First that is a great read. Well written. I have NO experience with the LNL press except for playing with it in the store when I was deciding on what press I was going to buy. But
I do have a few comments from the article about the Dillon. I am not dismissing this guys write up I think he is a bit off on a few things but still a great write up.
The red writing is from the article, my rebuttal is after.
IMHO the Dillon has one major shortcoming and, most Dillon owners will agree if they are honest. The Dillon powder measure is sorely lacking in ease of use and adjustability. It is sliding bar type measure. It meters ball type powder well but, flake type powder less so.
I have never had a issue with the powder measure. I will say getting is set just perfect can be frustrating at times but once it is set it is spot on. Not changing more than +/- .02. I think that is pretty darn good. I have no complaints about the powder measure. Its a decent measure, however if I could go back to my RCBS one on my Dillon I would just because its so easy to dial in.
it is a pain to swap out the Dillon powder measure to another die plate. As a result, many owners have several powder measures on separate die plates for changing calibers. This significantly drives UP the COST.
YES, if you are loading a regular pistol load like the .45, .40, 9mm and so on you are ok on this, HOWEVER if you load these plus .357, 44mag the bigger stuff you will more than likely have to but another measure. I don't need more than one because I don't have to change the bar.
Also, IMHO, the Dillon de-priming/priming system is less reliable than the LNL.
Don't know the LNL system but I think this a false statement. Less reliable, I don't feel this is true. I have had an issue a few times with primer being seated upside down but felt this was a user error not a press error. Junk in junk out.
But the primer system is messy, to elaborate, the spent primer system works fine for me, but if you don't use a good primer it has a "chute" and I think that little system plain old sucks!!! I would get rid of that in a heartbeat if I could.
If you don't clean each part of the primer system you will have issues I bet its a dirty process.
In addition, the LNL auto indexing is significantly smoother than the Dillon 650. The LNL indexes 1/2 step while the ram is going up and 1/2 step when the ram goes down. The 650 indexes a full step on the ram down stroke and can cause pistol cases to spill SMALL AMOUNTS or powder with the indexing "bump". IMHO, the LNL is dramatically better. Of course, the amount of powder "bumped" from a case is dependent on the powder charge, operator and, speed of reloading. As I stated above, you get primer problems with a dirty press. "Bumped" powder fouls BOTH Dillon and LNL
Yes I had this issue, the smoothness they are talking about, the spring under the Dillon plate is way to stiff and creates the "bump" and can spill some powder when really going at it. I found a "softer" spring and fixed this issue to my satisfaction. The index on the presses I think is user preference and not an issue. Just different designs.
It makes changing calibers and SNAP
again can't speak for the LNL but the Dillon change is super fast and easy. I don't think it takes me more than 5 minutes anymore. Unless you have to switch to small primer this is quick. I bet the LNL is pretty fast too.
Additionally, the LNL seems to be built like a tank! The ram is about 2"+ in diameter and the basic press is similar in construction to the RCBS Rock Chucker. I would say that a side-by-side comparison to the either the Dillon 550 OR 650, the LNL is at least as sturdily built
Not sure how sturdy the LNL is but the Dillon is built like a tank as well. the main shaft is I think 1 3/4 inches, a good ram. The lnl when looking looked just as well built. Don't think either is built poorly!
With the Dillon, “right-left-right-left” hand operating procedure, clockwise rotation and, the fact that you start your loading process at the front, right side of the press, your bullet seating die is at the rear, left side of the press. Why is this important? The Dillon powder measure drops powder into the case and the case is rotated clockwise to the REAR of the press to the bullet seating die. It is very difficult to see inside of the case to see the gunpowder. Many Dillon owners rig up flashlight, mirror or, believe it or not, a video camera to “look” into the case to see the powder charge.
Not sure what this is getting too but case drops at 2, primer/powder at 4ish, check at 530, add bullet and press in to case at about 8-9 and crimp at 11. I don't have any issues with seeing the powder in the case. I did put a light in the top of the press to make it easier to see. But with a case feeder the only action I have to do is put the bullet on the case and run the handle...pretty seamless I think.
Dillon Customer service is legendary.
YES, I broke a roll pin installing my press out of the box. I called them to buy a pin, they said we will send it out. I wanted to pay for it or the shipping or something being it was my mistake. They would have nothing to do with it. Sent if for nothing. I have called on two occasions and they were fantastic on the CS side. I have been thought the Hornady factory in NE and they are also SUPER people so I have no doubt there service is top notch as well.
You can load anything on both the Dillon and LNL from .25 ACP to 500 N.E. Realistically, I would say that people with progressive loaders mostly load pistol ammo 99% of the time. After using the LNL, I feel confident that my Grandkids will be using when I'm gone.
Well stated for both presses I would bet!
In summary, the Hornady LNL has all the features of the Dillon 650 but, is much cheaper. However, the Dillon automatic case feeder is about $50 cheaper than the Hornady.
I am not sure about price of the LNL but no doubt blue is spendy, but worth it.
The deal here is whatever you choose you will be fine and happy no doubt. Both I am sure are great presses. I would however not give up my Dillon for anything, well anything less of two LNL
Hope this helps tried to keep it factual.