Dillon vs. Hornady LnL

[DaFadda]

@ ... THANK YOU... exactly what I expect to hear.... honest evaluation of what you use and why... very much appreciated!!!!

Michael

[sdmc530]

Originally Posted by DaFadda

@ ... THANK YOU... exactly what I expect to hear.... honest evaluation of what you use and why... very much appreciated!!!!

Michael

One of my favorite actors said. Just the facts please. Friday, Joe Friday. Good stuff Michael glad you enjoyed my views. I should of pointed out also if my dad hadnt ponyed up 80% of the money and i was able to sell my single set up i would not been able to afford blue myself. I probably would have gone red just because of initial set up costs. But always wanted blue and was lucky to get it.

[Horse'nround]

A very well written article. I really will only take issue a couple of his points. 1st – the ease of changing calibers with a Dillon, the system was designed with this mind. 2pins, a rod clip, a 5/16” allen bolt and if necessary a primer tube and feed shoe. 3 to 5 minutes tops and yes every setup has a powder measure all setup. That’s what makes it so nice. And yes after 25,000 plus rounds through it there have been some maintenance issues. I have worn a few things out and broke a couple more. So far Dillon has replaced them all for free. I personally do not like an auto-advance system, I like to do it myself it keeps me focused on what I’m doing. And here’s the kicker… I bought my Dillon used from a guy who loaded match rounds for a living, I have no idea how many rounds he’s put through it. Dillon doesn’t care either. When I called them with a problem they told me it’s a lifetime warranty, on the press not the owner. I wonder if Hornady has the same point of view.

Just my 2 cents...

Chris

[DaFadda]

Thanks for the input Chris... I'm still on the fence as to Red or Blue... OR... whether I even want to move from my tried and true Lee Classic Turret. swears that its faster... and I'm sure it is... but I don't see a thousand dollars worth of difference ($300 vs $1300 outlay) FOR ME... not anyone else.. just for me.

Now... finding a used Dillon... knowing that the warrantee is lifetime... I'd keep the Lee Classic and use it for rifle... dedicate the Blue for pistol rounds. But again..... still sitting on the fence...

Thanks
Michael

[Jdl2]

Michael,

Forgive me for jumping in but you're just the guy I need to talk to. I have never reloaded and want to start as a desperately needed hobby. I have serious focussing issues so I've been convinced that SIMPLE is what I need and a single stage is best for my limitations. I am the least mechanical, least handy guy you'll ever meet... I seriously doubt I'll ever nee or desire to use a progressive setup.

Lee Precision tells me their Classic 4 hole Turret Kit is right for me as it can be used as single stage. With your Turret experience would you recommend it for me? They also have a Classic Breech Lock single stage and then there's the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme for considerably more $$$.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Best,

Jim

[Jdl2]

Michael,
You've already answered my question in a thread I started a few weeks back and was just now reviewing again. Got lots of great info in that thread.

Sorry if I crapped on your post.
Jim

[Horse'nround]

Originally Posted by DaFadda

Thanks for the input Chris... I'm still on the fence as to Red or Blue... OR... whether I even want to move from my tried and true Lee Classic Turret. swears that its faster... and I'm sure it is... but I don't see a thousand dollars worth of difference ($300 vs $1300 outlay) FOR ME... not anyone else.. just for me.

Now... finding a used Dillon... knowing that the warrantee is lifetime... I'd keep the Lee Classic and use it for rifle... dedicate the Blue for pistol rounds. But again..... still sitting on the fence...

Thanks
Michael

Michael,

So here's some food for thought, as I said before I don't like an auto staging progressive, whether it be cam or lever the mechanical actuation will cause powder flip. If I'm the one doing the advancing then I'm the one in control of the movement which is why I like the RL550B. Now you can step into this model for around $400.00 and all you need is your dies and supplies.
http://www.scheels.com/shop/en/schee...-4235-14261-y3

I have found quick changes kits on sale for as low as $89.99. the really nice thing is they will come with the powder charger on it. You can be into a starter for under $400 and 3 caliber Dillon setup for around $750, well under that $1300 mark.

Chris

[sdmc530]

Chris, you can "fix" the powder issue with a different spring. I am not a fan of the person doing the indexing because with all that is going on it might be easier to double charge or make other type mistakes. Not saying its not a good set up just like it for the speed. I did consider the 550 but I wanted to reloaded that would be as efficient as possible.

don't mean to start any reloading wars...just wanted to jump in

[Horse'nround]

No wars big guy,
To each his own. For me, doing the indexing insures I check powder levels each time I index (I use the just powdered round to index) and I leave the powdering stop pin out of the press plate for easy brass removal. I usually scale every 10 to 20 rounds-yes I'm anally paranoid... A hot scares the hell out of me and squibber would just flat piss me off. thank GOD I have experienced neither.