Let me start by saying I decided to get a progressive reloader because I began shooting IDPA and USPSA - 9mm. I was not new to reloading, but had only had a single stage press. I did a TON of research. Notwithstanding price, the Hornady LnL was comparable to the Dillon 650 when looking at the number of die stations, powder measure, case feeder, etc. per the literature each provides. I decided to purchase the Hornady LnL press because it was less expensive and I fell into a deal on a used but “new” case feeder. I liked the idea of being able to change over from one caliber to the next by switching out the dies using the Hornady bushings. The switch from small to large primers was easy and the powder measure provides large and small metering change over pretty easily. I loaded about 10,000 rounds over a 3 year period of time. The press ran well for me with two exceptions: I could never get the case feeder to work smoothly. Believe me, I looked at every YouTube video I could find and called Hornady. Never did discover a “fix”. I would say the case feeder worked correctly about 60% of the time. I.e. 6 out of 10 cases dropped and were fed properly on to the shell plate without me having to make an adjustment by hand. The second “issue” I found problematic was the primer feed. It worked well most of the time. However, when it failed to feed a primer into position there was no way of knowing until the powder spilled onto the shell plate. A Dillon alarm was said to be modifiable to catch the low primer status, but it wouldn’t correct the failure to feed the primer when that occurred. There was an INGOER who did an extensive review on set up, running, and trouble shooting a couple years ago. (That INGOER was an engineer and he eventually sold his Hornady due to the problems I experienced.)
I sold the Hornady to someone but still have some of the extras left. (If you end up getting a Hornady contact me as I my still have some of the extras you may want/need) I got about 65% of my original cost back. They are not the easiest to sell because there are significantly fewer Hornady reloaders owned. A survey of IDPA shooters at the national championship for the past 3 years reveals over 85% of the shooters who reload use a Dillon.
After I sold the Hornady I waited several months to try to find a used Dillon 650. They donÂ’t come up for sale very often and when they do they sell quickly and at about 90% or more of a new one. I found a used but barely used Dillon, 4 sets of dies and conversion kits, 2,000 empty .223 brass plus several hundred .45 acp, 9mm, and .38 spl cases plus some other odds and ends. Additional items that I also got included the strong mount, the powder checker and low primer sensor, and roller handle - all of which are extra over the cost plain press. My purchase price was $900 which also included the case feeder.
Re: the pros and cons of the Dillon. It is more expensive but it has a much better resale value and market acceptance than the Hornady. I personally think the case feeder AND the primer feeder are both superior to the Hornady. Additionally, the leverage system of the Dillon feels much better to me so I give the Dillon a plus in the ergonomics category as well. DillonÂ’s reputation for customer service and no BS warranty is legendary. I know several Dillon owners who speak anecdotally about the replacement parts and service provided by Dillon so I believe it to be accurate. I had a minor issue and Dillon sent me a free replacement part without issue even though the part broke due to my operator error as I was learning to use the press. If the prices for each were the same there wouldnÂ’t even be a discussion. Dillon would win hands down. When you factor in price Hornady gets a check mark in that column - but IMO the addÂ’l cost is offset by the Dillon usability, reliability, warranty, and resaleability. If youÂ’re into loading rifle for accuracy I keep the single stage press. Use the progressive for production work.
If you want to get a hands on demonstration of a Dillon and youÂ’re willing to travel to Zionsville you can take a look at mine. There is also a retailer in Shelbyville that sells Dillon reloaders that getsgood reviews from INGOERS. Good luck with your search.
I've been shooting IDPA/USPSA for over 15 years now. I have heard MANY competitors switch to Dillon. I've never heard someone say they sold their Dillon and switched to something else. The only time I see competitors selling their Dillon is to step up into a bigger Dillon, and even then most hang on to their old press for their low-volume stuff or to use for a different size primer, etc...
-rvb