Absolutely. I personally view the Hornady as a "budget" 650/750, since its price is usually about the same as a 550, Hornady provides warranty support that's supposed to be on par with Dillon, etc. It's the way I went, and I haven't regretted it. If you're on the "blue or nothing" plan and on a budget, though, I can see where a 550 would be the choice.
Not much. I love the LNL bushings, and the only thing that I would really say is a weak point on it is that if the primer feed system gets dirty (powder flakes, chunks of spent primer, etc. getting into the track from the tube to the shell plate), you wind up having problems, but a quick cleaning of that gets it back up and running, so no big deal there. I have had one part on it break (one of the clamp pieces in the powder measure assembly IIRC - it was a few years ago), but Hornady replaced it for free, so I can't really get too wound up about that.
What do you define as tinkering? I know that once I've got the press set up for the load I want, it requires little aside from powder and primer reloads. That being said, the decap and resize station (9mm) rarely lines up perfectly without a little nudge from my left index finger to guide the case in as I pull the handle. I had a similar issue with my LCT.
Update: warranty is two years per the website but called Lee Customer Service and they are replacing the entire carrier. I only have to pay shipping. Didn’t want to see pictures, documentation or proof of ownership, etc. Don’t know if I am happy or sad. Really wanted the excuse to try Dillon.
Good that they’re replacing it. I’ve been pretty satisfied with Lee’s customer service over the years, and with most of their products that I’ve bought.
Go ahead and get the Dillon though; years ago I sold a no lock 642 and a prelock 581 to fund my 550. No regrets.
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"I'm a tactical operator and Instructor and also retired military."
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