Opinions on Dillon 'Square Deal'
- Thread starter Sharps '63
- Start date
I got a SDB and it's an awesome little piece of equipement for it's price. The bigger machine are great in that they take the case and the bullet feeder, making loading faster but the SDB will pump out 400 RPH without trying too hard.
I've got tool heads with powder measures for several calibres and I can switch shell plates quickly. It's when I have to change the primer feeder that I get annoyed. That's why I was thinking in terms of a dedicated SD for .45 ACP.
Only negatory I've read re: the SD is powder spillage when the case is being rotated and spent primers flying around. Dillon sells a kit for that.
Only negatory I've read re: the SD is powder spillage when the case is being rotated and spent primers flying around. Dillon sells a kit for that.
The SD doesn't spill powder. The 650 spills powder so you need the bearing for the shell plate holder for that.
coldestcanuck
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- lower mainland bc
I load 9,38 357, and 45acp all on my 650. I use nt .45 brass-- uses small pistol primers
I load:
9mm
40 S&W
45 ACP
10mm Auto
44 Mag
on the SDB. I have a separate tool head and powder measure for each cal. and I have two primer systems, one set up for large, the other for small, so switching calibers is easy and fast.
Doesn't spill powder, doesn't 'fling spent primers around'.
Great little press, works very well. Great as a second press if you already have something to take care of your rifle calibers.
9mm
40 S&W
45 ACP
10mm Auto
44 Mag
on the SDB. I have a separate tool head and powder measure for each cal. and I have two primer systems, one set up for large, the other for small, so switching calibers is easy and fast.
Doesn't spill powder, doesn't 'fling spent primers around'.
Great little press, works very well. Great as a second press if you already have something to take care of your rifle calibers.
SDB has no case feeder or powder check. Your 550 can. Have to look at how long you want to be in front of the press. After you have changed your primer feed system you'll get the hang of it. Only takes about 3 minutes wile you are doing the caliber change. I use a 650 with case and bullet feeders. I load 9.40,45,223,270,30-30,308 and 300 win mag all in the same press
- Location
- Central Alberta
I like the SDB..for a pistol cal only press, pretty decent.I 'd probably rather kit up a 650, but if it is to stay one or two cal only, you may not beat it for the price.
That is the same setup that I have on my SDB. I recently switched my .45's over to the small primer brass to
get away from changing the primer feed. I am glad I did as it makes changing calibers a lot
easier.
I have had my SDB for a number of years & really like it.
Thanks for the comments and input.
I've never upgraded my current 550B with a case feeder. I find that my limit for a run without a break is 100 rounds. After that, I get bored and my attention wanders .... not a good thing when reloading.
Same for the powder measure linkage. I visually check each case as it comes out of the powder drop/belling die before rotating the shell plate. With a short case like the .45 ACP, it's easy to see powder - or not.
I once read that the more hand operations required, the less likely an operator error. I agree with that, although it does increase the fatigue factor.
A friend once told me he loaded 200 rds with no powder on his Star progressive. He was watching a movie and let the powder hopper run dry .... duh .....
I've never upgraded my current 550B with a case feeder. I find that my limit for a run without a break is 100 rounds. After that, I get bored and my attention wanders .... not a good thing when reloading.
Same for the powder measure linkage. I visually check each case as it comes out of the powder drop/belling die before rotating the shell plate. With a short case like the .45 ACP, it's easy to see powder - or not.
I once read that the more hand operations required, the less likely an operator error. I agree with that, although it does increase the fatigue factor.
A friend once told me he loaded 200 rds with no powder on his Star progressive. He was watching a movie and let the powder hopper run dry .... duh .....
And why did his powder check alarm not go off? O ya he doesn't have one. Better safe then sorry. Visually inspecting your loades works, until you look away for only a few seconds. It only take one squib. Or even worse a double charge.
Quite simply one of the best insurance purchases you will ever make. A one time purchase at under a $100.00.
With a case feeder you can change your loading from your 100 rounds per hour to 600+ per hour. With less effort. Here is one for less then Dillons but works just as good.
http://budgetreloader.com/
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I have one set up for large primers and load .45 acp and .44 spl on it. The second one is set up for small primers and I load 9mm, 38/357 on it. I don't need a case feeder as I don't shoot competitively any more and have no need for 600 rounds an hour. If I shot high volume I would go the case feeder route though.
ymmv, 44Bore
ymmv, 44Bore
