Looking for a new reloading rig

Ext

Ext

Member
Rating - 100%
6   0   0
Location
Fort Nelson, BC
Hey guys,

A little bit of background first. I had the old RCBS reloading starter set ~15 years ago. Basic press, scale, etc. Built a bunch of rounds and did some experimenting with my 30-06 with good luck. Then I got lazy and bought a pile of premium factory ammo and ended up selling the kit.

Now I have more firearms than ever and have started to compete in IPSC. With my birthday a couple days ago, my wife talked to a salesman that sold her the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme and Digital Chargemaster with a bunch of accessories. Knowing me, she said, "I know this might not be quite right, but I wanted to wrap it. If you'd like, take it back. Pick out what you need, try to keep it under $1000". I've looked long and hard through a bunch of resources and feel like I've decided on a Hornady Lock-n-Load AP, feeling like a progressive press is going to be the way I want to go for high quantity handgun (currently .45acp, but that could change soon). I will definitely be reloading for a variety of calibres before too long (45 colt, 460 S&W, 44 Mag just about immediately) so I want something flexible.

Anyone able to shed any light on this for me? Anyone know where I can find the Lock-N-Load AP?

If not, I'll continue reading through the forum and other resources. I feel like I should be leaning towards Dillon, but I understand the Hornady may be a little easier and less expensive to swap calibres. I know that there are a lot of accessories that I haven't mentioned. Assume I'll acquire the smaller stuff; I have my chrony still, I have access to a tumbler, etc.

Thanks in advance!
 
Dillon 650 is probably a little more than you want to spend, but it'll last you the rest of your life. They are worth every cent and caliber changes are a snap.
 
I recently picked up the Hornady LNL AP this summer 'cause the 650 was a bit over my budget. So far I'm happy with it. Changing calibers isn't a big deal with the bushing system. Swap out the dies, change the shell plate, adjust the powder measure height, change the primer setup if needed and start cranking 'em out in under 10mins. I don't have the shell feeder or bullet feeder attachments. However, I did make up the poor man's bullet feeder which speeds up the process somewhat.

If you can afford the 650, have at it. If not, the LNL AP is pretty solid in my books.
 
Thank you for the replies, everyone and thanks for the link, Sawzall. I'm still reading a lot. :p

I think one of my big questions is the difference in price when changing calibres between the Dillon 650 and Hornady LnL-AP. Is it comparable?
 
Don't know about price comparison, but a caliber change between same-size primer rounds as you describe takes 2 minutes or less. 2 pins and just a few seconds to remove/replace tool head containing dies and powder measure, one set screw and o e large screw (finger turn) to swap shell plate. That's it.
With extra tool heads you don't have to be stripping down your die sets all the time. 550 is also excellent value. I suggested 650 because it's a lot faster (more rounds/hour) and you did mention IPSC.
 
Not trying to change your mind but check the sticky in this forum by acrashb comparing the Dillon 650, Hornady LNL AP and Lee Loadmaster. Great info.
 
Thank you, ted_dent I did have a thorough read through that before I posted. That's why I was leaning towards the LnL AP over the 650. The 550/650 seems to have a cult following that's hard to ignore.
 
Ext said:
Thank you, ted_dent I did have a thorough read through that before I posted. That's why I was leaning towards the LnL AP over the 650. The 550/650 seems to have a cult following that's hard to ignore.
Click to expand...

Some of that is just plain loyalty I guess. Their warranty and customer service is the best of any company in any industry I've ever encountered. Don't know about Hornady's, though I'm sure it's good.
I've got 22 years on my 650 and it has never once let me down, and I abuse the hell out of it. I finally wore the bearings out of it this year after about 500,000 rounds and called them to order replacement parts, fully expecting to pay for them. Got a whole new bottom end no charge, shipped to my door in less than a week.

Changing from .38 super to 9mm takes me less than 2 minutes. And yes, I've timed it.....I hate spending time doing remedial tasks that are unnecessary. It's worth the money to have a tool head set up in whatever caliber you need.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom