Dillon SDB or 550

TrevorO

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Looking at picking up one of these presses. Any opinions or pros and cons of each? Any info is greatly appreciated.
 
SDB takes priority dies however it is an automatic progressive. 550 takes standard dies but you have to "thumb" the shell plate. SDB is a PIA to change calibres on. they are made on the theory one calibre one press. 550 is easy to change calibres on, especially if you have different die heads.
 
SBD cannot do rifle so you are very limited.

I would opt for a 550 as a result.

But of course I prefer the LNL to either.

John,

Care to share the reasons why you prefer the LNL over the Dillon? I'm curretly using an RCBS auto progressive, but have been thinking about picking up a 550 to go with it. No decisions yet, but would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Hornady machine.
 
I have a SDB & have used it for a number of years. A year ago a small part broke on the powder measure & Dillon sent up up no charge.

I can change calibers in about 5 minutes so I don't find that an issue.
But they will not reload rifle cartridges & you have to use the proprietory dies.

I know several people who have 550's & they really like them.
 
John,

Care to share the reasons why you prefer the LNL over the Dillon? I'm curretly using an RCBS auto progressive, but have been thinking about picking up a 550 to go with it. No decisions yet, but would be interested to hear your thoughts on the Hornady machine.


Holy Fack!:eek: DON"T get him started! He and his cohort ACRASHB are rabid when in comes to the LNL. Just wait and see......














;):D
 
I prefer RED Koolaid over BLUE!

MMmmm

Cherry


The LNL is just a better system then the 550.

But I will let ACRASH speak for me.

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127691&highlight=dillon+lee+hornady+comparison


of course the fact that I was actually paid $11 for my press I guess I am biased. LOL!!

Oh and I broke the primer feed arm on my press last week. Bent the snot out of it damned NATO cases!!

Received my FREE replacement yesterday and am back and running put up 200 9mm rounds to bed last night in 15 minutes which I think is a new record for me.
 
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For a few bucks difference between SDB vs. 550, the later is the way to go if you are reloading different pistol calibers. As mentioned above the proprietary Dillon SDB dies will limit your flexibility in using a much preferred standard die. As you progress in your reloading skills, you will most likely look for a much "accurate/superior" or precision dies, which you will not be able to use in SDB. :)
 
550 or SDB

SBD cannot do rifle so you are very limited.

I would opt for a 550 as a result.

But of course I prefer the LNL to either.

I would have to agree with John also,after much consideration i bought a Hdy LNL AP and have no regrets whatsoever.
 
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