Well I just made my first 60 rounds of 45 ACP on my new Hornady LNL AP.
First off, lets get this straight; I have already had a Dillon 550 and I liked it. It was a nice machine, so this is not a Dillon bash thread. It is merely my observations of my new machine with a price comparison at the end. If you wanna get a blue machine, do it; I am sure you will be happy with it. I was.
Now on with the review. I picked this one up on Ebay and paid $368.00 shipped. (I had a 10% off coupon with paypal, so it was originally $412 with free shipping) It arrived in a nice box and everything was in it.
Mounting was very straight forward.
Set up was not quite as straight forward. I have a very good working knowledge of a progressive press and general mechanical knowledge, so after skimming the directions, (which were lacking imo) it took me about 1.5 hours to set it up.
What I did not like about the directions was their lack of reference pictures. Sure I can flip to the back of the book to find out what a "Fetzer valve" is, but why not just put a little picture next to the directions instead? Anyway, no big deal. There was DVD with it, but I never opened it, maybe it was good, I don't know.
After I got it together I found the drive hub was cracked. I called Hornady and they shipped one out right away, no questions asked. Took 2 days to get it, but it was easy to install (about 4 minutes) and I was ready to "rock and roll".
I really, really like the "bushing system". Imo it is far superior to the Dillon die plate system. It is cheaper to change calibers (about $13 for the bushings), they are quickly removed individually and seem to lock in tighter than the Dillon tray system. With the Dillon you have to either buy another powder dropper, or unscrew the damn thing to switch calibers. With my new Hornady you just leave it in place, untwist the dies you wanna change, and adjust the powder drop. Done.
Storing the Dillon die plate system seems easier, but again $$$$.
If you are switching to rifle, or a radically different setup/powder, then buying a different dropper is probably best, but changing it out is as simple as 1/8 twist to remove and 1/8 twist to install. (it actually took longer to type out how to do it, than it actually takes to do it)
I am looking for the case feeder now. I should have ordered both (press and case feeder) from Cabelas in early December for $668 w/ free shipping when they had them in stock. oh well.
I also got 500 "free" .45 ACP bullets ( free except for the cost of shipping $14.95). Which I also have to give them credit for, because instead of just making me wait 10-12 weeks hoping they got my stuff, they actually sent me an email confirming they got it.
The cheapest I found a Dillon was $445 shipped, no free bullets.
The cheapest I found a Hornady was $368 shipped, 500 free* bullets (*actually $14.95)
It does seem to be a little easier to find accessories for a Dillon, but that is a dual edged sword in my opinion. There is so much crap out there for the Dillon, it is way too easy to start buying stuff for no good reason, and they seem to push it hard. Strong mounts, roller handles, Aluminum roller handles, bulllet trays, tool holders, tool kits, primer warning systems..etc..
Anyhow I am sure Hornady has that stuff too, but it is not as easy to find, or "in your face", which makes me think about the need for it a little more.
When it's all said and done, I would not have done it any different. I love this machine, it seems very sturdy, has a lifetime "No Worries" warranty, and it is a little easier on the wallet for just about everything.
P.S. the new EZ-ject system rocks, it almost shoots the round out too far. LOL
Here are some pics for those that care.