS line also.  Cal. change time is a big thing also.

Good Luck,

Richard

[Bidah]

These days I would  be looking to get a Conservative press, not a Progressive one.   

On the Dillon, the expander is in the powder die.

-Bidah

[Majer]

I have a Hornady Projector, (Pre Lock N Load) Wish I bought the Dillon 650. I have to "retime" the Hornady a couple times a year, I have a friend who has the 650 with 100,000 + loaded rounds with only a few minor repairs needed and Dillon sent the parts out quickly and for free. It doesn't get any better than that.

[TAB]

The 650.    it only drops powder, if there is a case there.

Also if something breaks dillion will take care of you.


Or be a baller like me and get a 1050 with a KISS bullet feeder.   All I have to do is keep the hoppers full and pull the lever.  I've been thinking very hard about hooking it up to a motor and just sit back and watch it load.   

[Sponsor]

[tommy tornado]

My next press will be a Dillion.

[Bill Stryker]

I like my 650. I use it for .357 Sig and .45 ACP. Add the automatic case feeder and it really rocks. Oh, yes be sure you spring for the powder checker.

[alfsauve]

How many cals. and how much of each you are going to load might help us to help.

9mm about 1,000 rounds a month.   (I might add .40SW and .45ACP down the road, but volume isn't that high right now)

Dillon has a video for sale covering the 650 or whatever.
Also get a copy of the "Blue Press" it can be of help.
Call Dillon and have them answer any questions.
Hornady probably has a CS line also.
Cal. change time is a big thing also.

Too ADD, to watch, but may have to force myself
Have Blue Press.
Calling good idea
Hornady has, from what I read, great CS as does Dillon
Easy caliber change would be nice and would allow using for other, not so prolific, calibers.

Also, there's almost too much info in forums.  I started here, with my friends to somewhat limit responses.  Would take forever to read every post about Dillon, but I am starting to wade through some of them.  Accurate Reloading, THR and others. 

[Solus]

You can probably do your 1000 rounds in an hour and a half or less with the 650....from walking into the reloading room to walking out with your loaded rounds and with no rushing.

[alfsauve]

So-o-o-o-o-o-o,

I'm reading up on the Dillion 650 and it says to try the interactive configuration guide.   OKAY.   I'm game.  Select 9mm.  Then I get a pop-up window that says:

* XL Powder Die must be selected
* Extra Small Powder Bar must be selected
* Magnum Powder Bar must be selected
* Belted Magnum Powder System must be selected
* Instructional DVD must be selected
* Spare Parts Kit must be selected
* XL650 Casefeed Assembly must be selected
* Powder Check System must be selected
* Optional Roller Handle must be selected
* XL 650 Toolholder must be selected
* One Inch Benchwrench must be selected
* Dillon Die Sets must be selected
* Dillon Case Gages must be selected
* Powder Scale must be selected
* Primer Flip Tray must be selected
* Additional Primer Pickup Tubes must be selected
* Calipers must be selected
* Loading Manual must be selected
* Vibratory Case Cleaner must be selected
* Case/Media Separators must be selected
* Cleaning Media must be selected
* Rapid Polish 290 must be selected

Now if that's not enough to scare you off.   What are all these choices?   I don't want or need 90% of this stuff, why must I select it?

OH WAIT   After typing this far in my post I go back to the Dillion window.  Well, it didn't change.......ah....scroll down...there are all the choices.   <Back in a moment>

OKAY BACK.   Had to go through a bunch of choices to select which of the above options I wanted or didn't want. 

Whew.

Configured price before shipping, $770.60     WOW!   I'm not sure....let me load another 200 rounds the hard way.