Progressive presses are either improving, upgrading and/or just evolving. I don't have a clue as to which one to buy to get my monies worth. Dillon has there presses and Hornady L-N-L AP etc....one independant study showed high favor with the H l-n-l Ap over Dillon 550 and the Lee as progressives. Do I just go for a Dillon and call it good? This would be for my autoloaders specifically.

Simple question? Dare I ask?

How much reloading experience do you have and how much do you plan to shoot?

If the answer to both is a lot then I say get the Dillon 650.

I have a 550B and have been using it for about 1.5 years now. I had not reloaded for 10+ years so I was getting back into as a new reloader.

I'm very happy with the 550 but think I would like a 650 better. I just don't shoot enough to justify upgrading.

If/when I do I will upgrade.

I am not knocking the Hornady lnl....they make good stuff....BUT? ....I have the Dillon and and the 550B is great....the 650 even more of a good thing.....I have used Star and CPM early progressives with case feeders and they are works of art but the Dillon is upto date and has upgrades and parts if needed and trade/sell well if you want to upgrade......again just from fellow shooters/reloaders experience with Dillon and a few of the "name" late progressives....I say Dillon.....hth..good luck and good shooting-loading!!

I wouldn't buy a Progressive that wasn't made by Dillon. I did once and it was an expensive lesson.
Other companies might make decent models at the moment but they won't support them years later like Dillon will. The one that cost me a lot of money was made by a company with a fine reputation for service but quit stocking spares after just a couple years and my press was KAPUT.
As far as the Dillon's go I think if you feel the need for a case feeder and/or an extra station for a powder check die go with the 650. If your needs are more moderate you might be quite satisfied with a 550.
Good luck...............................DJ

I purchased a Hornaday LNL this fall and an very pleased with it.
Pat

One shouldn't ask which press manufacturer should be chosen, but which Dillon should one choose. If you load a few thousand rounds per year, take 550, if you load over ten thousand per year, take 650 and if you load a lot more, take 1050.

Sounds like the Dillon which does not surprise me to be the #1 choice-without a doubt the best warranty. That study

http://www.comrace.ca/cmfiles/dillonLeeHornadyComparison.dpf

is what I read.
I now tried to access that site with this typed in but cannot get but he home page-don't know what is up, do have it saved in favorites and can access it.

thanks a bunch fellas, gunblast has a study on the Dillon. Just had to make sure it was not just hype, now to buy before the end of the year or the cost increases in 08'

I just posted a reply to a similar question on another thread, and I will highly recommend the 650. Dillon makes good stuff and has remarkably great customer service. Can't beat it.

I use all types of progressives. I have a brand new Dillon 550B to add to this:

I am getting a Dillon 550B-it is done. Thanks all for the positive input--------Merry Christmas!

Good choice. You will never regret their no BS warranty. Call Dillon toll free and talk to one of their customer service reps. In fact, they encourage customers and potential customers to call and ask questions. They're not just order takers either. They know their products in and out.