Progressives. Want to verify my thoughts.

rolyasm · December 10, 2009, 01:01 AM

So I am kind of stuck between the Hornady LNL and the Dillon 650.
I don't expect anyone to tell me what they love, I am just making sure I am seeing the "facts". I already have a single state RCBS with about 15 dies, and accessories. I would like to use these with a new progressive.

Dillon 650: price $525
Comes with Case loader

Hornady LNL: Price $400
with case loader Price $650

So the Hornady starts out about $125 more for about the same features. I know there is a $200 bullet rebate (seductive, no doubt) but I want to leave that out of the equation.

Both are 5 stations. It is confusing, but it sounds like I can definitely use a powder load checker on the Dillon, probably on the Hornady with some work or accessories.

Both have lifetime warranties and great support.

Hornady parts are cheaper? This is a hard part (pun intended)to judge. Will I really be spending a lot more to get my Dillon up and running, or what are the costs I will see between the two? I'm not even sure what extras I will need/want, but I want to make either one comparable to the other.

Powder measurer sounds better on Hornady: perhaps less jamming and works well with all powders?

Dillon sound like it is possibly hardier.

I have read a few reports of the Hornady being better in the concentric department, or something like that (making the bullet line up straight in the brass), but that for about $30 more you can get a floating head or something that will make the Dillon better. I am not a sniper, but accuracy is essential. I probably don't shoot straight enough to tell a difference. I can also use my old single stage if i want to get really accurate.

So that is all I can come up with. If the Hornady included the case feeder, I would take it, but at $125 extra, not sure there is a benefit there. Sorry to beat this dead horse. It is a lot of info to sort through. Thanks again.

Roly

Waldog · December 10, 2009, 02:42 AM

Sorry Rolyasm, the Dillon 650 DOES NOT INCLUDE THE CASE FEEDER!!! Case feeder is another $210.

So your real price for the Dillon with a case feeder is $740

Price for the Hornady LNL WITH a case feeder is $686 (From www.grafs.com)

With either the Dillon or the LNL, in order to load ammo, at a bare minimum you are going to have to buy:
1. Die set
2. Shell plate
3. Powder SCALE
4. Reloading manual
Be mindful that is a BARE MINIMUM LIST. There are several other items you will need, i.e., case lube, dial calipers, brass, bullets, primers, case trimmer, primer flipper, case gauges. The list goes on!!

I have loaded on both the 650 and the LNL. IMHO, you are absolutely correct that the LNL powder measure is more user friendly.

The 650 is a very nice machine and you will be happy if you go that route. However, I truly believe the LNL is a better machine based on my experience with both.

In all honestly, it's and "apples or oranges" decision. Both are excellent machines.

Also, don't disregard the free bullets. I got about $285 worth three years ago. Don't know what they are giving out now.

SwampYankee · December 10, 2009, 09:41 AM

Midsouth shooters has the Hornady for $368. I think their case feeder price is higher than other places so you may do well to shop around and get things in different locations.

I used to love Grafs but I have noticed two things: 1. The dealer prices they display on the website (I have a C&R) are all 3% cash discount. When you use a CC, your cost magically increases. 2. They do not tell you shipping. On my last order I said that I wanted USPS, but I really wanted the cheapest shipping possible- I did not care how it was shipped. I specifically said this in the "Comments" section. They sent an 8" by 5" box. It cost $15.00 USPS. It would have cost under $10 if they had slapped the items in a flat rate USPS box or just used UPS. They clearly paid no attention to my comments. They left it up to me to GUESS the cheapest shipping!

I probably won't use Grafs again unless they have an item no one else does. I've had some beefs with Midway, but at least you know EXACTLY what you are paying. And even with the Graf's dealer price, the Hornady LNL is cheaper at MidSouth- if you don't use cash!

SwampYankee · December 10, 2009, 09:44 AM

Oh, and I have not used or purchased the case feeder, but many people consider them to be a distraction and relatively unnecessary. I can't say either way.

David Wile · December 10, 2009, 10:04 AM

Hey Roly,

I, too, have used both machines for some time before I decided I wanted the Hornady, but I will also readily state that if Hornady never made their progressive, I would be happy with the Dillon 650. I think your analysis in comparing the machines is mostly correct except for the "free" casefeeder on the Dillon.

When it comes to an automatic case feeder, I have a suggestion that a lot of folks would likely disagree with me. My suggestion is to forget about an automatic case feeder for the time being. I bought my LNL AP in 1997 and still do not have a case feeder, and I don't want a casefeeder. Frankly, I don't understand how folks stand them. I think they add far more to the complexity of the machine than what they add to the user friendly throughput of the machine. In addition to that, they are very expensive and very noisy.

Considering the expense and the little they actually do to improve the loading process, I really do not understand how Dillon and Hornady get so many folks to buy the casefeeders? I suppose there are a lot of folks who will spend whatever it takes to have the latest buzz piece on the market. I am simply suggesting that one try the machine without a casefeeder for a while and then find someone who has a casefeeder and try it. If you really like it, then spend the money. If it doesn't really do all that much for you, you have not spent the money on something you do not need.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

jmorris · December 10, 2009, 11:03 AM

The 650 does come with the case feeder already set up but the collator (case feeder feeder) costs another $210. That is why the Dillon feeder works without having to fiddle with it like you have to on the LNL. Also, some day you may have more than one 650, you can move the collator from one machine to another with one screw. You must buy the whole kit for the LNL to get the part that puts the case in the shell plate. On the rounds I load a lot of I think a case feeder is essential, I also use bullet feeders as well. They might distract others but I can keep my eyes on the loading process (not bullets or brass) and still load 100 rounds in 3.5 minutes.

I bought my LNL after I had read a lot about how well the powder measure worked with extruded powders and I had 20#’s of 3031. I didn’t have very good luck with the extruded powders and switched to some pistol loads (light charges of fast powder) and found that the measure wouldn’t work for what I wanted to do (I needed a pistol rotor). I was done at that point but didn’t loose too much at resale as I did get 1000 free bullets.

paull · December 10, 2009, 11:33 AM

I concur on the case-feeder's utility.
It may speed reloading some, but I like the extra chance to eyeball the brass that NOT using one gives.
How's that for a complex sentence..?

p

rolyasm · December 10, 2009, 12:16 PM

Shiz.
I'm glad I posted that. I thought for sure the Dillon had the case feeder included. Not that I really need it. Coming from a single stage I'm sure I will be very impressed with about anything. I would like the option though. I saw a reloader working on a commercial dillon (he said base price as $2500) and it had a feeder. Very slick.

Waldog: I already have scales, lube, calipers, etc. so it looks like I will need just shell plates?

Well, it is a tough decision. I may have to flip a coin. Thanks all.
Roly

Dillonhelp · December 10, 2009, 12:21 PM

The Dillon XL650 includes the shellplate for one caliber, comes installed. When you order, you specify which one you want it to come with.

Foxbat · December 10, 2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Also, some day you may have more than one 650

He-he...

And how about multiple powder measures for the same caliber on the same press? I am using four different ones withn one toolhead, for four different powders.

Waldog · December 10, 2009, 12:24 PM

If you have everything else, if you buy the Hornady LNL, caliber specific shell plates are all you need. Good Luck!!

Foxbat · December 10, 2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

If you have everything else, if you buy the Hornady LNL, caliber specific shell plates are all you need.

I still prefer my "One caliber - one press" approach...

Rod38um · December 10, 2009, 01:53 PM

I bought the Hornady LnL. I'm very happy with it and the hornady dies. I cant really see how they can sell quality equipment like this and still give the free bullets they do. The cost of the hornady dies are probably cheaper than Lee if you count the bullets and the quality cant be beat. (I got a total of 1400 bullets with all I bought, thats about $410 retail)The LnL has a lot of features I like. from the Die bushings for quick caliber changes to the half indexing on the up and down stroke, grease fittings on the ram and hinge pins, the powder feed is unbelievably accurate (comes with high and low volume inserts) and is micro adjustable, it primes on the upstroke and thats the only action taking place there so you can actually feel each primer seating, it has 5 stations instead of the 4 and the spring shell holder and EZ-ject system works flawlessly not to mention its easy to pull the shell from any of the five stations should you need to do so. I've heard the springs do break on occasion but it hasn't happened to me yet. As cheap as they are though and as easy as they are to change, I dont see it as a problem.
I've been so impressed with Hornady quality that I have bought several more items from Hornady lately and I haven't been disappointed with any of it yet.
The hornady dies come with the locking rings so no need to order extra if you buy their dies. The AP press come with 5 bushings also.

rolyasm · December 10, 2009, 01:55 PM

Well, I am going with the Hornady. At $390 shipped, plus the $200 in bullets, it is very hard to pass up. I'm sure I can live with any negatives the machine has and enough people really like it I most likely will too.

Next question: So I have to buy shell plates for each and every caliber I am reloading? I want to order them with the press and hopefully save some shipping costs. I am planning on starting with .45acp, 9mm, .380, .308 and probably some .44mag. So I need 5 plates? Do any of them cross-over? Is there a list anywhere of what presses (by number#) I need for what caliber. The Hornady site is not very helpful. Thanks.

Roly

Shoney · December 10, 2009, 02:00 PM

The highest cost you have outside of the press and case feeder is QUICK caliber conversions.

Costs are from Graphs and may be higher from day to day.

One changeover
550 - Quick Changeover (Toolhead, Powder Measure, Powder Die, Toolhead Stand.- - - $91 ea) and Caliber Conversion Kit (Shellplate, powder funnel, and locator buttons; $45)
650 - Quick Changeover Kit (Toolhead, TH Stand and Powder Measure $95 ea) and Caliber Conversion Kit (Shellplate, locator buttons, powder funnel; $73)
LNL - Shellplate $30 – 2 Die bushings $7.40 (10 pack of QC bushings $37 ea no powder measure necessary) add an additional $3.70 for each 3 die conversion. Powder Thru Expander Die for PM $9

Three Quick changeovers
550 - Total $136 x 3 = $408
650 - Total $168 x 3 = $504
LNL - Total $47 x 3 = $141

Five Quick changeovers
550 - Total $136 x 5 = $680
650 - Total $168 x 5 = $840
LNL - Total $47 x 5 = $235

hans4811 · December 10, 2009, 02:06 PM

Really ?? ..

So your real price for the Dillon with a case feeder is $740

Price for the Hornady LNL WITH a case feeder is $686 (From www.grafs.com)

With either the Dillon or the LNL, in order to load ammo, at a bare minimum you are going to have to buy:
1. Die set
2. Shell plate
3. Powder SCALE
4. Reloading manual
Be mindful that is a BARE MINIMUM LIST

Wow, I know you guys are gonna scream, but dang !! I spent less that $300 bucks for a LEE Loadmaster from Midway, and that included all of the above...die set, shell plate, scale, manual AND a case feeder!!

Sure, I spent a few days messing with it, like you're gonna do with any of them, but now...churns out rounds, both 45acp and s&w40, like nobody's business. I can sit down in an hour and have maybe a couple hundred rounds going real easy, checking everything..

Don't want to get into a whole Ford vs Chevy thing here, but bottom line...it produces reliable rounds and does it for hundreds of dollars less !!

Rod38um · December 10, 2009, 02:10 PM

Here is a handy chart for several brands, tells you which shell plates cross over: http://www.midwayusa.com/midwayusa/s...art_Update.pdf

Foxbat · December 10, 2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Three Quick changeovers
550 - Total $136 x 3 = $408
650 - Total $168 x 3 = $504
LNL - Total $47 x 3 = $141

Five Quick changeovers
550 - Total $136 x 5 = $680
650 - Total $168 x 5 = $840
LNL - Total $47 x 5 = $235

A TOTALLY skewed analysis. In one case it presumes everything is changed, for convenience sake, in the other - just the bare minimum that lets you get by.

In case of Dillon in many cases you don't need to buy the whole kits, many parts overlap, and in many cases the cost of caliber conversion is just one $10 part, so let's try to stay honest here. There are free download programs that allow you to figure out what exactly you need to buy for each conversion. Like I said, in many cases could be just one part or two.

Furthermore, you absolutely can keep the same powder measure with Dillon, just like you are apparently doing in the case of the LNL. A complete swap is just the matter of convenience. Additional powder measures cost about the same from two companies.

So again, to be fair and honest, your Dillon prices reflect not the necessity, but convenience. The minimal cost of conversion will be probably the same for the 650 and for the LNL.

Just to keep the argument straight about these things.

rolyasm · December 10, 2009, 02:29 PM

Hey guys, think you missed my last message. I have the Hornady on order, for better or worse. No sense arguing about it now. No sense telling me I made a mistake or the best decision of my life. It is done. So, what I was hoping for was some suggestions on what I needed to get reloading. I called Hornady and they helped out a bit. I am going to order shell plates for the
.45, .44 mag, and .308. I ordered some die bushings as well. Those three should get me introduced to the machine as they are all different loads dimensions. I am not sure what the "powder through expander die" is and I can't find a part list for it. Let me know what it is/does or part number. Thanks again. Stop fighting dammit.

Foxbat · December 10, 2009, 02:34 PM

Not a problem, and wish you good luck with it, but these pages are read by many other people with similar questions.

Rod38um · December 10, 2009, 02:34 PM

However you set it up..... be sure and buy and use the powder cop, get used to watching it on each stroke.... its a life saver.

Shoney · December 10, 2009, 03:01 PM

Foxbat
The key word is QUICKchange.

Yes, you can reuse some other components, but then it isn't a QUICKchange. The idea is to compare apples to apples here.

mongoose33 · December 10, 2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

I used to love Grafs but I have noticed... They do not tell you shipping.

I don't understand this. Every order I've received from Grafs costs me a standard fee of $4.50, plus nothing extra for shipping, unless it's hazmat.

There are a few items that don't include shipping, such as " Pricing for target loads that are sold by the case (trap, skeet and sporting clay ammo) does not include shipping."

Other than those two things, I don't know why you would have had to pay anything over $4.50.

Foxbat · December 10, 2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

The key word is QUICKchange.

You mean replacing the Hornady dies one by one, and then either dumping the powder and putting new one in, then adjusting the measure, or just re-adjusting the powder measure (if using same powder), or even removing the measure to change the plunger, is actually quicker than replacing the tool head with all the dies and powder measure already adjusted and ready to go?

Sorry, I don't agree. Some caliber changes literally take seconds on Dillon.

SwampYankee · December 10, 2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

I don't understand this. Every order I've received from Grafs costs me a standard fee of $4.50

Yep, you're right. I just checked, but only if you buy from the nondealer side of their site. As soon as you use the dealer side, they add on shipping- but they do not tell you how much until the items arrive. I purchased two items on the dealer side that cost $24.00. On the nondealer side, they cost $29. Since I paid $15.00 for shipping, I save absolutely nothing because I would have paid $10 additional and $5 for shipping on the nondealer side. Good grief.

December 10, 2009, 01:01 AM	#1
rolyasm Member Join Date: August 13, 2008 Posts: 66	Progressives. Want to verify my thoughts. So I am kind of stuck between the Hornady LNL and the Dillon 650. I don't expect anyone to tell me what they love, I am just making sure I am seeing the "facts". I already have a single state RCBS with about 15 dies, and accessories. I would like to use these with a new progressive. Dillon 650: price $525 Comes with Case loader Hornady LNL: Price $400 with case loader Price $650 So the Hornady starts out about $125 more for about the same features. I know there is a $200 bullet rebate (seductive, no doubt) but I want to leave that out of the equation. Both are 5 stations. It is confusing, but it sounds like I can definitely use a powder load checker on the Dillon, probably on the Hornady with some work or accessories. Both have lifetime warranties and great support. Hornady parts are cheaper? This is a hard part (pun intended)to judge. Will I really be spending a lot more to get my Dillon up and running, or what are the costs I will see between the two? I'm not even sure what extras I will need/want, but I want to make either one comparable to the other. Powder measurer sounds better on Hornady: perhaps less jamming and works well with all powders? Dillon sound like it is possibly hardier. I have read a few reports of the Hornady being better in the concentric department, or something like that (making the bullet line up straight in the brass), but that for about $30 more you can get a floating head or something that will make the Dillon better. I am not a sniper, but accuracy is essential. I probably don't shoot straight enough to tell a difference. I can also use my old single stage if i want to get really accurate. So that is all I can come up with. If the Hornady included the case feeder, I would take it, but at $125 extra, not sure there is a benefit there. Sorry to beat this dead horse. It is a lot of info to sort through. Thanks again. Roly

December 10, 2009, 02:42 AM	#2
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	Sorry Rolyasm, the Dillon 650 DOES NOT INCLUDE THE CASE FEEDER!!! Case feeder is another $210. So your real price for the Dillon with a case feeder is $740 Price for the Hornady LNL WITH a case feeder is $686 (From www.grafs.com) With either the Dillon or the LNL, in order to load ammo, at a bare minimum you are going to have to buy: 1. Die set 2. Shell plate 3. Powder SCALE 4. Reloading manual Be mindful that is a BARE MINIMUM LIST. There are several other items you will need, i.e., case lube, dial calipers, brass, bullets, primers, case trimmer, primer flipper, case gauges. The list goes on!! I have loaded on both the 650 and the LNL. IMHO, you are absolutely correct that the LNL powder measure is more user friendly. The 650 is a very nice machine and you will be happy if you go that route. However, I truly believe the LNL is a better machine based on my experience with both. In all honestly, it's and "apples or oranges" decision. Both are excellent machines. Also, don't disregard the free bullets. I got about $285 worth three years ago. Don't know what they are giving out now. __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill Last edited by Waldog; December 10, 2009 at 11:25 AM.

December 10, 2009, 12:24 PM	#11
Waldog Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2007 Location: SOCAL Posts: 359	If you have everything else, if you buy the Hornady LNL, caliber specific shell plates are all you need. Good Luck!! __________________ I am the Christian Conservative that CNN warned you about!! “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of envy.” Winston Churchill

December 10, 2009, 02:29 PM	#19
rolyasm Member Join Date: August 13, 2008 Posts: 66	Off track Hey guys, think you missed my last message. I have the Hornady on order, for better or worse. No sense arguing about it now. No sense telling me I made a mistake or the best decision of my life. It is done. So, what I was hoping for was some suggestions on what I needed to get reloading. I called Hornady and they helped out a bit. I am going to order shell plates for the .45, .44 mag, and .308. I ordered some die bushings as well. Those three should get me introduced to the machine as they are all different loads dimensions. I am not sure what the "powder through expander die" is and I can't find a part list for it. Let me know what it is/does or part number. Thanks again. Stop fighting dammit.

December 10, 2009, 09:41 AM	#3
SwampYankee Registration in progress Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: I can be found on a number of other forums. Posts: 1,332	Midsouth shooters has the Hornady for $368. I think their case feeder price is higher than other places so you may do well to shop around and get things in different locations. I used to love Grafs but I have noticed two things: 1. The dealer prices they display on the website (I have a C&R) are all 3% cash discount. When you use a CC, your cost magically increases. 2. They do not tell you shipping. On my last order I said that I wanted USPS, but I really wanted the cheapest shipping possible- I did not care how it was shipped. I specifically said this in the "Comments" section. They sent an 8" by 5" box. It cost $15.00 USPS. It would have cost under $10 if they had slapped the items in a flat rate USPS box or just used UPS. They clearly paid no attention to my comments. They left it up to me to GUESS the cheapest shipping! I probably won't use Grafs again unless they have an item no one else does. I've had some beefs with Midway, but at least you know EXACTLY what you are paying. And even with the Graf's dealer price, the Hornady LNL is cheaper at MidSouth- if you don't use cash!

December 10, 2009, 09:44 AM	#4
SwampYankee Registration in progress Join Date: November 1, 2008 Location: I can be found on a number of other forums. Posts: 1,332	Oh, and I have not used or purchased the case feeder, but many people consider them to be a distraction and relatively unnecessary. I can't say either way.

December 10, 2009, 10:04 AM	#5
David Wile Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2001 Location: Mechanicsburg, PA Posts: 585	Hey Roly, I, too, have used both machines for some time before I decided I wanted the Hornady, but I will also readily state that if Hornady never made their progressive, I would be happy with the Dillon 650. I think your analysis in comparing the machines is mostly correct except for the "free" casefeeder on the Dillon. When it comes to an automatic case feeder, I have a suggestion that a lot of folks would likely disagree with me. My suggestion is to forget about an automatic case feeder for the time being. I bought my LNL AP in 1997 and still do not have a case feeder, and I don't want a casefeeder. Frankly, I don't understand how folks stand them. I think they add far more to the complexity of the machine than what they add to the user friendly throughput of the machine. In addition to that, they are very expensive and very noisy. Considering the expense and the little they actually do to improve the loading process, I really do not understand how Dillon and Hornady get so many folks to buy the casefeeders? I suppose there are a lot of folks who will spend whatever it takes to have the latest buzz piece on the market. I am simply suggesting that one try the machine without a casefeeder for a while and then find someone who has a casefeeder and try it. If you really like it, then spend the money. If it doesn't really do all that much for you, you have not spent the money on something you do not need. Best wishes, Dave Wile

December 10, 2009, 11:03 AM	#6
jmorris Senior Member Join Date: November 22, 2006 Posts: 3,078	The 650 does come with the case feeder already set up but the collator (case feeder feeder) costs another $210. That is why the Dillon feeder works without having to fiddle with it like you have to on the LNL. Also, some day you may have more than one 650, you can move the collator from one machine to another with one screw. You must buy the whole kit for the LNL to get the part that puts the case in the shell plate. On the rounds I load a lot of I think a case feeder is essential, I also use bullet feeders as well. They might distract others but I can keep my eyes on the loading process (not bullets or brass) and still load 100 rounds in 3.5 minutes. I bought my LNL after I had read a lot about how well the powder measure worked with extruded powders and I had 20#’s of 3031. I didn’t have very good luck with the extruded powders and switched to some pistol loads (light charges of fast powder) and found that the measure wouldn’t work for what I wanted to do (I needed a pistol rotor). I was done at that point but didn’t loose too much at resale as I did get 1000 free bullets.

December 10, 2009, 11:33 AM	#7
paull Junior member Join Date: November 9, 1999 Location: SE Texas, 'tween Houston & Galveston Posts: 157	I concur on the case-feeder's utility. It may speed reloading some, but I like the extra chance to eyeball the brass that NOT using one gives. How's that for a complex sentence..? p

December 10, 2009, 12:16 PM	#8
rolyasm Member Join Date: August 13, 2008 Posts: 66	Shiz. I'm glad I posted that. I thought for sure the Dillon had the case feeder included. Not that I really need it. Coming from a single stage I'm sure I will be very impressed with about anything. I would like the option though. I saw a reloader working on a commercial dillon (he said base price as $2500) and it had a feeder. Very slick. Waldog: I already have scales, lube, calipers, etc. so it looks like I will need just shell plates? Well, it is a tough decision. I may have to flip a coin. Thanks all. Roly

December 10, 2009, 12:21 PM	#9
Dillonhelp Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 69	The Dillon XL650 includes the shellplate for one caliber, comes installed. When you order, you specify which one you want it to come with.

December 10, 2009, 01:53 PM	#13
Rod38um Member Join Date: December 10, 2009 Posts: 34	I bought the Hornady LnL. I'm very happy with it and the hornady dies. I cant really see how they can sell quality equipment like this and still give the free bullets they do. The cost of the hornady dies are probably cheaper than Lee if you count the bullets and the quality cant be beat. (I got a total of 1400 bullets with all I bought, thats about $410 retail)The LnL has a lot of features I like. from the Die bushings for quick caliber changes to the half indexing on the up and down stroke, grease fittings on the ram and hinge pins, the powder feed is unbelievably accurate (comes with high and low volume inserts) and is micro adjustable, it primes on the upstroke and thats the only action taking place there so you can actually feel each primer seating, it has 5 stations instead of the 4 and the spring shell holder and EZ-ject system works flawlessly not to mention its easy to pull the shell from any of the five stations should you need to do so. I've heard the springs do break on occasion but it hasn't happened to me yet. As cheap as they are though and as easy as they are to change, I dont see it as a problem. I've been so impressed with Hornady quality that I have bought several more items from Hornady lately and I haven't been disappointed with any of it yet. The hornady dies come with the locking rings so no need to order extra if you buy their dies. The AP press come with 5 bushings also.

December 10, 2009, 01:55 PM	#14
rolyasm Member Join Date: August 13, 2008 Posts: 66	Well, I am going with the Hornady. At $390 shipped, plus the $200 in bullets, it is very hard to pass up. I'm sure I can live with any negatives the machine has and enough people really like it I most likely will too. Next question: So I have to buy shell plates for each and every caliber I am reloading? I want to order them with the press and hopefully save some shipping costs. I am planning on starting with .45acp, 9mm, .380, .308 and probably some .44mag. So I need 5 plates? Do any of them cross-over? Is there a list anywhere of what presses (by number#) I need for what caliber. The Hornady site is not very helpful. Thanks. Roly

December 10, 2009, 02:00 PM	#15
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	The highest cost you have outside of the press and case feeder is QUICK caliber conversions. Costs are from Graphs and may be higher from day to day. One changeover 550 - Quick Changeover (Toolhead, Powder Measure, Powder Die, Toolhead Stand.- - - $91 ea) and Caliber Conversion Kit (Shellplate, powder funnel, and locator buttons; $45) 650 - Quick Changeover Kit (Toolhead, TH Stand and Powder Measure $95 ea) and Caliber Conversion Kit (Shellplate, locator buttons, powder funnel; $73) LNL - Shellplate $30 – 2 Die bushings $7.40 (10 pack of QC bushings $37 ea no powder measure necessary) add an additional $3.70 for each 3 die conversion. Powder Thru Expander Die for PM $9 Three Quick changeovers 550 - Total $136 x 3 = $408 650 - Total $168 x 3 = $504 LNL - Total $47 x 3 = $141 Five Quick changeovers 550 - Total $136 x 5 = $680 650 - Total $168 x 5 = $840 LNL - Total $47 x 5 = $235

December 10, 2009, 02:06 PM	#16
hans4811 Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Northeast FLA Posts: 44	Really ?? .. So your real price for the Dillon with a case feeder is $740 Price for the Hornady LNL WITH a case feeder is $686 (From www.grafs.com) With either the Dillon or the LNL, in order to load ammo, at a bare minimum you are going to have to buy: 1. Die set 2. Shell plate 3. Powder SCALE 4. Reloading manual Be mindful that is a BARE MINIMUM LIST Wow, I know you guys are gonna scream, but dang !! I spent less that $300 bucks for a LEE Loadmaster from Midway, and that included all of the above...die set, shell plate, scale, manual AND a case feeder!! Sure, I spent a few days messing with it, like you're gonna do with any of them, but now...churns out rounds, both 45acp and s&w40, like nobody's business. I can sit down in an hour and have maybe a couple hundred rounds going real easy, checking everything.. Don't want to get into a whole Ford vs Chevy thing here, but bottom line...it produces reliable rounds and does it for hundreds of dollars less !!

December 10, 2009, 02:10 PM	#17
Rod38um Member Join Date: December 10, 2009 Posts: 34	Here is a handy chart for several brands, tells you which shell plates cross over: http://www.midwayusa.com/midwayusa/s...art_Update.pdf

December 10, 2009, 02:34 PM	#20
Foxbat Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Posts: 367	Not a problem, and wish you good luck with it, but these pages are read by many other people with similar questions.

December 10, 2009, 03:01 PM	#22
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	Foxbat The key word is QUICKchange. Yes, you can reuse some other components, but then it isn't a QUICKchange. The idea is to compare apples to apples here.