Dillon 550C vs. Hornady Lock & Load AP

[Bc'z]

Like you i was torn between red or blue. I opted for the 550c " all my partners running same" was my reasoning. Took me a bit to get it set up at first. Dillons dies are kind of a pain to set up compared to other manufacturers. Now that its dialed in im happy with it for the most part. Getting your rhythm down is the tricky part for a speedy cyclic rate. Loading 223, 45 acp, and 380 auto with it. After tool heads stands and conversion kits for different calibers the costs started adding up. " but doesn't everything in shooting sports" Honestly only had machine for bout 9 months, and searching craigslist for a used hornady.
Just my .2cents

 

[DirtySteve]

I have two Dillon 550's and have zero complaints. I have had a 550 since 1992. No problems with it. I had to replace the priming system twice in that amount of time. The threads in the system gave out after about 12-15 years of swapping from large to small primers over the years. Each time the new one was sent to me free of charge. I decided to just buy another one to simplify my life.

 

[Papa Charlie]

As I stated earlier, I have used the Hornady LnL for some time and have absolutely no complaints. Like others with the LnL and the Dillon, there have been issues where something wears out and for all of us, it took a phone call to the mfg and a replacement arrived free of charge.

I think they are even in performance, I like the quick change feature for the dies on the Hornady over the Dillon. Don't have to worry about resetting the dies each time you install, and don't have to worry about wearing out the threads. I also switched all my locking nuts to the Hornady on my dies as they don't damage the threads like most.
Both systems allow for auto feed of the shells and the bullets if you want. The Dillon also has an auto trimmer that trims, champers and deburs.A very cool feature.

I don't care for the stock handles on either unit. I have replaced mine with a InLine Fabrication Ergo style roller lever. What a difference that made.
https://inlinefabrication.com/collections/levers

It all comes down to preference. I also think that too often we don't take the time to set up the presses to make them ergonomically comfortable for us to use. I am guilty of that as well. Having the press secured, at a height that is comfortable to operate and easy to see what you are doing are as important as the press itself. Beyond that, it is getting use to the press and the little issues that each present. Once you have worked past that, they all perform very well.

 

[ranger3]

Well I put the Hornady on lay away. HAVE 90 days to agonize. I do think they are both good machines, I'm never comfortable with sizing 22 250 or larger on the Dillon. Seems like it's stresses the machine. So most of those are sized on anothe press.
Thanks to all of you, your opinion's were very helpful. Good reloading to all of you.