progressive press

[camino]

I am thinking about upgrading to a Dillon 550 or 650 or a Hornady lock and load AP press, I load 9mm,40 and 45acp amd some .223, just wondering which way to go? Anybody with experience have some suggestions?

[DaveBone]

Changing from one caliber to another, in most progressive press, can be an expensive thing to accomplish.

I refer you to the "Instant change from 38 Special to 357 Mag" thread.

[curtis41]

I am thinking about upgrading to a Dillon 550 or 650 or a Hornady lock and load AP press, I load 9mm,40 and 45acp amd some .223, just wondering which way to go? Anybody with experience have some suggestions?

Both presses are well made.  I have been using the Hornady Lock-N-Load for 9mm, 38, 357, 45 and 223.  Once set up properly, this press works great.  As slow as I am, I can load 300-400 rounds an hour of great ammo in 9mm and 45 ACP.  The dies are very easy to change, and if tightened down on the die itself, they will retain their settings very well and change out calibers in seconds for each die.  If you load a number of different calibers, this is a great feature.  My 45s are 1.205 inch O.A.L. to fit the SIG P220, with 6.4 gr of HP-38 (new WIN 231), CCI large pistol primers, 185 gr Hornady XTP HPs, and Starline regular 45 new brass. 829 +/- 16.1 fps though the SIG P220 and 846 +/- 30.1 fps through the Glock G21 (17 shots for each pistol).  G21 will accept a longer O.A.L., the shorter one good for the P220 to reliable mag loads, loading and ejection.  I recommend you seriously consider the Hornady Lock-N-Load press and that you use a powder cop or similar single/full load checker.

[gearheadpyro]

I'm very happy with my LNL AP. It pumps out rounds quickly, and all features function flawlessly.

I too like the fact that the bushings just pop in and out. It's a lot cheaper than buying die heads for other presses, and a lot faster than resetting dies each time.

I wrote a review of the Hornady LNL AP on my blog. I've got no hands on time with a Dillon though, so it's hard to make a fair comparison. I know that Dillon does have a very loyal following, and all of the units I've seen look top notch. I'll stick with my LNL AP for half the price though.