# Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press (Dillon Precision) and Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press (Hornady) among reloading presses.

## Side by side

| Spec | Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press | Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $590 | not published |
| Brand | Dillon Precision | Hornady |
| Press type | progressive, manual indexing | progressive, auto-indexing |
| Number of stations | 4 | 5 |
| RAM diameter (in) | — | — |
| Rounds per hour | 400-600 | up to 500 |
| Priming system | on-press, automatic primer feed seated at station 1 | on-press, automatic case-activated Positive Priming System |
| Frame material | aluminum alloy frame with steel toolhead and linkage | cast iron |
| Shellplate turret compatibility | quick-change steel shellplate, caliber-specific; over 160 cartridges supported via Dillon conversion kits | 5-station Lock-N-Load quick-change die bushing system, accepts standard 7/8-14 dies via LNL bushings; caliber changeover in under 5 minutes |
| Mounting footprint | bench-mount, 4-bolt pattern; compatible with optional Dillon Strong Mount | bench-mount, 4-bolt pattern |

## Key differences

- Press type: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press progressive, manual indexing vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press progressive, auto-indexing
- Number of stations: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press 4 vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press 5
- Rounds per hour: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press 400-600 vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press up to 500
- Priming system: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press on-press, automatic primer feed seated at station 1 vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press on-press, automatic case-activated Positive Priming System
- Frame material: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press aluminum alloy frame with steel toolhead and linkage vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press cast iron
- Shellplate turret compatibility: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press quick-change steel shellplate, caliber-specific; over 160 cartridges supported via Dillon conversion kits vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press 5-station Lock-N-Load quick-change die bushing system, accepts standard 7/8-14 dies via LNL bushings; caliber changeover in under 5 minutes
- Mounting footprint: Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press bench-mount, 4-bolt pattern; compatible with optional Dillon Strong Mount vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press bench-mount, 4-bolt pattern

## Sources

- Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press: https://www.dillonprecision.com/s000224 (dillonprecision.com, verified 2026-08-11)
- Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press: https://www.hornady.com/reloading/presses/lock-n-load-ap (hornady.com, verified 2026-08-11)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/reloading-presses/dillon-precision-rl550c-vs-hornady-lock-n-load-ap/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Dillon Precision RL550C Progressive Reloading Press ($590) vs Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive Reloading Press (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/reloading-presses/dillon-precision-rl550c-vs-hornady-lock-n-load-ap/
License: CC BY 4.0.