dillon vs hornady vs rcbs

[Rac97crawford]

I don't know about the other presses but I started on a 650 and pimped it out to a 1500+rd an hour master piece! Been firing out 45 and now 40 like I crazy. Loved it so much and wanted to start doing 44mag and 50ae so picked up a 550. I figure like the rest, my 550 will be for all the other calibers that I don't want to run in bulk. I hit some snags with my older used 650 and Dillion has been fantastic resolving anything and everything that I've needed support on. They always have replacement parts sent right out within a couple days and always with extra parts just in case I might need them.
Im happy to pay more for a machine that I can have maintained for multiple lifetimes without ever paying for any replacement parts or shipping.
I'm happy to buy anything New from Dillion cause it's an investment in a lifetime of care free reloading.

[stilly]

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.

I think because what you just said further proves the point of the "dillon haters". It AINT dillon that we hate on, it is the dicks that have nothing more to contribute other than a "GET A DILLON!" line that they pop up and infect other threads with.

The closest to that would have been post #4. but since this thread changed direction at that post and went STRAIGHT to Blue territory, well, bah, why try to save it? Let it go its course... IT is good for yall to have a support thread where you can go and talk openly with other blue men.

Besides, it is kinda funny to read...

Keep blue and carry on...

[at_liberty]

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

The Lnl AP primer slide cam rod is adjustable. Mine was missing primer pickups, so I loosened the black plastic holder at the top of the cam rod and adjusted it to push the rod tip farther back. This forces the slider slightly rearward. Mine has been picking up primers consistently ever since. I got this instruction on the phone from Hornady CS.

On problem 2, I suspect you need a subtle adjustment to a pawl. Check the manual.

Problem 3 sounds like it is related to the pawl adjustment, wherein the bullet is not lined up with the die. Also appreciate that lead bullets are usually not the intended size for these dies. Some die brands work better than others. I am not a big fan of Hornady dies, but I do use what I have, if no real problems.

[MrElectric03]

I think because what you just said further proves the point of the "dillon haters". It AINT dillon that we hate on, it is the dicks that have nothing more to contribute other than a "GET A DILLON!" line that they pop up and infect other threads with.

The closest to that would have been post #4. but since this thread changed direction at that post and went STRAIGHT to Blue territory, well, bah, why try to save it? Let it go its course... IT is good for yall to have a support thread where you can go and talk openly with other blue men.

Besides, it is kinda funny to read...

Keep blue and carry on...

My post says far more than "get a dillon" there stilly. I admit I don't have a lot of time on his press but did try quite a few before buying and that's how I came to my decision. He's asking opinions on presses so I'm giving mine. I even pointed out how expensive the caliber changes can be.

I know you have a lot of reloading experience, far more than me. Instead of the normal "DONT get a dillon", why not give your opinion on your press of choice?

[John Browning]

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

A different press won't solve user error.

1) This is addressed by properly adjusting the primer cam bracket and keeping the primer slide and assembly clean. If you've done that, call Hornady, because they will help you out, including sending you new parts for free if needed.

2) You need to ensure that the press is clean and that the pawls are adjusted properly. It sounds like the pawls are not set up correctly.

3) You need to bell the case mouth more than you currently are. Your dies are not set properly.

I had a Dillon 550. It is a Rube Goldberg set-up compared to the LNL. The LNL is a much simpler press to set up and run. If you can't run the LNL properly, you won't fare better with any other press.

I'm probably one of a half dozen people here who have had both presses, and I find the "Go Blue!" cheerleaders to be marginally capable of critical thought and independent analysis at best. The Hornady is just a better design. With a few small Dillon upgrades, you won't do better than the LNL.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=921963

[CalTeacher]

I had a Dillon 550. It is a Rube Goldberg set-up compared to the LNL. The LNL is a much simpler press to set up and run. If you can't run the LNL properly, you won't fare better with any other press.

I'm probably one of a half dozen people here who have had both presses, and I find the "Go Blue!" cheerleaders to be marginally capable of critical thought and independent analysis at best. The Hornady is just a better design. With a few small Dillon upgrades, you won't do better than the LNL.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=921963

Explain how the 550 is a Rube Goldberg set-up compared to the LNL. I'm just curious why you describe it as such after using both machines. Is it in the powder measure? Priming system?

I use a 550 for all my match ammo and find it to be an incredibly reliable and simple machine, though obviously not as simple as my RCBS single stage or Lee Classic Turret.

Also, the amount of immature reactions to any "go team ______" is really getting old around here.

[Bastard]

A different press won't solve user error.

1) This is addressed by properly adjusting the primer cam bracket and keeping the primer slide and assembly clean. If you've done that, call Hornady, because they will help you out, including sending you new parts for free if needed.

2) You need to ensure that the press is clean and that the pawls are adjusted properly. It sounds like the pawls are not set up correctly.

3) You need to bell the case mouth more than you currently are. Your dies are not set properly.

I had a Dillon 550. It is a Rube Goldberg set-up compared to the LNL. The LNL is a much simpler press to set up and run. If you can't run the LNL properly, you won't fare better with any other press.

I'm probably one of a half dozen people here who have had both presses, and I find the "Go Blue!" cheerleaders to be marginally capable of critical thought and independent analysis at best. The Hornady is just a better design. With a few small Dillon upgrades, you won't do better than the LNL.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=921963

^^^this - I would add that you need to make sure that your shell plate stays tight, use a lock washer.

[damndave]

Oh jeah!

I quickly sold my LNL and went with a 650. Now I also got a 1050. Better always to start with the best and not look back.

I have wrote multiple times in this forum on why I like the Dillon machines better.

[rm1911]

My SDB has been cranking out amazing ammo for over 20 years. Only issues are finding enough components.

Go blue or go home!!

[John Browning]

Explain how the 550 is a Rube Goldberg set-up compared to the LNL. I'm just curious why you describe it as such after using both machines. Is it in the powder measure? Priming system?

I use a 550 for all my match ammo and find it to be an incredibly reliable and simple machine, though obviously not as simple as my RCBS single stage or Lee Classic Turret.

Also, the amount of immature reactions to any "go team ______" is really getting old around here.

First, let me say I'm not a blind fanboy as most team _____ guys. The only immature thing are the idiots who mindlessly drone on about how if you'd only gotten a Dillon, you'd make .0001 MOA .223 ammo in bulk with sawdust for powder and old fishing weights for bullets. Ever notice that "You should have gotten a Dillon" never precedes the phrase "because..." in any of their cheerleading? They're truly cheerleaders, mindless drones who can only spout what they've been told by someone else. They can rarely articulate why, other than go team blue and Dillon is amazing and only the most awesome people in the world choose Dillon.

I load my rifle rounds using a Dillon Super Swage, a Giraud Trimmer, and an RCBS single stage or a Hornady LNL, using dies from either RCBS, Lee, Hornady (whose dies I do not like), Forster, Redding, and Dillon. Nobody in their right mind would call me a fanboy of anything other than the best tool for the job, at least as I see it.Based off owning both a Dillon and a Hornady, here is the reason I sold my 550 and still have my LNL and I say the 550 is a Rube Goldberg.

The powder measure is vastly superior on the Hornady. If you don't believe me, then ask yourself why every single powder measure out there is a rotor-type except for Dillon. The LNL powder measure is more accurate and more reliable and with a wider range of powders. Want to throw 800x accurately or have it not leak AA#2 everywhere? LNL is your powder measure. Dillon had to hang a giant rod off the side to make sure that their bizzare powder bar travels all the way there and back. No need for that on the LNL. Adjustments are easy, throws are accurate, and changes in the rotor are simple. Moving from one powder die to another is much eaiser with the LNL than having to undo the screws and make the shift on a Dillon. Just back out one captured screw and take off a spring and you're done.

The primer disposal and priming system is simpler on the Hornady, and simpler is better. On the LNL, spent primers go right through a hole in the press into a tube and into a bin. There is no mess. You can run 10,000 pieces of brass without a problem. The Dillon dumps the primer a short distance into a small bin where it then dumps it into your primer catch tray. The hand off to hand off can be messy.

The primer change on the LNL is simpler. Detach a spring, pull out the primer assembly slide, remove the seater, install new slide, install new primer seater and change out the tube in what takes probably a minute. Dillon requires a full disassembly to change from small to large primer.

Tinkering with the LNL is easier because the system is simpler, the Dillon has a few parts you need to mess with, which can include the plastic primer retainer pin and the assembly stop. I found the LNL more reliable and that it left me with fewer missed primers. The only thing that I felt was better on the Dillon is that it seemed less picky when it got really dirty. Any powder between the end of the LNL primer slide and the press can make the priming system become finicky. The low primer alarm did nothing for me on the Dillon. On the LNL, if you use the white rod that comes with it, you'll notice in a heartbeat when you are out of primers. I didn't see any advantage to either in letting you know you are out of primers or low on primers. Both are obvious in that category.

The case retention on the LNL is superior due to the spring vs brass pin set up. If you need to pull a round, just pull it out and then put it back. No need to pull out the brass pins and fiddle with them. Stoppages and/or set up are easily dealt with.

I'm not a fanboy of anything other than whatever works best. I have no need of a casefeeder and have not compared either with the Ammo Plant/Casefeeder bullet feeder set up. I have no experience with either. All I know is that in the basic press, I find the Dillon good and the Hornady better. There are other reasons that I prefer the LNL. This review got me to by a LNL. It wasn't a perfect press, and I stupidly thought that everyone was right, "I should have got a Dillon." I sold the LNL, bought a Dillon, and the Dillon also wasn't a perfect press. After using both, I bought another LNL, and found that I preferred it.

This is the most intelligent run-down I've seen. Beware, hurt feelings may result from reading it, since it entails logic and unbiased analysis over color worship.

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

[Victor Cachat]

I've had the same problems.
The pawl adjustment was bad out of the box.
Once I looked into it and found You Tube vids on things like the primer system, I have only had "stupid user" issues.

[John Browning]

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.

My post says far more than "get a dillon" there stilly. I admit I don't have a lot of time on his press but did try quite a few before buying and that's how I came to my decision. He's asking opinions on presses so I'm giving mine. I even pointed out how expensive the caliber changes can be.

I know you have a lot of reloading experience, far more than me. Instead of the normal "DONT get a dillon", why not give your opinion on your press of choice?

You know a full large to small primer caliber change takes maybe 2 minutes on an LNL, versus the record setting pace it requires to do a 5 minute change on the 650, right? Caliber conversions are also cheaper on the LNL.

[1gunnut]

i appreciate all the impute I have tried a lot of the above fixes even called hornady

I have adjusted the guid rod for the primmer even tried to bend slightly, cleaned regally going to try the brass rod

I have done the lock washer on the shell plate ( I went home last night and messed around with the press and its not the indexing per say more the shells are not tight enough so they wiggle as the press moves up) the underside of the shell plate is clean with a couple drops of oil

Im going to try and flare the casings a little more and hope that cures the seating issue

does anyone here have one of these presses that gets decent production out of

I didn't start this post to start a war just wanted some comparison to each other not the hole Camaros are better then mustangs argument because you were raised a chevy guy and told that a chevy is better than a ford I was looking for experience on if one was better and should I change

[John Browning]

i appreciate all the impute I have tried a lot of the above fixes even called hornady

I have adjusted the guid rod for the primmer even tried to bend slightly, cleaned regally going to try the brass rod

I have done the lock washer on the shell plate ( I went home last night and messed around with the press and its not the indexing per say more the shells are not tight enough so they wiggle as the press moves up) the underside of the shell plate is clean with a couple drops of oil

Im going to try and flare the casings a little more and hope that cures the seating issue

does anyone here have one of these presses that gets decent production out of

I didn't start this post to start a war just wanted some comparison to each other not the hole Camaros are better then mustangs argument because you were raised a chevy guy and told that a chevy is better than a ford I was looking for experience on if one was better and should I change

If you cant get a LNL to run, you won't be able to get a Dillon to run, either. I've produced more rounds on my LNL than my Dillon 550, and found the LNL to be an excellent press.

[klewan]

Scobun, Richard Lee mentioned in his first reloading manual that Dillion bought the rights to use the Lee Auto Disc patent on that Dillion measure you don't like! I'm sure that knowledge is going to induce some strokes and heart attacks with the blues....

I have both Lee powder measures; the Perfect which is a rotary. And the Auto Disc which is the sliding type. They both work, never felt a need to use something else.