Best Progressive

[BigboreShooter]

Thinking about getting a progressive press for reloading my handgun calibers.
Which one is the best for the money (NOT LEE)?

BigboreShooter

[Garyshome]

Here we go again....Dillon!

[Virginia John]

You said best for the money - Lee. Otherwise, Dillon.

[angus6]

Super 1050 :bigsmyl2:

[oger]

In most cases a Dillon 550 is the best.

[pjames32]

Dillon. I use a square deal b. 550 is cheaper to change calibers.
PJ

[troyboy]

Nothing wrong with the pro 1000

[tigweldit]

Dillon,all day long. I've been using a RL 550b for over 25 years and the only malfunctions were operator related (my screw ups). Their customer service is the best I've ever seen. I also have lots of experience on RCBS (4x4) and Lee progressives. In my opinion, I'll stick with Dillon.

[LUBEDUDE]

This thread is going to be like walking into a rock concert and asking what the favorite drug is.

[Artful]

this thread is going to be like walking into a rock concert and asking what the favorite drug is.

Dillon

http://www.dillonprecision.com/customize-reloader.html

Here's some other links to help you BigboreShooter

http://ultimatereloader.com/2010/05/18/side-by-side-all-4-5-station-progressive-reloading-presses/

http://theapproachingdayprepper.com/search-perfect-first-reloading-press/

http://www.reloaderaddict.com/progressive-reloading-press-comparision/

by the way BigboreShooter do you load for any rifle calibers?

[EddieNFL]

This thread is going to be like walking into a rock concert and asking what the favorite drug is.


Walk into an IDPA or USPSA match and ask. Every poll I've ever seen puts Dillon between 80 and 90 percent.

[lightman]

I'm another happy Dillon owner. I hope to have a Star someday, but thats probably just wishful thinking!

[kfarm]

No LNL fans yet.

[Kevin Rohrer]

Dillon. They make a relatively inexpensive press just for pistol. The 450?

[Alvarez Kelly]

Dillon. They make a relatively inexpensive press just for pistol. The 450?

You're thinking of the Square Deal. The 450 was very similar to the 550, but it did not have a removable toolhead. I think Dillon quit making the 450 about 1982.

[jmorris]

Depends on what you want to do, how fast you want to do it and how much money you have. The best ones I have were all made by Dillon.

[hermans]

+1 to what jmorris said!

[Moonie]

There is a huge difference between best and best for the money. Best is without question Dillon, best for the money, you don't want mentioned...

[perotter]

A Camdex or an Ammoload.

[ph4570]

Lnl ap

[Bryan Marino]

DILLON! I had seven Dillons at one time; 3 X 1050s, 2 X 550s, 2 X Square Deals.

[claudesapp]

I've got a 650, 550, and Lee 4 hole. I still use the heck out of the Lee press, fiddling with new loads and bullets is really easy on the Lee.
Pretty much use the 650 only for 9mm, and 550 for everything else. If I had to choose just one, I'd go 550.

[DR Owl Creek]

I wouldn't say the Hornady L-N-L is the best progressive press of all time, but it's the best for me. You're doing yourself a real disservice if you don't al least check them out.

Dave

[BigboreShooter]

Thanks for the input. I've been reloading since 1969. 9out of 10 times when I purchased Lee products they left me disappointed.

Thanks BigboreShooter

[runfiverun]

camdex,,or dillion 1050.

if you asked about semi-progressive I'd say Dillon 550.
simple as a rock and easy to make a decent amount of ammo with.

[Lefty Red]

Progressive presses are great for loading allot of the same caliber rounds and only that loading. I personally think they are too much trouble to change calibers and primer sizes and loads.

I started on LEE items. I had the Classic and love it! I really like the Classic Turret Press. I don't like that my non LEE dies won't fit and either need LEE rings or go with out. Side bar, the old three hole turret does allow the non LEE dies to fit. But the CTP does have a bit of play in it. But the best buy of the turret presses.

I upgraded to a Dillion SDP in 9mm. Love it. But a pain to adjust loads and calibers. Of course that can be said about most presses. Its a great press though. I am still selling it (look in the S&S section this weekend!!). Upgrading to the 550b. I like the manual moving the of plate and the larger working area. But would still say the SDP is great. But for me, the 550b allows easier adjustment and WHEN something goes wrong during the loading, that says allot.

Oh, the LEE Classic is staying. I swapped out the lock with a Hornady LNL bushing and it makes for a quick change in dies. Almost as fast as a turret.

Also, the RCBS Pro 2000 has the best priming of any progressive I have used. Its a good, but expensive press.

Jerry

[Freeandcold]

Very happy with LNL... Change overs are a breeze. Much more "substantial" piece of equipment compared to the 17+ year old pro1000 it replaced. But, I was was happy with the lee... Might not have replaced it if it had more than 3 stations. Still have it but don't use it... Did not have any of the commonly stated problems.

[lowallman]

Dillon 550, no question

[KohlerK91]

I would not keep a Dillon if it was given to me.

Unless it was a RL1000 or a RL300. No need for a warranty.

[shooterg]

For non-commercial machines, I have 3 answers.
DILLON
DILLON
DILLON

[blaser.306]

I will vote for the Red team! I have been using a Hornady LNL for about 10 or more years, finnaly upgraded it to the EZ ject base plate and never looked back! Liked it so much in fact I bought a second . Caliber change is a snap and the powder drop set up is easy as well. One thing that I realy like is the 1/2 stage advancement at both top and bottom of stroke. Loading 38 super for Major power factor means a case FULL of 4756 and nary a kernel shaken free on indexing. Whatever color of kool aid you drink there will be good and bad days. Any progressive is a learning curve and "generaly" need a little tinkering and fine tuning now and then.

[ioon44]

I have been loading on the same Dillon 550 I started with in 1990, well over 100,000 rounds and still works great.

[troyboy]

Everyone has an opionion. Most of these are based on that purchase. Few have tried the different brands. Despite what many believe, the best progressive is the one that meets your needs. Nothing wrong with Lee p-1000 works great. If you want to invest more money then Hornady or RCBS.

[Labanaktis]

I started out on a Hornady LNL...yes started out. It was fine. You just need to be patient and work thru the process.....if it's to much at once, just run 1 case thru at a time to learn every process of the press. I have since sold the Hornady LNL and bought a Dillon 1050.,,, love it! I would recommend a Dillon 650 or 1050 over he Hornady....the Dillons seem way more refined. If the 1050 is to much, buy a bare 650 and build it up as the wallet permits.

good luck with your new Dillon 650

matt

[rancher5]

Just started a Lee Loadmaster totally impressed, only thing you have to watch out for is not letting primers run out, my shooting buddy and his friend just bought one all working famously, Star can pump out over 650 hour, i take my time for an easy 250 hour, Lee progressive set up in 9mm has over 50,000 rounds before a new shell plate was needed,20 bucks from lees warranty, Not for everyone , got to know what each station is working and set up properly. My 2 cents.

[Lloyd Smale]

ive got 3 lnls one Dillon. Simple answer DILLON
No LNL fans yet.

[Horse Knuckle]

I would not keep a Dillon if it was given to me.

Unless it was a RL1000 or a RL300. No need for a warranty.

Haahahahahahahaaaa...........[smilie=p: Seems you like to troll around and bash Dillion products. You know what they say "Life is hard. It's harder when you're stupid!"

[minmax]

I don't own a progressive press yet. I already know not to open this can of worms.
As far as drug at a rock concert plain old alcohol, but that's why I stopped drinking
9 years ago. Way to much fun that turned into misery. Thats another topic.

[rancher5]

Fisrt RCB rockchucer, buddy was into high volume pistol shooting, wLee Pro 1000, i did same, 45cal, worked great "once" you learned its quirks,Back problems started shooting volume 9mm using Lee Turret worked great easy setup but slow, couldn't keep up volume shooting , Bought a Lee Loadmaster sftet 6 months of thought, wow, quick setip, works fabulously, "as long as you don't run primers to low, its been A great affordable high volume press, Friend and friends friend bought on all within a month of each other , all extremely happy, not case size sensitive easy running machine, Yes sure a Dillion 1050 or 650 would be great tho I'm a Lee 1000, Loadmaster, Classic turret & RCB single and summit press guy.

[Hawks Feather]

I have a Dillon 550 and really like it. Not saying that is what you need to get, but I do like it.

[jmort]

"Dillon 550 "


​Not a true progressive, but I want one.

[beeser]

A Camdex or an Ammoload.
I would agree on one of these variants but the OP stated "calibers". Changing calibers would be a herculean task on this type machine and keeping it running properly would probably require a machinist on staff.

[cainttype]

Good thing the OP started by stating clearly "NOT LEE".... I wonder why he CAPTALIZED that??? lol
I'd lean towards Dillon, depending on your price range.
A pistol-only type press is great if you really have no intention of ever going into higher production rates for rifle-length catridges. If rifle-types are a possibility, I'd look at the 550 to start... followed by the 650 and Super 1050 if the price range fits.
You didn't mention how many cartrdges you'd like to set up for, but conversions are simple with the 550, a little more involved with the 650, and the 1050 can require a basic tear-down (but it loads huge quantities in short order. It's a good idea to have a large supply of components).
Now a Camdex... that's the Holy Grail of "Look what I got!!!". :)

[Lloyd Smale]

In all reality its THE press and all the press 99 percent of handloaders will ever need. No it doesn't put out like a full progressive with a case feeder but its so much more reliable that you spend more of the time your loading actually loading not tweaking a press. If I had to go to one press for everything a 550 would be on the bench.
"Dillon 550 "


​Not a true progressive, but I want one.

[scaevola]

I agree with this. The guys I know who have 'other than Dillon' spend a lot of time tinkering and adjusting their press. I just set up what I need to use on my 550 and load ammo.

In all reality its THE press and all the press 99 percent of handloaders will ever need. No it doesn't put out like a full progressive with a case feeder but its so much more reliable that you spend more of the time your loading actually loading not tweaking a press. If I had to go to one press for everything a 550 would be on the bench.

[garym1a2]

Is it me or is the Dillon 550B rather slow for a progressive. I have loaded so far this year about 7000 45 ACP on my machine I got for Christmas and I only average a little over 200 rounds per hour.

[dragon813gt]

Is it me or is the Dillon 550B rather slow for a progressive. I have loaded so far this year about 7000 45 ACP on my machine I got for Christmas and I only average a little over 200 rounds per hour.

It's not fully progressive so it's going to be slower. I bet you aren't straining yourself for that production rate. The nice thing about it is that one pull of the handle equals one round. I love my LCT but four pulls per round grows tiring. As soon as I build a bench where I can permanently mount a press I'm buying a 550. I only wish caliber changes were cheaper and primer size was easier to swap out. It's not that hard to swap it out. But it's also not a five second job.

[10sandxs]

Is it me or is the Dillon 550B rather slow for a progressive. I have loaded so far this year about 7000 45 ACP on my machine I got for Christmas and I only average a little over 200 rounds per hour.
That seem pretty low. When my kids load primer tubes for me, I'm arround 500 rounds per hour. I fill and drain a tube in about 12-15 minutes w/o kids helping so arround 400/hr

[Bonz]

Depends on how many "stations" you need on your press. I currently run a Hornady LNL with zero issues, unless you consider occasional tinkering an issue... My only problem with this press is that it only has 5 "stations" and I need a minimum of 6 "stations". The following is a list of what I need the 6 "stations" for :

Station #1 - Deprime/Full length sizing die
Station #2 - Powder Measure/case mouth belling
Station #3 - Powder check die (measures height of gun powder in the case)
Station #4 - Bullet feeder die
Station #5 - Bullet seating die
Station #6 - Factory crimp die

RCBS now has the Pro Chucker 7 reloading press, which has 7 stations. Problem is that they rushed to get the reloading press out and are currently still designing/developing/manufacturing the case feeder and other options. Personally, I'm hoping that Hornady comes out with a 6 or more station press when they announce their new products in October

[jmorris]

Station #1 - Deprime/Full length sizing die
Station #2 - Powder Measure/case mouth belling
Station #3 - Powder check die (measures height of gun powder in the case)
Station #4 - Bullet feeder die
Station #5 - Bullet seating die
Station #6 - Factory crimp die


I use GSI tool heads on my 650's and get all that done on 5 stations.

Station 1 -size deprime
#2- expand/powder charge
#3- powder check
#4- bullet feed/seat
#5- crimp


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3hVi6PuduM

[MacFan]

I only load 200 to 300 rounds a week in three calibers, seriously a lot less than I know many of you do.
After two years of running I still haven't figured out what to fiddle with, tinker and tweak on my Load Master.
I clean it, lube it and it runs. I could buy a Dillon if I wanted, just haven't found the need.
Any loading errors have been user caused and my wife has failed to adjust me properly in 40 years.

[jmorris]

Any...errors have been user caused and my wife has failed to adjust me properly in 40 years.

Bless her heart for keeping on trying.

[kdbarker]

I have the Dillon 550B and could not be happier!!! I started with a bare bones press, and slowly acquired tool heads, conventions kits, and dies for it. Now I load 380, 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 acp, 223, 300 BLK, and 308 win. It's an amazingly versatile press and my personal favorite!


144070

Just a short clip of me making some 9mm on my Dillon 550B


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Oo6HJInwA8

[jmort]

"Is it me or is the Dillon 550B rather slow for a progressive"


Neither, it is not a progressive. The "slowness" is the manual advance of the cases. Nonetheless, I want a BL550.

[BigboreShooter]

Thanks guys, I think i'll get Dillon550b

BigboreShooter

[Kilroy08]

To get the most for your money with caliber conversions, check out:

http://gunwiki.net/apps/calconversion/index.asp?machine_3=on&go=Choose+Machines
(http://gunwiki.net/apps/calconversion/index.asp?machine_3=on&go=Choose+Machines)
Various parts overlap between calibers. Instead of plunking down a whole $45 to get tooled up for .40 S&W, I only had to buy the powder funnel which was $15 since I already had locator buttons and a shell plate in inventory from other calibers I load for.

[jmorris]

"Is it me or is the Dillon 550B rather slow for a progressive"


Neither, it is not a progressive. The "slowness" is the manual advance of the cases. Nonetheless, I want a BL550.

If you insert one case and it drops out one completed round per stroke of the handle, it is a progressive press. It is not, however, auto indexing.

[kdbarker]

I would not keep a Dillon if it was given to me.

Unless it was a RL1000 or a RL300. No need for a warranty.

In that case, if you are ever given a Dillon PLEASE contact me! I would be more than happy to relieve you of that terrible machine...

[LUBEDUDE]

"Dillon 550 "


​Not a true progressive, but I want one.

I beg to differ sir.

It may not be in your mind. However, there are two basic progressives: Manual, as in the Dillon 550, and the Self Indexing, as in the Dillion 650 and Hornady LNL, and many others.
(You can argue about Automated, but that opens a new can of worms.)

Just as when someone asks about the best Turret Press. Some start rattling off about old Lyman's, Texans , or current Reddings. But it takes no time at all before the Lee Turret press takes over the discussion, and it is a DIFFERANT animal-
again, we have Manual Turret presses, and Self-indexing or Automatic Turret presses.


Hollywood Progressive - manual
(NOT a Senior Turret! The top does not rotate)
Note shell plate and thumb turning bars like a Dillon 550.
Is this where Mike Dillon got the idea?

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/09/8a63942f04a523fda28f4c7371d9454b.jpg

[r1kk1]

Just a few experiences and thoughts on progressive presses. I have operated most of the Dillon machines, RCBS 2000, and the LNL. Each of these have features I really like.

Hornady LNL. I really love the LNL bushing setup. I use the same kind of system on two of my single stages. If Hornady made a turret style of the press I would buy one.

RCBS 2000. Pick your primer delivering system - strip or tube. Phenomenal warranty service. It the only 5 station progressive press with the largest variety of shell plates. The press can be had in manual or auto indexing. I think the Prochucker series will replace this press.

Dillon. Another company with exceptional service. The only company who builds just progressive presses. Some of the presses have been in production for 30 years, longer than other companies. The 550 is the most versatile and contains the largest assortment of shellplates. I had a Square Deal rebuilt from Dillon. Cost was 45.00. It became a SDB.

Lee. The factory will rebuild one for 50% of their suggested retail. It would be cheaper to buy one from third party vendors. Lee hasn't released shellplates for the latest pistol or rifle cartridges. They carry the least amount of shellplates.

I hope RCBS will release as many shellplates for the ProChucker as the 2000. For me, I would buy one in a instant. Only time will tell.

My 450/550 has stood the test of time. It appears they keep up with the gun industry for the latest cartridges. When I bought mine, I pulled it from the box, mounted it to the bench, adjusted dies and went to work. It has been that way on the press for close to three decades. Reliable, versatile, well made piece of machinery that has set in the center of my bench loading pistol and rifle.

Take care

r1kk1

[David2011]

Is it me or is the Dillon 550B rather slow for a progressive. I have loaded so far this year about 7000 45 ACP on my machine I got for Christmas and I only average a little over 200 rounds per hour.

i'll continue to call the 550 a progressive. Not sure what semi-progressive means. No case feeder? No auto advance? Insignificant IMO. I still get 450-500/hr with my 550. Set everything up as ergonomically as you can and develop a rhythm advancing with the left thumb, putting a case in with the right hand while setting a boolit with the left. Stroke and repeat. Keep the primer slide spotlessly clean so it works smoothly. It's the weak point of the 550 IMO.

Mine is 24 years old. I also have Square Deal B and a 650, just for reference.

David

[Plate plinker]

Dillon with spare tool heads. It's the way to go.

[CGT80]

They say "once you go black, you won't go back."

Dillon 1050 and Mr. Bulletfeeder. Yes, the 1050 is black and is cast iron. Today I installed the 40 cal conversion kit on the Mr. Bulletfeeder. It was setup for 9mm before. It takes 20 minutes or so to swap calibers and is well worth it.

My other presses are a Dillon 550 with a casefeeder modified to run rifle brass, and a Hollywood Deluxe Universal Turret, IIRC (it has turrets for 12 dies, 4 shell holders, and 4 primer stems). My brother mounted a Dillon 650 to my bench, between the 550 and 1050.

After using the 1050, I hate to go back to the 550 or 650.

[Lloyd Smale]

I loaded up a 1000 38s yesterday and for grins I used the 550 instead of a lnl. I was thinking about how much slower it is and figured out that it takes me about one second to thumb the advance wheel and that includes moving my hand there. So in a 1000 rounds I lost a thousand seconds. So that is a grand total of 16 minutes. If your not using an automatic primer tube filler loading tubes for a 1000 rounds takes that long. Im retired and I guess 16 minutes out of my day isn't hurting much and I know if I had loaded them on the lnl Id have probably spent that 16 minutes adjusting something or fooling with primer miss feed ect. Now this is comparing to a progressive without a case feeder. You could probably double the difference if comparing a case feeder and a progressive. But again the lnl casefeeder can be a miserable sob and easily cost you 16 minutes of tweaking. Also you have to factor in time for adjusting the case feeder and or changing parts out for the round you loading. I know one thing for sure loading on my 550 is a lot easier on my nerves then using my lnl's and that's worth a lot. I also know if only one press could stay it wouldn't even take a second to decide which.
Is it me or is the Dillon 550B rather slow for a progressive. I have loaded so far this year about 7000 45 ACP on my machine I got for Christmas and I only average a little over 200 rounds per hour.

[Jim_P]

These kind of questions come up all the time. Which is best. Usually a slew of opinions follow with no clear answer. Well, I've got a good tap on the right answer:

The best press is the one you'll feel comfortable using, can afford to purchase and maintain, fits into your skills and will not stop you from getting better and finally you must be confident in the manufacturer to help you maintain it (read: have spare parts and accessories available).

I suggest you compare several, download the assembly and instruction manuals, make sure you understand how each works and then decide on the one or two you'd like to see and if possible try.

The Internet makes getting your hands on the manuals easy. It also make contacting people near you (whether shops or private) a breeze so you can look at, try it out and make a more informed decision.

My experience and opinion on Brand-X may be 180 degrees out from most everyone else. To be honest, the progressive I have seems to be the one mentioned the fewest times in this thread. But, I'm happy with it.

[Maximumbob54]

The only "tweaks" I've done are to polish the primer shuttle and chute and add a couple of Inline Fabrication options.

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/Maximumbob54/Reloading%20and%20Casting/IMG_20130822_205226_909_zps846d4e12.jpg (http://s1176.photobucket.com/user/Maximumbob54/media/Reloading%20and%20Casting/IMG_20130822_205226_909_zps846d4e12.jpg.html)

That pic is from when I was setting up the bullet feeder. I don't even use the bullet or case feeder half the time though. When in use they do cut down on time but I'm not trying to run the machine as fast as I can so much as make ammo the best I can at a decent pace. I went with the LNL AP over the Dillon RL550 mostly because I felt it was easier to change calibers and primers. The Dillon 650 was just more money than I was willing to spend. I'm forgetting the RCBS Pro 2000 but I didn't care for its APS strips for the primers. With the LNL AP it's a single cap head screw to remove the primer system storage and a hex head to unlock underneath for the primer seating system. I have yet to see an easier setup to change out than that design. I'm neither here nor their on the bushings for the dies. They work but I would almost rather just screw the dies in place than buy the bushings. This is the one spot I think the 550/650 has over the LNL AP since the plate change out seems easier although it is just as spendy of an option. I will give Dillon hands down the best roller handle design. I actually swapped over to a pool ball handle as that's easier on my palm pushing forward over and over seating the primers when you do a long run.

No matter what progressive you buy auto indexing or not make sure your bench is rock solid with zero wobble. You don't want the bench top flexing and bowing with each pull and push of the lever. That and short stroking the lever seem to cause the most issue with any progressive press.

[garym1a2]

How long did it take to do those 1000 38s?

I loaded up a 1000 38s yesterday and for grins I used the 550 instead of a lnl. I was thinking about how much slower it is and figured out that it takes me about one second to thumb the advance wheel and that includes moving my hand there. So in a 1000 rounds I lost a thousand seconds. So that is a grand total of 16 minutes. If your not using an automatic primer tube filler loading tubes for a 1000 rounds takes that long. Im retired and I guess 16 minutes out of my day isn't hurting much and I know if I had loaded them on the lnl Id have probably spent that 16 minutes adjusting something or fooling with primer miss feed ect. Now this is comparing to a progressive without a case feeder. You could probably double the difference if comparing a case feeder and a progressive. But again the lnl casefeeder can be a miserable sob and easily cost you 16 minutes of tweaking. Also you have to factor in time for adjusting the case feeder and or changing parts out for the round you loading. I know one thing for sure loading on my 550 is a lot easier on my nerves then using my lnl's and that's worth a lot. I also know if only one press could stay it wouldn't even take a second to decide which.

[garym1a2]

I also read that Dillon has a case feeder for the 550B, anyone try it? for a Lefty like me that should help the speed a bit if it works.

[BK7saum]

I run the Hornady LNL press without case feeder or bullet feeder. I guess that's why I don't have any tweaking or fixin' issues that are sometimes brought up. The press just runs. I change shell plates, dies, adjust powder drop and load away. No issues going from large to small primers or vice versa. I don't see a need for the case or bullet feeder. Bullets and cases load from the left. I pick up a bullet and case with the left hand at one time, drop the bullet in the flared case mouth and the case in the empty spot on the shell plate and pull the handle. The right hand never leaves the handle. I don't know the production rate, but it is probably an easy 400 per hour or more. I load primers with Frankford Arsenal vibra-prime and drop them into the tube in less than a minute and back at it. I don't load multiple primer tubes, the time taken reloading the primer tube is a good break or change from the reloading cycle.

I've helped a friend set up a 550, and to be honest, I prefer the LNL. I'm invested way too deep in one now to change, but see no reason to. It does what I need with absolutely no hiccups whatsoever. Again, I'm not running a case or bullet feeder. I don't shoot 1K or 2K rounds a week, and couldn't justify the price for options I don't see a need for.

Also, the price of the press and the 500 or 1K free bullets was very attractive. Discounting the price for the bullets that I would have bought anyway, I was into the press for about $225 or $250 considering whatever discount or sale I waited on before purchasing.

Brad

[CGT80]

I also read that Dillon has a case feeder for the 550B, anyone try it? for a Lefty like me that should help the speed a bit if it works.

It works great for pistol cases and is far better than feeding by hand. It does not work with rifle brass, as Dillon ships it. I modified mine to run rifle brass, but it doesn't work 100%. I would rather use the feeder and deal with a few issues on rifle brass than feed by hand. It is nearly impossible to feed by hand with the case feeder installed and I didn't want to take the feeder off to load rifle rounds.

A 650 is a much better option if you want to load rifle brass as well.

The 1050 is king and I can load 100 rounds of 9mm ammo in 3 minutes...........2,000 rounds per hour, but I can't keep up that pace. Even if I worked at half speed and took 6 minutes, it would still be a rate of 1,000 per hour. It takes me 1 minute 8 seconds to load a tube of primers, using wolf/tula since they are correctly orientated and I just have to pull the tray and set a flip tray on it and flip it over, to end up with nice rows to pick up. The 1050 has a much more solid feel to it than the 550 or 650. The auto indexing on the 650 and 1050 are well worth having and the swage and primer seating on the down stroke put the 1050 far ahead of the 650.

[dogmower]

I have a projector (hornady) that I've owned for 30 years. bought it used, and between reloading, sizing, case trimming (with a Dillon 1200), I bet I've pulled that handle close to 750,000 times. i'm not kidding. in one year (1991), I loaded over 100,000 pistol rounds alone.
anyway, 3 years ago, it just stopped working right, timing was off and I couldn't fix it. I called hornady and asked if their tech guys could take a look at it. they sent it back with all new guts, and EVEN COVERED THE RETURN SHIPPING! now it runs like new.
when (if) it finally dies, you bet my next press is going to be a lock and load a-p!
don't get me wrong, I like Dillon stuff too, but hornady is no.1 in my book!

[Lloyd Smale]

I was at it about 3 hours but wasn't trying to set any records and even went in at lunch and had a sandwich and didn't load primer tubes ahead of time.
How long did it take to do those 1000 38s?

[Lloyd Smale]

buddy uses one. Like gt80 said I thought the way they designed it it made it kind of awkward to use when you didn't want to use the case feeder.
I also read that Dillon has a case feeder for the 550B, anyone try it? for a Lefty like me that should help the speed a bit if it works.

[Lloyd Smale]

Now your getting somewhere. The lnl set up like you have it isn't a bad deal. As a matter of fact its a lot easier to use without a case feeder then a 650 is. I had one set up that way and sold it. The two I have now both have case feeders and im allways thinking I should just jerk them off but a guy hates to admit he threw away money and about the time I get ready to do it, seems like then it will work well for a time.
I run the Hornady LNL press without case feeder or bullet feeder. I guess that's why I don't have any tweaking or fixin' issues that are sometimes brought up. The press just runs. I change shell plates, dies, adjust powder drop and load away. No issues going from large to small primers or vice versa. I don't see a need for the case or bullet feeder. Bullets and cases load from the left. I pick up a bullet and case with the left hand at one time, drop the bullet in the flared case mouth and the case in the empty spot on the shell plate and pull the handle. The right hand never leaves the handle. I don't know the production rate, but it is probably an easy 400 per hour or more. I load primers with Frankford Arsenal vibra-prime and drop them into the tube in less than a minute and back at it. I don't load multiple primer tubes, the time taken reloading the primer tube is a good break or change from the reloading cycle.

I've helped a friend set up a 550, and to be honest, I prefer the LNL. I'm invested way too deep in one now to change, but see no reason to. It does what I need with absolutely no hiccups whatsoever. Again, I'm not running a case or bullet feeder. I don't shoot 1K or 2K rounds a week, and couldn't justify the price for options I don't see a need for.

Also, the price of the press and the 500 or 1K free bullets was very attractive. Discounting the price for the bullets that I would have bought anyway, I was into the press for about $225 or $250 considering whatever discount or sale I waited on before purchasing.

Brad

[EddieNFL]

I have a Projector I bought in about '85. Served me well for many years. Around '95 I got a killer deal on a slightly used 650. I still use the Projector for mass decapping and so forth. Have to tinker with the timing on occasion.

[Carrier]

I run the Hornady LNL press without case feeder or bullet feeder. I guess that's why I don't have any tweaking or fixin' issues that are sometimes brought up. The press just runs. I change shell plates, dies, adjust powder drop and load away. No issues going from large to small primers or vice versa. I don't see a need for the case or bullet feeder. Bullets and cases load from the left. I pick up a bullet and case with the left hand at one time, drop the bullet in the flared case mouth and the case in the empty spot on the shell plate and pull the handle. The right hand never leaves the handle. I don't know the production rate, but it is probably an easy 400 per hour or more. I load primers with Frankford Arsenal vibra-prime and drop them into the tube in less than a minute and back at it. I don't load multiple primer tubes, the time taken reloading the primer tube is a good break or change from the reloading cycle.

I've helped a friend set up a 550, and to be honest, I prefer the LNL. I'm invested way too deep in one now to change, but see no reason to. It does what I need with absolutely no hiccups whatsoever. Again, I'm not running a case or bullet feeder. I don't shoot 1K or 2K rounds a week, and couldn't justify the price for options I don't see a need for.

Also, the price of the press and the 500 or 1K free bullets was very attractive. Discounting the price for the bullets that I would have bought anyway, I was into the press for about $225 or $250 considering whatever discount or sale I waited on before purchasing.

Brad

My LNL is the same it just works. I don't have a case or bullet feeder and for the amount I reload that is fine. I tuned it when I first got it with help from some online videos and hasn't missed a beat. Now if I wanted to crank out thousands of rounds a day or week then the 1050 would probably be what I would get but man that would cost close to $3000.00 up here just for the unit.

How has the Frankford Arsenal vibra-primer unit been working for you and is it worth the price?

[Lloyd Smale]

no bk7saum but I wouldn't be without one As a matter of fact ive got three new spares in case they quit making them again. I had the Dillon tube filler and had about 400 bucks into the thing and the 40 dollar FA unit works better.