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What is that Smell | |
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This page contains MY views on current events. I will try to add something everyday. Remember these are MY opinions and views, I am using the internet to blow off steam and try to retain my sanity. |
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| 3/25/2002 | ||
Sometimes I get email asking my OPINION. Those of you who know me, know that I have an opinion about just about everything. When people ask my opinion about one of my favorite hobbies, I love sharing my opinions. I have received several e mails asking me which reloading press I preferred. I will not compare the Lee or RCBS presses because I don't own or use them. If I do not have personal knowledge, I can't compare. |
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Just one year ago that would have been a simple question. I was the proud owner and operator of a Hornady LNL Progressive press. I have used this press to reload about 24,000 rounds of everything from 9mm to 45 Colt. I only had ONE problem. This press didn't seem to care for 45 ACP. But I didn't shoot that much 45 ACP so it wasn't that big of a deal. I started shooting more 45 ACP and it turned into a problem. Tommy guns eat a bunch. I tried everything that tech service at Hornady suggested, nothing seemed to get this press to consistently load my 45's. Then on a bright summer morning I actually got to speak with one of the techs at Hornady. He informed me that "ALL" presses had problems with 45 ACP and I would just have to deal with it. Don't get me wrong, Hornady did everything that they could to get this press to work on 45 ACP. They were just about as frustrated as I was. I did have a problem with the statement that "ALL" presses had problems with 45 ACP, so I started doing some research. |
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I spoke with a couple of my buddies who reloaded their 45 ACP's all the time. They were both VERY happy with their press. They both owned a Dillon. One was a 550 and the other was a 650. After checking them both out, I went to my local reloading shop and ordered a 650. DAMN am I glad I did. I have never been able to load as many rounds per hour in any caliber. This press is the answer to my prayers. I can pump out 800 - 900 rounds an hour with great consistency. I liked the job it did on the 45's so much that I now use it to load my 10mm and 40 S&W. It is great. |
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Now comes the problem. Which press is better? That question is NOT an easy one. We are not comparing apples to apples. The Dillon is like a Continental or a Cadilac and the Hornady is like a Chevy. For the majority of the people I shoot with, the Hornady is perfect. For about $400, if you don't have anything. You can get started. You will need to add LNL bushings for each set of dies. You can purchase separate powder measures for about $65 or you can use separate powder measure stems for each load, they run about $8. Hornady also carries a very fine selection of reloading dies for about $30 - $45. The shell plates used on the Hornady are inexpensive, about $30. Most of them can be used with more than one caliber. The Dillon on the other hand is a bit pricier. For about $700, you can be up and running with a power case feeder. Your dies and conversions are extra, at about $110 per caliber. Of course if you want the quick change kit, that will be about $75 per kit. Don't get me wrong, you don't have to get the case feeder or the quick change kits, but why would you have such a magnificent machine that you couldn't take advantage of all of it's potential. I believe each of these presses has a place. I will not get rid of either of mine, after all I still have my Rock Chucker I purchased back in 1977. There are times that it comes in handy. I guess the play with presses comes down to what you can afford. If you plan to load 45 ACP, stay away from the Hornady. |
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| God Bless and good hunting, shooting and reloading. | ||
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Please read this one | A note to Christopher B. Wall |
site last updated 3/25/2002
© 2002 Lee Wall
