More Progressive Press Questions

[Dark Mod]

About to pull the trigger on a progressive press, just a few questions that dont seem readily apparent after googling.

On the Dillon 650 (or 550) do you have to buy a conversion kit for each caliber? or just one conversion kit and different shellplates?

Similarly on the LNL AP, it looks like you only have to buy the different shellplates and thats it... or do you need some sort of kit?

[damndave]

About to pull the trigger on a progressive press, just a few questions that dont seem readily apparent after googling.

On the Dillon 650 (or 550) do you have to buy a conversion kit for each caliber? or just one conversion kit and different shellplates?

Similarly on the LNL AP, it looks like you only have to buy the different shellplates and thats it... or do you need some sort of kit?

I don't own the blue, but the LNL AP all you need to buy is a $20 shellplate to change calibers. The powder measure comes with 2 rotors to switch from rifle to pistol. It also comes setup for large and small primers.

From my understanding, the Dillon needs a conversion kit for each caliber.

[Dark Mod]

I don't own the blue, but the LNL AP all you need to buy is a $20 shellplate to change calibers. The powder measure comes with 2 rotors to switch from rifle to pistol. It also comes setup for large and small primers.

From my understanding, the Dillon needs a conversion kit for each caliber.

Gotcha man, thats all i needed. Looks like its the LNL for me

[lwlaml]

Mark, I got an LNL two months ago!!! It is awesome!!!

I've loaded 9mm, .45 LPP and .45 SPP just for the hell of it. Really easy changes and very accurate powder drop.

You may have to tweak the pawl adjustment to get the indexing just right, but that's easy. Watch the Hornady setup videos on Youtube. I followed the first ten step by step (skipped the ones on the case feeder).

Definitely get a can of the One Shot Cleaner/ Dry Lube to make it easy.

Lester

[Fyathyrio]

This comparison explains the differences between the presses and what's needed in very good detail.

https://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf

[anyracoon]

With the Dillon 550 shell plates are the same for several calibers, .308, 30.06, 243, & 45ACP use the same shell plate & pins but different powder funnels for the 243, 45ACP & 30 caliber rifle. There are several charts floating around that list what locater pins, shell plates and powder funnels are used on different calibers. Before you pull the trigger try to find someone who has a Dillon and a LNL Hornady to actualy try out to see what feels best to you!

[XDRoX]

You don't have to buy a complete conversion set up for every caliber but it way nicer if you do. The minimum would be a $45 conversion kit which come with a shell plate, locator pins, and a powder funnel. Plus you'd need to buy a $20 tool head to hold the dies. So you're looking at around $65 minimum. The LNL, like you said, just buy a shell plate.

When I decide to load for a new caliber I buy a full conversion set every time for convenience. This consists of all the stuff I just mentioned plus a powder measure as well. I also buy Dillon dies which I prefer. One of these full conversion set ups cost around $210 if I remember correctly.

But all I have to do is replace complete tools heads when I want to load something else. Plus, I don't have to even adjust my powder measure. I haven't adjusted it for my 9mm in thousands of rounds. I basically find a load that I like, set it up, and leave it. It's expensive, but very convenient.

I'll see if I can find a picture so you can see better what I'm saying.

[XDRoX]

Toward the right of the picture you can see two blue complete conversions. As you can imagine, the are very easy to just swap out. But they do cost over $200 each with Dillon dies which are around $60 I think.

[VCMike]

I bought the LNL about two years ago and after about 20,000 rounds through it it works great.

[BigBronco]

Mark, You should also buy extra die bushings and some powder measure inserts large and or small depending on the caliber switch outs. The Powdermeasure has a quick release on the rotor to change the the metering inserts. By buying extras you can store the insert with your dies and make quicker throw changes making the practice of buying additional powder measures not necessary, like the Dillon guys do. I also highly recommend getting a powder check die or the preferred RCBS Lockout die (Squib insurance). Oh and extra springs. The offer is still good to come by and use mine before you pull the trigger.

If you make it over here I will fully explain why you want the extra items.

[Clownpuncher]

My LnL will be here tomorrow..... I can't wait.

[Dark Mod]

Mark, You should also buy extra die bushings and some powder measure inserts large and or small depending on the caliber switch outs. The Powdermeasure has a quick release on the rotor to change the the metering inserts. By buying extras you can store the insert with your dies and make quicker throw changes making the practice of buying additional powder measures not necessary, like the Dillon guys do. I also highly recommend getting a powder check die or the preferred RCBS Lockout die (Squib insurance). Oh and extra springs. The offer is still good to come by and use mine before you pull the trigger.

If you make it over here I will fully explain why you want the extra items.

Thanks! Definatley need to make my way out there soon, life keeps getting in the way though lol.

I think hornady sells a 10 pack of bushings so ill probably go with those, everyone seems to love the LNL so thats good enough for me

[Dark Mod]

Toward the right of the picture you can see two blue complete conversions. As you can imagine, the are very easy to just swap out. But they do cost over $200 each with Dillon dies which are around $60 I think.

Ouch, thats almost the cost of a casefeeder for every new caliber... I appreciate the wisdom though, in fact the bulk of my research was done on an XDTalk thread you happened to be a part of too

[Clownpuncher]

found this link, I think it was in another thread on here but I can't find it. glad I bookmarked it.

Anyway, is there any way to make it a sticky? It is a great objective comparison of the presses.

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.pdf

[XDRoX]

My LnL will be here tomorrow..... I can't wait.

Congrats. I got a 45 mold coming in the mail today. Tonight we're going to be pumping out boxes of 45 for less than $2.00 per 50 rounds.
Casting party tonight!