Kind of a different Dillon 650 vs Hornady LNL thread. ADDED A QUESTION ABOUT THE 650

[MR_X]

Oh I shoot 1k a week but it isn't all in competition sorry if that came out that way. I do practice a LOT and once in a while I go to a practice ground out here to do some breaching scenario after who ever uses it leave the compound. <--- that is a lot of fun. My oldest son wants to get into competitive shooting also so I teach him the safety handling part of shooting so he has that muscle memory down. So between him and me we go through a lot. I'm fortunate enough to have an outdoor range out here that I can have a whole range for myself that I set up as a small course.

PS is Phantom Strike. Same thing but with rifle.

[hd-dude]

I cannot comment on Dillon, I use an LNL. The oal variance that I get depends on the caliber. 9mm is the worse with about .010 in variance. With .40 I get about .005 at the most. I don't recall the exact variance on .45, .357, and .38 special as it's been a while since I have loaded those but I do recall it being less than the 9mm.

[HighLander51]

[QUOTE=MR_X;13625183] I do practice a LOT and once in a while I go to a practice ground out here to do some breaching scenario after who ever uses it leave the compound. <--- that is a lot of fun. QUOTE]

What kind of a match is that?

[MR_X]

It isn't a match. I have a friend that goes there afterwards to make sure the place is clean and sometime they have extra ammo so I go with him to clean up, pick up brass and run through the course for fun. It is very similar to a course in Norco but instead of shooting to the little windows, you go from room to room and/or building to building.

I have been trying to go to the Norco ones in the last month but work has gotten on the way. So going to do this last ones this weekend and get ready to move.

[sjd78]

Either press will do you fine. I have owned both and I personally prefer the XL650, but it is a lot more expensive. My problems with the LNL AP is from the cases canting in stations 1 & 5. I had a big write up about it on here maybe 2 years ago.

My experience with the LNL mimics AlliedArmory's. The LNL is long gone and I couldn't be happier with the 650.

[MR_X]

I can't make up my mind on either one to be honest. 2 days ago I wanted the LNL, yesterday I wanted the 650. Today I just want to just keep the Lee since my wife would not be happy if I replace it this soon (she got it for me last x-mas). Got other priorities at the time so not going to worry about for a bit. Also got to see how much shooting I can do at my next duty station and see if out weight getting another press. One thing I will do is get the Dillons dies set. I like their bullet seating dies because it has the dual plug for RN and SWC bullet profile and I don't have to take the dies out to change it.

[MR_X]

So I just spoke with my wife and this is the only option she gave me. Keep the Lee for 9mm since I reload in low quantities then get the Dillon for 45 and may be 223.

[rsrocket1]

You are not going to enjoy swapping back and forth between SRP .223 and LPP 45ACP. Better get yourself a Dillon and an LnL!

At $100/week, you could stop for a month and afford an LnL.

I understand that you may be limited in your options. If your funds are limited, go for the LnL, much more bang for the buck.

If you're limited to "one loading press", swing for the fences <blue>.

[MR_X]

^Haha I wish...not going to have to swap on the primers. I prime my 223s (and all others currently) individually. Right now I'm happy with running my 223s through my Lee Classic. I can always swap to 45 ACP SPP. got plenty of those stacking up .

For the record I don't think one is better than the other. The decision was made because my wife believes on Dillon's reputation.

[MR_X]

when I move, I'm going to be driving by Phoenix and I'm thinking stopping by Dillon's and thinking picking up the 650. My truck is going to be packed pretty good and was wondering how is the box for the 650.

[gmbat]

Just got mine back from Dillon due to a refurbish (free!!!). The factory box is
@ 3' X 18" X 18". Just my best guess from a fading memory. It's no larger than that.

[MR_X]

That should fit.

[Spdjunkie]

imho:

You can't go wrong with either, its a coin flip. Blue & Red Kool Aid both are refreshing once setup is correct. Both have their pros/cons in regards to setup, but once setup both produce fine accurate reloads.

I currently reload on a LNL, have so for several years & pumped out many of thousands upon thousands of reloads. When I first got it, yes I did have to set it up & adjust things - Like any new machine/press.

My OAL is VERY Consistent within the .00[1-3]" range depending on Bullet Manuf./Profile. Less variances with Hornady JHP line of bullets I find less variances in OAL than others I have reloaded for pistol.

Many times I see posts of people comparing this press vs that press, it comes down to "overall" setup: Choice of Brand X vs Y dies, & how each person set them up at each station. Hard to compare apples to apples when one press variances in components to the other. I also read/hear A LOT of people recommending this/that on setup of dies . . . IMHO: Set up your machine/dies from "Each Manufactures Manual/Instructions". If you have any issues, check the Manuf. website & many times they will have Youtube Video content to assist in setup. Then if all else fails: Contact the Manuf. CS Tech Support before "experimenting" with what this/that person told you. Both Dillon & Hornady Tech CS is TOP NOTCH!
In my experience Hornady CS has been Over the Top A++++

Basically, Once you go one team & are Knee Deep in extra parts/accessories, etc. its hard to change or recommend another. You learned on that machine & once setup know how to run it so what else would you recommend? Kind of like the F___ vs C___ debates . . . . Doesn't matter to me as long as the end product meets my expectations

btw: I'll probably end up with a Blue Press sooner or latter, 1050 . . . BUT my Red Machine LNL will stay put. I personally hate swapping calibers/primer setups