[bananaoomarang]

I think the biggest factor here is the HN front page is the same for everyone, Reddit’s often depends on what subreddit’s you subscribe to (AFAIK).

+ Most of my time on Reddit is specific (small-ish) subreddits, vs. HN where you can basically just look at the front page.

[Klathmon]

I guess, but I've had a site I own get to the front page of a default sub on reddit, and it's impressive to say the least.

With the multiple-magnitude less comments and votes that HN submissions get, I can't imagine they can get anywhere near that unless HN has a LOT more non-contributing types.