Press shopping time

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Scottdeh2o

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I've had my last fight with my Lee Loadmaster. Failure to index, flipped and crushed primers (if it feeds a primer at all), and spilling powder all over the place. It's time to suck it up and invest in something reliable. However, the cost of a Dillon XL 650 makes it not so easy to just run out and pick one up. Don't suppose anyone knows of a dealer who has a layaway program? Thanks in advance.
 
The Hornady LnL press costs a little over $400 for 5 stations, powder measure, auto indexing, and primer feed. I've had one for four years. It's well made and Hornady support is every bit as good as Dillon.
 
I like having multiple presses (which I do), but if I had to buy another today, it would be the Redding T-7. I've been looking at the RCBS turret/progressive, but I'm puzzled by the material their cast from-seem light. The Redding is a beast (I already have a Redding Big Boss II).
 
The Xl 650 is a great choice
One thing to consider is how many calibers you will be loading for.
And the cost per caliber change .
 
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Yes the Dillion cost but so did the Loadmaster and you see what you got . I also bought a Loadmaster when first out and also got very tired of the problems . A Dillion is worth ABOUT what you will pay for it when you sell it . Pay now or pay later
 
I have a Dillon XL650 and Redding T-7 and have been extremely happy with both. So far I have only used the Dillon for pistol calibers, but am thinking of getting a 223 conversion kit soon. The 650 can really pump out the rounds once everything is set properly only stopping to add primers once I hit 100 rounds... The T-7 has my 223, 308, and universal decaping dies in the 6 stations with the 7th one still open. Besides my 30+ year RCBS RockChucker (on a portable setup) these are the only 3 presses I have owned.
 
Buy the Dillon, you'll never buy another press. Buy something else and you'll keep buying something else. Lots of folks have two or three different makes on their bench, then they buy the Dillon.
 
I have been very happy with my hornady progressive. My father has a lock n load that he loves. Mine is just the older version. I would recommend the case activated powder drop, but you would have to do a crazy amount of reloading to justify the expense of the bullet and case feeders. I have used a Dillon progressive and I thought the hornady was better. For the price it can't be beat. Pick one up at cabelas and give it a try for a week. If you don't like it, than return it. You won't be out anything.
 
I agree the Dillon is the way to go. Stellar customer service and dependable equipment. I'm trying to find a Dillon dealer that does layaway because I suck at saving funds. It doesn't help that I'm a single dad feeding a 16 year old son who seems to think his calling in life is to keep my fridge empty. The xl650 is exactly what I want as I'm loading a lot of 9mm, 40 S&W, 223, and 308.
 
I have been happy with my Hornady LNL as well.

If you are looking at a payment plan, you can finance through Paypal, or buy one at Cabelas or Bass Pro with a credit card and pay over time.
 
I've had my last fight with my Lee Loadmaster.
Click to expand...

How much do you want for your Lee "LoadMaster" and what caliber did you purchase it in. I would expect all the original accessories that came with it, when you figure your price.

You can PM me the information.

Thanks, and stay safe.
Jim
 
What exactly is your intent? Load 50 round batches ? Load 500 round batches? Pistol bulk? Rifle bulk ?

For me, I load precision long gun with a rock chucker single and where im a low volume pistol shooter I also have a budget Lee classic turret for smaller 100-200 batch counts of 40 s&w, 223 ar bulk, and 460 s&w. The lee ct is perfect for my needs. A good buddy of mine is hardcore 45 acp and 9mm and he has the Dillon 650 and he has nothing but praise for dillon.
 
Any idea why you are having so much trouble with your Loadmaster? I use mine for 9 different calibers and the only complaint I've had is with the older primer chutes. The newer chutes have performed quite well. I do, lube my press frequently but no other issues. I use the Lee Auto-Disk powder measures and most of my pistol ammo is loaded with either Bullseye or Power Pistol, and I have no issues with either of them.

If you are having Indexing issues, it sounds like either the press isn't adjusted correctly, or one of a couple of parts are worn? I'd be glad to help you get it adjusted and running properly if you like.
 
Multi Presses

I have four presses.
1. 1970 RCBS Rockchucker - Simply indestructible and used for 45 years. Now used only for those rare procedures that are easiest with this press.
2. Hornady LNL AP - New 2013 model. Best value for basic progressive in my opinion. Used for pistol/revolver.
3. Forster Co-Ax - only a couple years old and wish I had purchased this years ago. Used for rifle.
4. RCBS Supreme - Used with Hornady LNL conversion bushing. Good for using in combination with Hornady LNL AP occasionally.

Its not really a choice of Best, Better, Good, Worst, and Bad. Its actually a lot of Best and Very Good between presses. There simply are many great presses available and you just have to pick one (Single Stage, Turret, or Progressive) based on what you load and how they will be used. Press construction (Cast iron or Cast Aluminum) and etc. I prefer cast iron but cost is forcing the use of cast aluminum in many cases. It was very hard for me in deciding but I also spent many hours comparing and reading these forums. Based on my loading volume and use, I made what I thought was acceptable choices. It was really hard to go wrong. The Lyman T7 was really hard to not chose and I may at some point pull the trigger on that also. It is now a matter of want in lieu of need. Good luck.:eek:
 
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