New to Reloading

[hmvan]

Okay calgunners, I need some input. I've been researching reloading presses and am getting ready to purchase. I have heard a ton of good reviews of both the Dillon presses and Hornady Lock N Load. I seems at first that the Hornady is cheaper, however Dillon 650 w/out the case feeder is not much more that Hornady.

I will be reloading 9mm, .45, .38 special, and .223 rem. I shoot a couple hundred rounds a month between them, definitely more 9mm. It's time to get more BANG for my buck!


From what I can tell, both have excellent warranties, is Dillon's really better? Some options seem more expensive with Hornady. I've seen so many different setups but cant really decide what direction to go.

Either way, the used setups don't really come up for sale very often, so when I'm ready with cash in hand I may have to get a new setup.

I guess what I really need is to be pushed one way or the other, any help is greatly appreciated!!

[wbunning]

Do a search for Hornady LNL or Dillon 650 in the subforum "private reloading sales" in this section. There are several offerings each :-)

[rimfire11]

I'm sure 99% of the reloaders here have more experience than me, as I'm starting out, but I went with a Dillon 550B and have been very happy. I bought mine through Brian Enos at: http://www.brianenos.com/store/home.html.
If you haven't already seen this site, Brian has put together suggested packages for the various Dillon presses. He even Emailed me before processing my first order to make sure I had everything I needed, based on what I wanted to start out reloading, so I wouldn't have to place a second order a week later because I forgot something on my first order.

FYI, Brian Enos will not continue to sell Dillon reloading presses after 12 noon, July 29th.
His prices were about the same as going direct, shipping was a little cheaper, but his follow-up really help me get going more quickly.

[Jmoreno88]

you can't go wrong either way. both warranties are pretty much the same. no hassle, no questions, they just send you what you need free of charge. There are alot of extras you can get with dillon but I really like my Hornady. I'm a huge fan of the case feeders on progressives but if you're only shooting a few hundred rds a month then I would just get a dillon without the case feeder. I shoot a few hundred every few days so I definitely take advantage of the case feeder

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[blockfort]

I went the minimal (and cheapest) route and got the basic Lee single stage setup. Yes, it takes a lot longer to load my pistol rounds, but it gives me something to do, and a relaxing way to spend my time. It paid itself off a long time ago.

[Dezman]

Be sure to research the cost of caliber conversions and the amount of time it takes to do a caliber conversion on the press. With the calibers you stated, you will be changing out shell plates case feeder plates, powder drop stems (rifle / pistol), powder drop funnels, bullets plates, dies, and primer slides (large / small primer) assuming you are running a bullet feeder and case feeder. Not to mention the .223 may need primer pocket swaging.

I started with an LNL AP for .40 and 9mm. I have loaded .45 and .223 also. .223 was such a pain in the butt to load with the case prep that I gave up on it. Don't shoot it enough to deal with the hassle factor.

I now have a Dillon 1050 and wish I would have bought it in the first place. I'm shooting 1-2k rounds each month so I go through a bit of ammo.

Each press has its pro and cons. You'll hear go Blue, Red, Green, etc. Sometimes it helps if you know someone in the area that has a similar press to check out or use for support.

[boomer135]

why don't you call both companies, see how you are treated, then make up your mind. Ask them question about their press and decide on who treated you better on the phone.

This will prove itself alone if you ever need to call for parts or tech help.

[Divernhunter]

Just as usual on Cal-Guns; Someone asked should they get pork or lamb for dinner and you can be sure someone will pop up and say they need beef

To your question. Get a Dillon 650 with case feeder and never look back. I suggest getting quick change tool heads and use Dillon dies. I saved my other dies for my single stage presses if I only want to load a few rounds. "I PEASONALLY" prefer to batch process my rifle brass and load on a single stage but have a friend who does it on his Dillon 650.
The Dillon is a Mercedes. The Hornady is a Ford/Chev. The lee is a Pinto/Vega.
I have used them all. I have single stage presses from RCBS(3) and Hornady(for 50BMG). I have set up for others and used Redding(turret), Lyman(Crusher) and lee(Several different models).

This is my advise. Others may differ......but that does not make them right

PS---You do not state where you are located but if you are near me you can come by and test out my stuff and I can explain my processes for reloading pistol and/or rifle

[CalTeacher]

Don't get too hung up on the initial price of the press and accessories because the differences in price between two comparable presses will be reduced to basically nothing if you crank out the amount of ammo those are meant for. Look for features, warranty, and reliability. I will always recommend Dillon, but the Hornady is a good press from what I hear. Everyone I know uses Dillon and I don't hear them complain.

[Dave626]

if you decided to go with Hornady, you can buy it at Jet.com (similar to amazon) for $332.89 shipped. you can also get 500 free bullet from hornady.

[Paseclipse]

Look at the RCBS Pro 2000 and the newer RCBS.
I have had a 2000 for 16 years, and love it.

It’s funny because after cranking out 600 rounds of .223 this weekend I was admiring my Pro2000’s simplicity and years of trouble free use. Mine just keeps going and going with no problems. Though the design is a little dated now compared to what the other companies are coming out with.

OP, there’s a thread on the AR15.com forum asking pretty much the same exact question (Hornady LNL AP vs Dillon XL650) that's a pretty good read- https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/4...n_load_ap.html

I’m not currently in the market for a new progressive press (my Pro2000 will never die) but if I was I’d go with a Dillon XL650.

[gc44]

If you are a noob to this, start off small, like a couple of guys stated above. Get the feel for it before you drop 1500 bucks + for some of the progressive stuff and all the accoutraments. Then again, there's the "buy once, cry once" philosophy. Your call.

[sixoclockhold]

I went the minimal (and cheapest) route and got the basic Lee single stage setup. Yes, it takes a lot longer to load my pistol rounds, but it gives me something to do, and a relaxing way to spend my time. It paid itself off a long time ago.

I went the same route and glad I did. 5000 rds of 9mm is a distant memory.

[davek8s]

I don't think it's fair to call Lee equipment the Pinto or Vega of reloading. It's more like a Honda Civic, good quality that's affordable.

I started with a Lee single stage press and did all of my reloading on it for more than 4 years. I was using a Lee turret for a while and now I'm running a square deal B for pistol and my Lee single stage for 223 only.

I learned a lot single stage loading at first and I think everyone should start there.

I don't think you can go wrong with an LNL or 650 press.

[sixoclockhold]

I hear ya Dave, sitting down priming 9mm, .38, .357 & .30-.30 atm with the Lee Ergo auto primer.

I like the fact you touch the casing, get more feels, more inspect, that's a good thing.