Ready to move up to a progressive press

[Bert Gamble]

I have been reloading for a little while now and I am ready to move to the next level and buy a progressive press.

I have been using a RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme and would like to get your opinion on how to proceed.

I can buy:
RCBS "Piggyback" unit for the Roch Chucker (Cheapest option)
Hornaday LNL Progressive (I like the way it looks)
Dillion Square deal or RL550B (Everyone seems to like them)

I don't want to start a green vs red vs blue fight, but I am interested if you have opinions.

I currently only reload 45 ACP but plan on doing 9mm and maybe .223

Thank you

[cudakidd]

Dillon 650! Can reload anything rifle, pistol etc. Best ergonomics, best customer service bar none!

[biogenic]

I am in the same boat . The LNL looked pretty appealing and less costly than the Dillon. I would really like to test drive both before I make a decision.

Keep us posted.

[Divernhunter]

I have 3 single stage presses, 2 RCBS and a Hornady. Been reloading since the 1960's with the Rockchucker and Jr RCBS presses. I have a friend with the RCBS and he said not to get one. I know someone else who got the square deal and then sent it back to get a XL650. I do not know alot about the Hornady from friends etc. I recently got the Dillon XL650 because I hate dealing with the 9mmLuger reloading. Got the case feeder and all safety checks(low powder/low primers and powder check) and really like it. I also got Dillon dies and saved my RCBS dies for the single stage if needed. I also got the set-up for 45ACP. I like it enough to plan on getting a setup for 9mmMak and maybe others. Even thinking about 2 Dillons and leave one set up for large and one for small primers. That is if I get the cash.

I think you would really like the Dillon XL650 even more than the 550/square deal or another brand. After all these years I like the Dillon and it is worth the extra wait/cash for me.

[Bert Gamble]

Dillon 650! Can reload anything rifle, pistol etc. Best ergonomics, best customer service bar none!

Is there a reason for the 650 over the 550? I don't plan on getting a case feeder so I don't see the need to spend the extra money on the 650. Feel free to change my mind.

[anyracoon]

The 650 has a extra die station, great for the powder check, plus auto advance. Once you have a case feeder you won't load with out it.

[Bert Gamble]

The 650 has a extra die station, great for the powder check, plus auto advance. Once you have a case feeder you won't load with out it.

I like the idea of a powder check. That might be the thing that has me get this model.

[CSACANNONEER]

For basic progressive reloading, it's hard to beat the versatility and simplicity of a Dillon 550. In fact, I recently traded my 650 off but, I'll never part with my 550. Now, if you are just going to load a few common cartridges, a 650 might be a better choice but, I prefer the 550 because, there are far more caliber conversions available and, they are cheaper too.

[kmca]

If you're really interested in the piggy back, I've got a friend that has one and tried setting it up for quite a while, then gave up. I'm sure he can be persuaded to sell it.

I like the idea of 2 550's..matter of fact, that 's what I'm in the process of doing now. My square deal is set up for the one cartridge I shoot the most, it's a good press, but won't do rifle cartridges.

Which ever loader you get, don't get rid of the single stage

[Bill Steele]

I have been loading on a Dillon 550B for a while now. The reason I chose the 550B was its simplicity of operation. It is a very bullet proof loader. I load about 400 rounds an hour on it. I am usually the slowest guy on these boards volume wise with any given type of press.

To change from .45ACP to 9MM (including a large primer to small primer change), takes about 5 minutes.

If you want the additional speed of a case feeder, then I would recommend a 650. I personally don't need that level of output and I don't want the added complexity.

As far as the need for a powder check die, I look into each case before setting the bullet to verify my charge, even in reloads where I am using large cases and small charges (like .44RM with .44Spc loads). Even in this situation a double charge is obvious if you look before you set the bullet.

Good luck, have fun.

[problemchild]

Three presses I would look at.

BL-550
550-B
650

BL-550 simple, cheap, slow
550-B Mediuim priced, more complex, faster
650 , expensive, complex, a lot going on, powder check to prevent double charges and squibs, fast, the only thing missing is a swager

[191145ACP]

550B, with a couple upgrades is hard to beat, very dependable and consistent. Like others I only use Dillon dies. The no BS warranty sets the standard. BTW, I load 45ACP, 38/357, 40 and 9mm. It takes me about 30 minutes to do the cal changes and dial in the powder charge primer swaps. I do have separate tooling plates for each caliber which helps. I go slow and easy and do about 250 rounds an hour, but they are picture perfect and very consistent.

[Bert Gamble]

I have been loading on a Dillon 550B for a while now. The reason I chose the 550B was its simplicity of operation. It is a very bullet proof loader. I load about 400 rounds an hour on it. I am usually the slowest guy on these boards volume wise with any given type of press.

To change from .45ACP to 9MM (including a large primer to small primer change), takes about 5 minutes.

If you want the additional speed of a case feeder, then I would recommend a 650. I personally don't need that level of output and I don't want the added complexity.

As far as the need for a powder check die, I look into each case before setting the bullet to verify my charge, even in reloads where I am using large cases and small charges (like .44RM with .44Spc loads). Even in this situation a double charge is obvious if you look before you set the bullet.

Good luck, have fun.

Is there enough room on the 550 to clearly see the charge? It looks from the picture like you might not be able to.

[Waldog]

I own a SDB and a LNL. I have loaded ammo on the SDB, 550, 650, and 1050. With the exception of the 1050, I prefer the operation of the Hornady LNL by a WIDE MARGIN.
The ergonomics of the LNL are much better for FOR ME. Other, of course, will disagree.

You will be best served by trying to find someone to try both, the LNL and Dillon. They operate quite differently.

BOTH COMPANIES MAKE TOP NOTCH STUFF!

[bruce381]

Dillion 550 or just invest in a lifelong hobby and get a Dillion 650, To save a few dollars you DO NOT NEED the case feeder, strong mount or roller handle.

They can come latter and this gets you into the hiogh end machine that even if you want to sell it latter you can get 95-110 percent of what it costs now back.