dillon vs hornady vs rcbs

[1gunnut]

im sure this has been asked before but I dint find what I was looking for. I have a honady lnl press and having some issues with it that are leading me to rethink and purchase a different press.

Prob 1. primers don't always pick up ether the slide doesn't move back far enough to grab a primmer or it goes back to far and hangs on the back side or the guide rod pops out this is mainly on large pistol primers.

Prob 2. the turret doesn't turn to the same stop point every time so you have to wiggle the handle back and forth to get everything lined up

prob 3. when seating the round 1 out of ten will peal the side of the bullet like it wasn't seated properly but I guide it into the die with my hand. so it junks the round and into the reject bin it goes.

so basically I load a shell insert a bullet and pull the handle half way, gied the bullet into the die wiggle the handle side to side to align the other casings and lower the handle the rest of the way, raise the handle and push forward to seat a primmer if I don't feel a primer seat I pull the primmer sled out to grab a primmer and release, then push the handle to seat the primmer, then start the same process this is slowing down my reloading to about 50 rnds per hour any help or recommendations for new press I want to be able to run through my reloading as fast as I can only loading for fun at the range so precision isn't important. of course cost is a concern would like to keep this press if possible but maybe it is just not that good for my needs

I haven't loaded rifle in a while but didn't seam to have these issues with 308 just the pistol rounds

[sjd78]

I got tired of fiddling around with my LNL some time ago and sold it in favor of a Dillon 650. I couldn't be happier.

[XDRoX]

Have you tried calling Hornady? They could probably walk you through your problems.

I don't have an LNL so can't offer any advice, but I'm certain you can get your machine to run reliably with the right knowhow.

[MrElectric03]

I have no useful info about the LNL either. I can tell you that you won't regret a Dillon XL650. I tried a bunch of presses before buying, RCBS, LNL AP, Dillon 550B(would have gone this route had I not had the cash for the 650), but once I tried the 650 I was sold. When I started buying caliber conversions it was getting expensive, but it's awesome to go right from one caliber to the next in 5 minutes.

[CSACANNONEER]

I have no useful info about the LNL either. I can tell you that you won't regret a Dillon XL650. I tried a bunch of presses before buying, RCBS, LNL AP, Dillon 550B(would have gone this route had I not had the cash for the 650), but once I tried the 650 I was sold. When I started buying caliber conversions it was getting expensive, but it's awesome to go right from one caliber to the next in 5 minutes.

I ended up parting with my 650 and opting to keep my 550. The 550 is simply a more versatile machine with more (and less expensive) caliber conversions available for it. It is quicker and easier to change from one cartridge to the next too.

[ArmedCMT]

I ended up parting with my 650 and opting to keep my 550. The 550 is simply a more versatile machine with more (and less expensive) caliber conversions available for it. It is quicker and easier to change from one cartridge to the next too.

[CSACANNONEER]

It's hot enough for me to drink the blue cool aid today. Of course, it's hot enough for me to drink all the red and green cool aid too.

[PSLguy]

Don't forget the rum. Makes it taste better.

Dillon 550 owner here and love mine. Caliber conversions are fast and easy and everything remains set where you left it.

Having said that any press can give you fits if something is misaligned or nerds adjustment. You might give manufacturer a call to see if they can help. If you opt to switch Dillon is hard to beat.

[BajaJames83]

OHHHHHH YEAH MR Coolaid
have a 550 and 1050 love em both 1050 has primer issues but its still worth it

[Bigtls1]

I'm sure you could get your LNL to where you're happy by contacting Hornady.

I have a 650. But as always, IB all the Dillon haters. Remember, we all spent too much money on our presses!

[Carcassonne]

im sure this has been asked before but I dint find what I was looking for. I have a honady lnl press and having some issues with it that are leading me to rethink and purchase a different press.

Prob 1. primers don't always pick up ether the slide doesn't move back far enough to grab a primmer or it goes back to far and hangs on the back side or the guide rod pops out this is mainly on large pistol primers.

Prob 2. the turret doesn't turn to the same stop point every time so you have to wiggle the handle back and forth to get everything lined up

prob 3. when seating the round 1 out of ten will peal the side of the bullet like it wasn't seated properly but I guide it into the die with my hand. so it junks the round and into the reject bin it goes.

so basically I load a shell insert a bullet and pull the handle half way, gied the bullet into the die wiggle the handle side to side to align the other casings and lower the handle the rest of the way, raise the handle and push forward to seat a primmer if I don't feel a primer seat I pull the primmer sled out to grab a primmer and release, then push the handle to seat the primmer, then start the same process this is slowing down my reloading to about 50 rnds per hour any help or recommendations for new press I want to be able to run through my reloading as fast as I can only loading for fun at the range so precision isn't important. of course cost is a concern would like to keep this press if possible but maybe it is just not that good for my needs

I haven't loaded rifle in a while but didn't seam to have these issues with 308 just the pistol rounds

My LNL is very old, so this advice may not apply to yours if it is newer. They upgraded things.

1) That is usually caused by the primer seating assembly coming loose and jamming the transfer plate. If your assembly is held in place by a knurled screw, you need to replace it with a 1/4x28 thin nut and tighten it with a wrench. The base of the primer drop tube may be dirty. Remove the complete primer tube assembly, transfer plate, and shell plate and clean everything off. Lube it with moly or graphite powder.
With the inner primer tube removed and the ram all the way up, shine a light down the primer tube and see if the tube opening is centered over the primer transfer plate hole opening.

2) I had to take everything apart, clean it, and re-adjust the pawls. Mine indexes perfectly now. I know you shouldn't have to do this if yours is new.

3) You need to set the expander lower so the mouth of the brass is flared more. If you are using mixed brass, you need to set the expander to the shortest piece. You should also chamfer the mouth of the brass (by hand) if you don't mind taking extra time.



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[XDRoX]

OHHHHHH YEAH MR Coolaid
have a 550 and 1050 love em both 1050 has primer issues but its still worth it

IMO a 550 and a 1050 is the ultimate setup. 1050 for 9mm and 223, and the 550 for everything else.

And I do believe this is a record for this forum. I can't believe all these posts without the Dillon haters yet.

[Carcassonne]

I'm sure you could get your LNL to where you're happy by contacting Hornady.

I have a 650. But as always, IB all the Dillon haters. Remember, we all spent too much money on our presses!

Not everyone can afford a 650. Dillion also sells solid carbide rifle dies. They may be better, but many people can't afford the extra money over steel dies.





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[shooting4life]

My LNL is very old, so this advice may not apply to yours if it is newer. They upgraded things.

1) That is usually caused by the primer seating assembly coming loose and jamming the transfer plate. If your assembly is held in place by a knurled screw, you need to replace it with a 1/4x28 thin nut and tighten it with a wrench. The base of the primer drop tube may be dirty. Remove the complete primer tube assembly, transfer plate, and shell plate and clean everything off. Lube it with moly or graphite powder.
With the inner primer tube removed and the ram all the way up, shine a light down the primer tube and see if the tube opening is centered over the primer transfer plate hole opening.

2) I had to take everything apart, clean it, and re-adjust the pawls. Mine indexes perfectly now. I know you shouldn't have to do this if yours is new.

3) You need to set the expander lower so the mouth of the brass is flared more. If you are using mixed brass, you need to set the expander to the shortest piece. You should also chamfer the mouth of the brass (by hand) if you don't mind taking extra time.



.

Pretty much this. Deburr and polish the primer slide. It is also worthwhile to get a brass rod to use as a follower for the primers. It feeds better with the extra weight on the primers, plus you can add a mark so you know you are at a certain primer level.

[MrElectric03]

I ended up parting with my 650 and opting to keep my 550. The 550 is simply a more versatile machine with more (and less expensive) caliber conversions available for it. It is quicker and easier to change from one cartridge to the next too.

Can't argue with you there, I'd still like to pickup a 550 if I had the cash and found one at the right price. Of course I never thought I'd need another press besides my 650 and rockchucker but I don't think I could have imagined enjoying reloading as much as I do. It almost as fun as shooting for me!

Not everyone can afford a 650. Dillion also sells solid carbide rifle dies. They may be better, but many people can't afford the extra money over steel dies..

The make them in 223 and I believe .308, really no reason for them unless you load thousands of rounds a day, and you still need to lube the cases.