Dillon 550C or Hornady LnL

[ifishinxs]

Its getting time to reload a bunch (thousands) of 9 mm and 223/5.56 rounds. I updated my Shotgun reloading with a Hornady 366 last year and that made a huge difference in shell production.
I had time previously to load one round at a time on my RCBS rock chucker. Now with my boys shooting with me the amount of bullets to reload has gone up a bunch.
So its time for a progress re loader. I'm leaning toward the Dillon but I am seeing a lot of guys reloading with the Lock n load as well..

I'm looking for some real world input on what loader would be best long term and have the least amount of issues.

[MichPhoenix77]

Go with the Dillon. You will not regret it. Dillon’s are the Cadillac of reloading presses in my opinion. I have one and it’s great.

I do most of my reloading for long range accuracy. And do most of it on a Redding press and seat my bullets with a Forrester press. But if I mass produce any it’s on the Dillon. I have a friend who used to make all of his rounds on his Dillon and go shoot international Palma match’s with them. So they are capable of extreme accuracy if set up correctly.

[Ckfishin]

Dillon and an Ammo bot

[Fx20 2011]

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As you can see I reload a lot. I have 2 650's, one for small primers and the other for large primers. I will note the 650 has been replaced by the 750. I reload a lot of 233 and 9mm. Also reload a ton of 45 40, 380, 357, 38, 44mag. I do most of my 25-06, 30-06 and 45-70 on my Lee single stage press.

I like my Dillons. I had the Hornady too. Why the Dillon over the Hornady? With all of the reloading I do I really can't give you one reason. They both worked really well. I guess it comes down to two things. The first l like the color blue, hardly a real reason to endorse the Dillon press over the Hornady. The simple true, both will break down, both will have wear and tear. I just felt Dillon responded faster when it came to service and replacement parts.

Both did an equal job at processing quality ammo.

[g352nv]

I had the Hornady with case feeder and I could never get it to work right. Hornady sent me replacement parts and walked me through the install. Their customer service is awesome. But just could never get it to index right.

[Jboutfishn]

Been using the LnL for years loading 9mm, 40 S&W, 45APC, and 223, all high volume stuff. I find the powder measure very consistent. I do not have the case feeder. No issues.

[Wild Heethen]

Dillion. Have a 550b been using to load all my handgun and .223 rounds on for at least 30 years. Flawless. Customer service is best in industry. Not knocking Hornady because I use numerous other reloading tools of theirs and their bullets. But, if you ask me, Dillion INVENTED the progressive press. Great company.

[TobyG.Mo]

I have the LnL and a 650xl so I cannot speak for the 550, the Hornady does fine but the Dillon is far superior.

[1Holeshot]

I have owned both and sold my Hornady progressive and bought a new Dillon 550B ( before 550C came along ). The Dillon is better than the Hornady for me. Ymmv

[Fx20 2011]

Btw the Hornady LNL would compare with the new Dillon 750 not the 550.

[Transom]

Go blue for sure. Friends don’t let friends run a red press.

[Aries 181]

One 550 isn't enough. Large primer on the left, small primer on the right. A 40 year old Rock Chucker back right.

Bill
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[Transom]

One 550 isn't enough. Large primer on the left, small primer on the right. A 40 year old Rock Chucker back right.

Bill
IMG_1259.JPG

This is how to do it.

[Ckfishin]

If I shot enough I would have one.

[Chaser_2332]

Skip the hornady and go Dillon. I ran a lnl for many years and now have 2 650’s one for large and small primers and wouldn’t even consider going back. I’m not knocking the hornady it served me well but it’s not a Dillon.

[Hogman]

Dillon 550. No question. I have a 550 and a 650 and prefer my 25 year old 550.

[ifishinxs]

Dillon it will be..

[m.t.hands]

i like Dillon but in fairness never tried the Hornady, mostly been an RCBS guy for most stuff (low qty rifle stuff) the pistol stuff it's Dillon stuff for me

BTW, my Dillon is the old style 550 and it has been pretty much flawless

[Transom]

The only issues I have had with Dillon is having to replace the plastic tip/nozzles on the primer tubes.

[MichPhoenix77]

If I shot enough I would have one.

Wow! I’ve never seen one of those before. What’s the price tag on that baby? that thing is awesome by the way!