Two distinct philosophies of ammunition reloading sit on the bench today. On one side, you have the focused, methodical approach of a classic single-stage press. On the other, the orchestrated speed of a manual-index progressive press. The Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack and the Dillon Precision RL550C represent these two paths perfectly. This isn’t just about tools; it’s about matching a machine to your mindset, your volume, and your goals for the reloading bench.
between them means understanding your own workflow. Are you chasing ultimate precision for a few hundred rifle rounds, or do you need to keep up with the demand of a busy pistol league? The answer dictates which of these excellent, yet fundamentally different, systems belongs in your shop. Let’s break down what each one actually offers, from the ground up.
Head-to-Head: Press Philosophy & Core Design
At their heart, these are different machines for different missions. The Lee 92139 is a complete starter kit centered on a robust single stage “O” frame press. It’s designed for one operation at a time: size, prime, charge, seat. This methodical pace is its greatest strength for learning and for precision rifle work. The Dillon RL550C is a progressive press. It performs multiple operationsup to fourwith each pull of the handle, dramatically increasing your reloading throughput.
| Feature | Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack | Dillon Precision RL550C |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | Single Stage “O” Frame Press | Four-Station Manual-Index Progressive Press |
| Core Design Focus | Strength, simplicity, and precision for one operation at a time. | Combining repeatable precision with the speed of progressive reloading. |
| Key Included Feature | Breech Lock Quick Change 3-Die Set for .223 Remington. | Removable toolhead for quick caliber changes. |
| Operation Style | Manual, full-stroke operation per cartridge. | Manual indexing with user-controlled shell plate advancement. |
| Ergonomics | 4″ opening for hand clearance, ergonomic lever with improved priming position. | Greaseable lower pivot pin for smooth, long-lasting operation. |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Breaking Down the Features: Speed, Precision & Operation
How do these design philosophies translate to the actual reloading experience? The difference is night and day, and each has compelling advantages.
Workflow & Reloading Speed
The Dillon RL550C defines reloading speed . Its progressive nature means a finished round comes out with each pull of the handle once the shell plate is full. The manual indexing gives you complete oversight at each station, which is a significant safety benefit for a progressive. You control the pace, but the potential output is vastly higher than any single-stage. Speaking honestly, if your primary goal is volume for pistol or high-volume rifle calibers, a progressive is the only sensible path.
The Lee 92139 is the tortoise to the Dillon’s hareand that’s its purpose. Each cartridge is handled individually through each step. This forces attention to detail, makes it easier to inspect cases between stages, and is ideal for low-volume, high-reloading precision tasks like match rifle ammunition. The included Breech Lock system lets you change dies instantly without losing your settings, which is a fantastic quality-of-life feature on a single stage press.
Precision & Die Systems
Both systems are built for accuracy, but they achieve it differently. The Lee kit includes a carbide dies set for .223 Remington, which requires no lubrication for sizinga huge time-saver. The inherent rigidity of the “O” frame press, noted as the strongest and most popular style, provides a solid foundation for consistent operation. For more on Lee’s approach to precision, we have other comparisons that dive deeper.
The Dillon’s precision comes from its repeatable engineering and the removable toolhead. Once your dies and powder measure are set for a caliber, you can remove the entire toolhead and store it. Switching calibers later is a matter of dropping in a pre-configured toolhead and adjusting the shell plate. This protects your careful settings and ensures consistency every time you return to that load. My honest assessment is that for consistent precision at higher volumes, the Dillon’s system is brilliantly efficient.
Critical Supporting Systems: Priming & Powder
Here the differences in complexity become clear. The Lee press features an ergonomic lever that positions the primer at the bottom of the stroke, eliminating stooping. It’s a simple, effective on-press priming system.
The Dillon integrates a Case-Activated Powder Measure that only dispenses powder when a case is present. This prevents spills and waste, a common concern on progressives. Its primer system is also progressive, feeding and seating a primer on its dedicated station automatically as you work. This automation is key to its speed but adds a layer of mechanical complexity to set up and maintain.
Who Is Each Product Really For?
This is the most important section. The right choice isn’t about which is “better,” but which is better for you.
The Ideal User for the Lee Precision 92139 Kit
This kit is the quintessential starting point. If you’re solving the question of which is better for beginner reloaders Lee 92139 or Dillon 550C, the Lee wins on simplicity and cost every time.
- The New Reloader: It teaches the fundamentals one step at a time. Mistakes are isolated and easier to catch.
- The Precision Rifle Shooter: If you’re loading small batches of .223 (or other calibers with additional die sets) for accuracy, the single-stage focus is ideal.
- The Low-Volume Reloader: If you go through a few hundred rounds a year, the speed of a progressive isn’t necessary.
- The Reloader on a Tight Budget: The cost comparison of Lee anniversary die set vs Dillon progressive press is stark. You get a complete, ready-to-start kit for a fraction of the Dillon’s price.
Honestly speaking, its smaller bench space footprint is also a major plus for those with limited real estate. You can find more insights on specific Lee die sets, like their precision 9mm offerings, elsewhere on our site.
The Ideal User for the Dillon Precision RL550C
The Dillon is for the reloader who has outgrown the single-stage pace or knows from the start that volume is their primary constraint.
- The High-Volume Pistol or Carbine Shooter: If you shoot competition, train regularly, or just burn through ammo, the reloading volume capacity Dillon RL550C provides is a game-changer.
- The Experienced Reloader Seeking Efficiency: You understand the process and want to spend less time at the bench for the same output.
- The Multi-Caliber Reloader: The quick-change toolhead system makes switching between calibers like 9mm, .223, and .308 remarkably fast.
- Someone Who Values Long-Term Support: Dillon’s famous “No-BS Warranty” and customer service are legendary. This is a lifetime investment.
From my honest perspective, the Dillon asks for a higher initial investment in both money and learning curve. But it pays you back in time saved for years to come.
Cost, Value & The Long-Term Bench
Let’s talk dollars, sense, and the hidden factors competitors often miss.
Initial Investment & What You Get
The Lee 92139 is an all-in-one kit. For one price, you get the press, a specific carbide dies set (.223 Rem), and the Breech Lock system. You’ll need components (brass, powder, primers, bullets), a scale, and calipers, but the core machine is ready. The value & cost analysis for a beginner is overwhelmingly in its favor.
The Dillon RL550C is typically sold as a press only or in caliber-specific kits. The press itself costs significantly more. Then you must add caliber conversion kits, toolheads, and dies for each cartridge you load. The initial outlay is easily 3-5 times that of the Lee kit. You’re paying for a scalable, industrial-grade system.
Long-Term Costs & Considerations
This is where the narrative can flip. If you remain a low-volume reloader, the Lee is the eternal value champion. However, if your shooting volume grows, the cost-per-hour of your time becomes a factor. The Dillon’s speed can justify its cost over several years of use. its renowned press durability and warranty mean it’s likely the last press you’ll ever need to buy.
Two in most comparisons are case preparation and bench footprint. The Lee’s single-stage nature makes it superior for intensive case prep (trimming, chamfering, etc.) as you can dedicate a station to it. The Dillon, while faster at loading, often requires pre-processed brass. Bench space is also crucial; the Dillon with its case feeder and bullet tray needs a substantial, dedicated footprint.
Final Verdict: Matching the Machine to Your Mission
So, which one should you bolt to your bench? My honest take is that this is one of the clearest choices in reloading, precisely because the products are so different.
Choose the Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack if: You are new to reloading, operate on a strict budget, load primarily for precision rifle in low volumes, or have limited bench space. Its the master of fundamentals and the king of focused, precise work. The accuracy difference between Lee Precision dies and Dillon press is negligible for a skilled operator on a single stage; the limitation is throughput, not precision.
Choose the Dillon Precision RL550C if: You reload in high volume (especially pistol), value your time highly, plan to load multiple calibers, and view your reloading setup as a long-term investment. It’s a productivity engine backed by superb customer service. You must be willing to climb its steeper learning curve and initial cost.
There is a third path some reloaders take: start with the Lee to learn the art and science without overwhelm, then graduate to a Dillon later for volume calibers, keeping the single-stage for precision rifle and dedicated tasks. This hybrid approach is what you’ll see in many seasoned reloaders’ shops.
Ultimately, both Lee Precision and Dillon Precision make exceptional tools. The Lee 92139 is a perfect, self-contained introduction. The Dillon RL550C is a professional-grade system for the serious enthusiast. Your shooting habits, your budget, and your patience will point you to the right one. For more foundational knowledge, always consult an official source or a trusted manual. And remember, no matter which press you choose, the goal is safe, consistent ammunition. That’s the only Honest Opinion that truly matters.