Dillon xl 650 OR Hornady Lock n Load AP

R

reich

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Hi, I am in the market to purchase one of these two units. Can someone please help me make up my mind for loading .223 rifle for hunting rounds.
I have never owned a progressive unit before but I like the idea of the quick change dies on the Hornady.
Thanks, reich
 
If it is for hunting, why not just go with a single stage press? With one calibre and even if you were going to be plinking with it, a single stage would make more sense to learn.

With that said I would lean towards the Dillon.
 
I have the AP. Works well but have some issues with the priming. I think that's due to certain brass and the primers I'm using as its very difficult even with the hand primer.

The quick change dies bushings are very nice. Even for doing maintenance, adjustments, etc. 1/4 turn and they pop. Just as easy to install and know your settings are still the same.

There's a following for both sides. The problem is there is a significant cost difference. Lots to research on the net. Doubt you'll need specific input here.
 
If you want to load a LOT, rifle and pistol, or planning into the future, go with Dillon 650.

Otherwise go with Dillon 550.

Take it as an investment, you buy it once, and it will last you for years. Plus Dillon has great warranty. Best out there.
 
I run a AP and its a nice set up. A friends dad has the 650 with all the bells and whistles and its looks pretty complicated to set up and time everything, but he does get a lot of ammo out of it.
I don't run a case feeder on my AP but just feeding brass and bullets by hand and with the odd QC check for charge weight and then inspecting each one after for primer depth i'm able to pump out about 300 rounds an hour just taking my time.

only problems I had with mine was the timing paws that turn the turret got jammed because they were out of time and i broke one, but i had to order the a new housing with the paws because the dam thing got stuck and she wasnt coming out. And like Shibby said, sometimes primers dont get shoved all the way in and a hand primer during the QC phase sorts it out.
 
I have never used the Dillon, but I have the Hornady. Have never been totally happy with it, it has had several quality issues and has been back to the factory once. It runs trouble free in 2 of the 5 calibers I load on it, seeing it run smoothly makes me realize that the design is a good one, and for someone who got a good one it would likely make them very happy.

I bought mine in 2010 when the first Obama crisis was straining the capacity of Hornady (and almost everyone else).
 
Thank you everyone and Silverfoxdj for the comparison thread which was great. I do load for hunting but also for everyone that hunts coyote with me. We shoot roughly 1000 rounds a year and I also shoot a a gun club so I do believe it warrants the purchase of a progressive re-loader especially when I decide to whip up 500 rounds at the drop of a hat. I own an RCBS single stage at present and it's just too much time and work for that many rounds. In my opinion ( if that means anything) I believe I will settle for the Hornady Lock n Load EZject due to the amount I re-load, price and warranty, until someone can truly make me believe Dillon is the absolute # 1 machine to purchase and I came to that conclusion from http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum...ive-comparison
Again, thanks so much and please do send me more info if you like.
reich
 
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