Dillon RL550C vs Lee Turret Press: Hands-On Comparison
By Amis Thains Updated 5 min read
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On this page (8 sections)
You want to load hundreds of rounds without burning out, but the Dillon’s cost and setup time keep pulling you back. This comparison cuts through the marketing to show which workflow fits your bench, your volume, and your budget.
In short: The Lee Turret Press is the winner for most shooters who load under 100 rounds per session because it is simpler, cheaper, and faster to set up. The Dillon RL550C wins for high-volume loaders who need to process hundreds of rounds per hour and justifies the premium price through speed.
Quick picks
Our shortlist for this job · tap one to see today's price
Lets you swap between two calibers without unthreading dies, saving setup time on a turret press.
Prevents cases from sticking on the ram during high-speed Dillon RL550C operation.
The differences at a glance
The core difference is workflow: the Lee is a turret press, the Dillon is a progressive press. That single choice dictates your speed, your setup time, and your learning curve. We cover m press and turret bolt fit in a guide of its own.
| Feature | Dillon RL550C | Lee 90932 Turret |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Manual-index progressive | Auto-indexing turret |
| Capacity | 4 cases in shell plate | 1 case at a time |
| Operation | Advance handle 4 times per round | Advance handle once per die |
| Caliber Change | Removable toolhead kit | Swap turret head |
| Best For | High-volume pistol/rifle | Casual/hobby reloaders |
Check the maker’s current spec sheet for exact dimensions and included dies before you buy. Loaders in this spot often ask about lee classic turret canada as well.
Pro tip: Progressive presses require you to cycle the handle multiple times per cartridge. Turret presses only require one stroke per die station.
Speed: where the Dillon RL550C wins decisively
If your goal is throughput, the Dillon RL550C is the clear winner. It loads four cases simultaneously through the shell plate, meaning one handle pull sizes all four, the next charges all four, and so on.
The Lee 90932 processes one case at a time. You must pull the handle to size, pull again to prime, pull again to charge, and pull again to seat. The Lee is faster than a single-stage press, but it cannot match the parallel processing of a progressive.
For the shooter who loads 500 rounds of 9mm for a match or 1,000 rounds of .223 for plinking, the Dillon saves hours. For the shooter who loads 20 rounds of .308 for a weekend trip, the Lee is more than fast enough.
- Dillon RL550C: Best for high-volume production (200+ rounds/hour).
- Lee 90932: Best for low-volume, precise work (under 50 rounds/hour).
Pro tip: Keep cases well-lubricated on a progressive press to avoid jams that stop your entire run. We cover choosing between press types in a guide of its own.
Smooths the sizing operation so cases drop cleanly off the Dillon's ram during high-speed reloading.
- SMOOTHER, MORE CONSISTENT RELOADING: Lanolin-based formula reduces friction during case
- FAST, MESS-FREE APPLICATION: Non-aerosol spray design lets you coat dozens of cases in
Ease of use: where the Lee Turret Press wins for beginners
The Lee 90932 is significantly easier to set up and learn. You mount the press, install three or four dies, and start reloading. The auto-indexing turret handles the die advancement for you, creating a smooth, rhythmic workflow.
The Dillon RL550C is a more complex machine. You must install the powder measure, the primer system, and the shell plate. You must time the stations correctly. The learning curve is steeper because you are responsible for the machine’s timing.
If you are new to reloading, the Lee’s simplicity reduces mental fatigue and lets you focus on your load data. If you are already an experienced reloader, you will likely enjoy the Dillon’s speed after the initial setup.
- Lee 90932: Simple setup, intuitive workflow, low mental load.
- Dillon RL550C: Complex setup, high reward, requires attention to detail.
Pro tip: Start with a new cartridge on the Lee to learn the process before switching to your main calibers.
Makes it easy to switch between two calibers on a Lee turret without redoing die settings.
- A Must For Caliber Changes
- Designed To Make Changes Quick And Easy
Accuracy: both presses hit the same target
Both the Dillon RL550C and the Lee 90932 can produce highly accurate ammunition. The accuracy of your reloads depends on your powder charge, your bullet seating depth, and your case preparation, not just the press.
The Dillon’s rigid frame and removable toolhead keep settings locked in when you switch calibers, which supports repeatability. The Lee’s auto-indexing ensures the same die is used at the same point in the cycle every time. Loaders in this spot often ask about 9mm die comparison as well.
Neither press is inherently more accurate than the other. However, the Dillon’s speed can lead to mistakes if you rush. The Lee’s slower pace allows for more careful inspection of each stage.
- Accuracy Winner: Tie. Both can produce match-grade ammo.
- Reliability Winner: Lee, due to slower, more deliberate pace.
A quick way to verify your case length after sizing on either press before you move to the next station.
- Multi-Functional Measurement: you will receive an accurate cartridge case length
- Precision Design: all letters on this gauge are etched for easy readability; Laser
Value: where the Lee Turret Press wins for most readers
The price difference between the two is substantial. The Lee 90932 is a budget-friendly option that gets you reloading quickly. The Dillon RL550C is a premium tool with a high initial cost.
You also have to factor in caliber change costs. The Dillon uses proprietary toolhead kits for each caliber. The Lee uses standard turret heads that are often less expensive to buy for different calibers.
If you load two or three calibers in high volume, the Dillon’s time savings may justify the cost. If you load one or two calibers in low volume, the Lee is the better value.
- Best Value: Lee 90932 for most shooters.
- Best for Volume: Dillon RL550C if you reload thousands of rounds a year.
Which should you buy?
- You load under 100 rounds per session: Get the Lee 90932 Turret Press. It is simpler, cheaper, and faster to set up.
- You load 200+ rounds per session regularly: Get the Dillon RL550C. The speed savings justify the cost over time.
- You are a beginner: Start with the Lee 90932 to learn the basics without the complexity of a progressive press.
- You compete in high-volume matches: Get the Dillon RL550C to keep up with the demand.
The bottom line
The Lee Turret Press is the best choice for most shooters who value simplicity and low cost. The Dillon RL550C is the right pick if you reload in high volume and need the speed. Start with the Lee, then move to the Dillon only when your volume demands it.
- A Must For Caliber Changes
- Designed To Make Changes Quick And Easy
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Lee dies in a Dillon RL550C?
Yes, standard 7/8-inch dies fit both presses. However, the Dillon uses a specific toolhead system, so you still need Dillon-specific conversion parts to use the press correctly. If that sounds like your bench, read up on press die installation next.
Which press is better for a beginner?
The Lee Turret Press is better for beginners. It is easier to set up, has a simpler workflow, and is less expensive, making it a lower-barrier entry into reloading.
How fast can you load on a Dillon RL550C?
A skilled operator can load over 200 rounds per hour on a Dillon RL550C. This is significantly faster than a Lee Turret Press, which is limited to one case at a time.
Do I need a separate powder measure for the Lee?
The Lee 90932 works with standard powder measures. The Dillon RL550C has a dedicated case-activated powder measure built into the toolhead for convenience and speed.
What is the biggest drawback of the Dillon RL550C?
The biggest drawback is the cost and setup complexity. You pay a premium price and must take time to set up the powder measure, primer system, and shell plate correctly.