The reloading press thing!

[Wobbly]

Of course a split case or a crimped primer pocket can sure screw up the timing. 

And that might be the strength of the LNL and 550 over the 650. If you can't seat a primer or size a case on the LNL and 550, then you simply rip that case out and install that same primer in the next case. But on a 650, if anything goes wrong with the primer seating or case sizing, the primer goes down the unused "ski jump" to recovery land and you have to manually place it back in the system.

At least manually feeding them you get to inspect the case one last time. When you have a case feeder and dump in 150 cases, you're sort of at the mercy of the 3 Fates.

I have really good results with 38 Spcl and 45ACP, but 9mm is too much like 380Auto, 38 Super, and a host of other similar looking cartridges that keep sneaking through my lax defenses.

 

[SPO1SHADOW]

Agreed.

[copemech]

I just upgraded to the Hornady LNL AP from my Lee Classic Turret.

You sure can use the Lee Autodrum with the Lee PTX expander plug.  The Hornady press is a  fine machine.  Caliber change overs are not too difficult.  I've had to tweak some things to get it running smoothly but I think every press needs some tweaks.  Now that it is running smoothly I can safely process 250-350 per hour without a case or bullet feeder.

My next upgrade is going to be some sort of primer tube filler.  The Hornady primer tubes suck.  I've heard the Dillon tubes are better but I might just either build or buy a tube filler.

Cheers,
Toby

Thanks for that info Toby. I did not know you had changed over.

Sounds as though you are getting along well with it.  I think I could as well.


[Mods fixed quote]

[copemech]

I kinda figure that I could live with the L&L AP, a D550 or 650 if I could stumble across a good used deal with someone selling out or upgrading, but it just seems my timing is always off.

Oh yes, I have a guy that wants to trade me a D650 for a big air compressor I have, but It is a $1200 compressor and I just don't need a 650 with feeders and all that crap!
To many headaches, I want to simplify things.

[tcoz]

The choice of a press is such an individual matter.  Nobody can really tell you what you should buy but what they can do is tell you exactly what each press does, how hands-on it is, how much ammo it can produce and how much it costs to set up.
My needs are only about 300-500 rounds a month and 80% of it is for rifle so a single stage is all I need (Redding T-7 turret).  I also use it for pistol ammo and it's a slow process but the process is what I enjoy, not the production.  Most people reload to shoot but I shoot to reload.

[copemech]

Thanks to Wobbly for the insight on the Hornady L-N-L AP. Guess what I spent my b-day money on today!

With todays 10 percent discount at Optics Planet, it was $386.00 free shipping and no tax(unlike amazon) and don't forget the free 500 bullet rebate from Hornady that does include 9mm 115gr XTP on the list.

I admit the fact I am a tightwad, but I also like good deals, and this press is expandable and seems high quality based on what I have seen. Add the fact I could not seem to find much in the way of a good used unit in blue or red at this time. With my luck one will pop up tomorrow!

[Wobbly]

Congrats. That's a nice press !

I'm not an owner, but I've heard more than once to take some fine emery cloth to the primer shuttle before installing it. Apparently there are some machining burrs that hang up the shuttle during the first 2000 rounds, but after that everything is good.