Want to add a progressive press ?

R

Road_Clam

New member
So I've been S/S loading now for about 3 years. I'm seeing the need to load some bulk ammo as now my wife and daughter are liking the AR15 for general "zombie plinking". I need a progressive that can do .223, 40S&W , and 460 S&W mag. I need a progressive that takes up minimal space , and I have no problem compromising lesser speed for a smaller package. I'm leaning towards the Hornady Lock and Load ? Your thoughts and opinions ?
 
Any brand of progressive press is fine - as long as it's Dillon.

To be more serious, I loaded on a single-stage (RCBS) for almost 31 years before I went progressive just a few months ago. I got a Dillon 550. It's only a four-stage, but it suits my needs just fine. The five-stage 650 is more popular.

I turned to Dillon because of the overwhelming positive feedback here on TFL - as it so thoroughly exceeded the anecdotal. My loyalty with RCBS is strong; but when it came time to go progressive, I chose Dillon and I am not disappointed in the slightest. They may cost a few more $'s, but you're paying a few more dollars for a lot less headache. A bargain.
 
I second and third the recommendation for the Dillon 550B. Not at all familiar with the Hornady L and L but there just seems to be too many complaints against it. I've often questioned the feasability of doing, say, .30-06s on the 550B but .223s should be no problem (but still might be advisable to lube the cases--hardly necessary with handgun brass). Save all of the more heavy duty rifle cartridge loading for the single stage. Have been using two 550s for what seems like centuries now. Can't go wrong. Like any progressive, just a matter of becomming aware of its idiosyncrasies and learning how to quickly fix any glitches that may come up.
 
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The Hornady LnL AP is easy to get setup and running, has 5 true stations, and good customer service. I am loading 9mm and 38spl currently. I have everything I need to load 40S&W as well. I recommend getting the PTX die to expand on the powder drop and the RCBS lockout die for safety. Then you have room for a seprate seat + factory crimp or a bullet feed die + seat/crimp combo die.

If you can afford a Dillon, they are great presses. If you're on a budget, the LnL won't dissapoint either.
 
Both the Dillon & the Hornady work well.The difference is in the details.

I have (& like) a Dillon, but it's not perfect. I don't have a Hornady, but I've heard they have some issues as well.

Why are you leaning towards the Hornady? What about it is "better" than the Dillon?
 
Any brand of progressive press is fine - as long as it's Hornady.

Don't drink the blue kool-aid; cherry tastes much better;)
 
I'll vouch for my Dillon 550B, it's a good, smooth, machine, makes consistent ammo.

Won't compare it to Hornady because I've never used one, but you will not regret choosing Dillon over another brand. I'm reloading about 20 calibers and have seen no deficiencies in the press.
 
The only reason I was leaning towards the L&L was the mount configuration. I don't have the bench space to add a second press, so I need to remove my current press and swap it for the progressive. Currently I have my RCBS RC mounted on a raised pedestal. Looks like the Dillon uses a raised bracket system and that mount wont work with my pedestal ?

 
The way I see it you have 2 choices.

Get whatever fits your pedestal & learn to love it, whatever it is, or get something else & lose the pedestal.

Dillon has what they call a "strong mount" I don't use one because I custom built the bench with a top tall enough to bolt directly to the top. There are other riser mounts for the Dillons in addition to Dillon's own as well.
 
I would just unbolt the pedestal instead of the press myself.

In any case the sheet metal "strong mount" that Dillon sells is an option.

I mount all of mine directly to the bench (or flat sub plate onto the bench).

IMAG1256.jpg


I have had two LNL's (pre and post EZ ject) I would not pick it over a 650.
 
I think the Dillon should fit your base. I don't have a 550, but I do have a Dillon Square Deal B, and a RCBS Rock Chucker, and the footprints on my bench are about the same.

The 550 May be bigger, but probably not that much bigger.

Look at the photo of the strong mount here: http://www.dillonprecision.biz/category/machine-accessories/rl550xl650-strong-mount/

The mount is 8" tall, it isn't perfect because of the angle, but look at the depth compared to the height. I would be surprised if it is over about 3 1/2",
 
One possible advantage of the strong mount is that you can attach several "trays" & "Akro Bins" to the mount itself. That might end up freeing up some of your worktop?
 
At one time I had two side by side, one stock and one with SM and roller handle.

Shortly after this I got rid of the SM.

650feeders.jpg
 
I have had progressive machines from a variety of companies for a variety of ammo making and they all share one thing - the major headache always seems to come from the primer area. If anything is going to bring out Mr. Murphy, it is there more than likely.
 
Buy an inline fabrication mount & plate system, then swap in whichever press you want to use. It's a great system for those that don't have the space to mount multiple presses.
 
I prefer the Dillon - and their 650 press is roughly equivalent to the Hornaday LNL ( not the 550 )....the Dillon 550 manually indexes and has no capacity for a 5th station in the toolhead for a powder check die ( and that's a big deal to me ). ( Dillon SDB is for handgun calibers only ).

Dillon 650 will meet all your needs ...making it fit your pedestal / just means fabricating something...not that big a deal / get some steel - to modify the top.

Caliber changes are not easier on LNL ...they're pretty easy on both LNL and 650.
 
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