should a new reloader consider a Dillon Square Deal??

[gordon21]

Here's why I ask:

Availability of powder, bullets & primers. I will load only 9mm and will get my initial supply (200 rounds) of brass from buying factory ammo.

Complexity of press assembly, adjustments and operation. The exploded parts diagrams and owners manual sure do mention a LOT of adjustable parts. As a newbie, setting all those adjustments up might be daunting.

The press is $380 before any extras. I will also have to buy all other reloading supplies such as manuals, scales, etc. I assume I will not get into this for less than $550 before cost of bullets, primers and powder. I hate to think about spending $550 total and then not being able to find supplies to reload. I then go back to spending $13-15 per box for factory ammo and have $550 just sitting there. And it's not all that easy finding the factory 9mm either.

Dillon's factory video shows a fully assembled unit that works so SIMPLE. But I realize there was a lot of work getting it assembled and adjusted.

So please make comments on whether I am getting in over my head with this model or should start with a basic one function O or C press where I measure my own powder for each round and have to manually prime each round.

[epj]

The biggest drawback to the SD is that it uses proprietary Dillon dies, which are expensive. If you only plan to load one or two calibers, maybe not a big deal. Dillon's manuals are excellent and you can get someone on the phone to help you if necessary.

[Wheeler57]

agree with epj
The only thing you might want to consider is that if you someday decide to go to a 550/650 I am pretty sure none of your dies will fit and you will have to start over. Dillon now has a 550 basic loader for $260 you might also consider.
You will probably not be unhappy with the square deal. looks like a nice unit. I have a 550 but also considered the square deal.

[Twoboxer]

I think Brian Enos sums it up pretty well:

"The Square Deal provides an economical means of loading medium volumes of pistol ammo. If you only plan to load pistol ammo, don’t have much cash to spend, and don’t need to crank out huge volumes in the shortest time possible, the Square Deal may be for you.

Drawbacks:

1. The factory included dies only fit the SqDeal: you cannot use them in any other machine, nor can you use any other manufacturer's dies in the Square Deal.
2. The machine’s physical size is a tad on the small side. For some, its compact size makes it more difficult to operate and maintain than Dillon’s other machines.
3. Auto-indexing complicates the machine without offering any speed increase. (For more details see the 550 below.)
4. It loads pistol cartridges only. It cannot load any rifle cartridges!

The only time I ever recommend a SqDeal (over the 550) is if you have loaded on a friend's SqDeal and liked it."

Recommend you read more of his Which Dillon? and let your needs and budget decide.

[Warren Sear]

In my opinion, you need a single stage press first and above all. It may be slower, but it will get the job done right.

[Rule3]

Are you only going to reload 9mm from now till the end of time?

Do you plan on reloading other calibers now or EVER??

How much ammo do you need per week or month?

As you mentioned, do you have the money to buy the press and all the other extras that are essential, like a scale, manuals, manuals, manuals, components, calipers, mistake hammer etc etc.?

Answers to these will help you decide.

[JohnGault14]

I agree with all the above. I own a Dillon 550 but that is after YEARS of reloading with other presses. If you are just starting out I would recommend getting a "kit" from another manufacturer. It will have everything you'll need to get started. Press, scales, trimmer, primer pocket cleaner, plus all the other goodies. I started with a Lee then went to RCBS and I'm currently using my Dillon. Just my opinion.

[Warren Sear]

I started 30 + years ago with an RCBS Rockchucker single stage press. Years later I got a Dillon progressive, but I still use the single stage far more than the progressive.

As other mentioned, get a scale, powder measure, and the other necessities too.

[max]

Since I already had dies and wanted to load 223 also, I got the 550 and have no regrets at all.

[OKFC05]

I started with a Lee turret (which I still have) before going to Big Blue. I have started several new loaders on the Dillon SDB. Several on a Lee Turret.
Unless you want to load mostly rifle, or shoot pistol very little, I do not recommended starting with a single-stage press. The Lee turret operates either as a single stage, or with the turret rotating, so it can do either.

I recommend you find someone with a Lee turret and try it. Then find a SDB and try it. For someone who is already into competition and shooting a lot, the Dillon 550 is a better choice.

The only press I won't mentor someone starting is the Lee Progressive, which requires a LOT of patience and mechanical smarts to keep working and repeatedly readjusting. Once was enough for that experience.

As to making mistakes, that is a function of the nut behind the wheel, not the machine, as long as the machine will hold adjustments. A Dillon 650 is just as easy to operate correctly as any other, and it can go a lot faster.

By the way, once-fired brass can be bought economically online obviating the need to shoot factory brass first. 200 pieces is a piddly brass supply if you shoot much at all.

[scooter123]

I have to agree with Warren, you really should consider starting out with a single stage press. Add to that the Square Deals press specific dies and you are looking at more press than you need right now that only allows the use of one brand of dies.

BTW, I've looked into getting a progressive press and after looking into it decided I cannot afford enough components to make a progressive press a worthwhile purchase. Right now my component budget runs to about 300 rounds per week and it's rather easy to produce that kind of volume on a single stage press.

[Wee Hooker]

Newbe press advice is frequently discussed here (and many other forums). Search and you'll find volumes.
That said, Here is my 2 cents?

I had a square deal and found it troublesome. I sold it off and bought the Lee Classic Turret for 1/2 of what the SD cost. Set up is 2 x simpler and 10x faster. I and have never been happier. For somebody in your situation, I feel a turret gives you more control /insight into the reloading process than a full progressive but also gives you more speed than a single stage.

[gordon21]

Thanks for the replies so far. The Lee turret is way cheaper. if I understand it right, you could de-prime 200 cases in a row, THEN, resize 200, THEN charge all 200 cases, etc You would rotate the turret one position only after every 200 repetitive motions.

I said 200 figuring that would easily cover a range session with my wife and me or a guest. Then go home with most of my 200 empties, reload over the next 2 weeks and hit the range again.

In the video, the Dillon seemed so easy but after reading the owners manual on setting it up I got nervous. the idea of doing 200 identical motions, then doing 200 of the next step is looking better and better. time.

[x10x10]

I have owned a Lee 1000, a Square Deal B, and I still have a dillon 550 and 2 dillon 650,

Lee, junk don't need to go into it.

SDB great press, great entry into progressive, Reliable, quality ammo, Proprietary Die's Not a big deal, Dillon dies are great, I would still have it if my Volume had not increased,

Dillon 550, Great Press, but I think a better rifle (what I use for),

Dillon 650, OOOHH What a press, I changed my idea of what volume reloading is, Creates great ammo, Smooth, The one downside is that Primer change over and caliber change over is more involved. And Caliber Changes are costly. But I'm coming up on 30 years of reloading and I've learned that Buying quality up front Pays for itself

[epj]

I know it's more money, but take a hard look at the Dillon 550B.

[murph11011680680]

As others have posted, there are a lot of options on what setup to start with. You should consider the square deal, the 550, and some of the kits mentioned. Or the hornady ammo plant that I use and think is better than the Dillon (relax blue lovers, I can have my opinion too, no hate mail please ).

With that said, you are not talking about reloading 10K plus a year so I do not think that a starting reloader would want to spend the money on a nice progressive at first. Remember, you have hundreds of dollars of accessories that you are going to pick up in addition to the press. I think that you should be looking at a single stage press kit. It has what you need to start besides the dies and whatever convenience accessories that you decide to add to it. Then, if you decide that you would like to move up to a progressive then do so.

Another thing to think about is reloading items, if taken care of, do not drop much in value. So if you decide to move up, you can always sell your single stage and get most of the money back if you decide you don't want it as a backup.

[fredj338]

IMO, no on the SDB. I had to consider this 26-27yrs ago, went with the 550 instead. The idea of dedicated dies put me off as well as limited to certain pistol. Sure, you say now you are only going to load 9mm or whatever, but 10yrs from now, maybe it's 357sg or 223, then you are off buying another press. So buy something that you can expand into other shooting ares with easily. Even at twice the price, it's saving money in the long run if you don't have to by twice.

[shield]

I started with a a Dillon SDB about a year ago as my first press, and have been very happy with it. I started out with 9mm, and recently added .45 ACP.

I like it's compact design, it fits well into my small work space. I recommend buying the Dillon setup video with it, makes it so much easier to setup than just using the manual. It takes you through setup step by step.

Finding components can be a challenge, but doable. You have to constantly monitor the online sellers, and jump on them when available.

[2152hq]

I have a Square Deal (not even the 'B').
I got it back when I was shooting Bullseye and using 38special.
It did what I expected of it,,that being cranking out a considerable amount of quality ammo in a reasonable amount of time.
Never had any problems w/it that I remember.

I wasn't concerned with loading 5000 rds a session, just enough to keep me in ammo for practice and matches w/o being a slave to the reloading bench,,something the single stage press was doing to me.

If you don't really need the volume,,and for a beginning reloader ,,I suggest a single stage press anyway.
You can actually learn to reload with a single stage instead of simply learning how to tweak the progressive to keep it running.
You'll always have use for a good single stage press as long as you reload.

I now use a couple of single stage presses to turn out all my metalic cartridge reloads as I simply don't need the volume in any one caliber like I once did. I do load 12ga on a progressive as I shoot a lot of that.

I still have the SD press. Maybe I'll drag it out and set it up again and run some 38's just to use up the brass and bullets I have.

[jmmitc06]

So here is my opinion. I got into the reloading scene about 9 months ago with the plan of reloading a handful of calibers (2, maybe 3 tops) but here I am reloading 10 calibers. I am very glad I do not have the square deal for this very reason. Had I bought that system, I would have many sets of dies that cannot be used on any other system. The entry cost to reloading is relatively high, a few hundred dollars, the way I see it if you EVER plan on getting a different press you will wind up repaying a substantial portion of the entry cost when you switch due to the square deal's unique dies.

I currently have a Lee handpress and I am thinking of getting a real press here soon. When I switch I am effectively only out the cost of the handpress (if I were to never use it again, which is unlikely) as everything else can be used with the new system. On that note, I would look at the Lee Handpress as I think it would suite your situation quite well. If you are planning on reloading only a few hundred 9mm, you can knock that out it in maybe 1.5x to 2x more time than the dillon press (maybe an hour and half tops though) but you will have spent less money and have dies that are transferable to other presses in the future. Also, it's nice to have flexibility in what manufacturer you can get dies or other equipment from. I have a mix of RCBS and Lee products and each has advantages and disadvantages ( e.g. I like RCBS dies as a whole more than lee, but like the factory crimp dies from lee | lee dies for exotic calibers are much cheaper than RCBS) but with the dillon product you are stuck with dillon dies.

I know right now it may seem like you won't reload other calibers, i thought so too, but reloading allows me to shoot so much more than I did for the same dollar amount and I thought if I reload one caliber, why not do all of them?

[Bart45]

Take a look at a Redding Turret. Not as fast as a progressive, but speed is last on my list for any type of reloading.

[novalty]

Yeah the Dillon 550B is just a little more, and a scale is just a little more, a tumbler is a little more, reloading manuals are a little more, a bench is a little more.

[Mack]

IMO reloading 9 mm is a waste of time unless you are reloaing huge amounts and if you are the SD is not the right press. I could see the SD for expensive rounds like .357, 10 mm, .44 or .45 Colt NOT for .38, 9 mm, .40 or 45 acp. YMMV.

[Moonman]

The Square Deal is a nice little machine and will crank out a
bunch of excellent handgun ammo.

Many people have one SET-UP for 9 MM and one for 45ACP
that they never change, just crank out ammo.

The Square deal CANNOT do rifle ammo.

The dies for the Square Deal are EXCELLENT and not really the BIG NEGATIVE that some folks SEEM TO EXPOUND UPON.

[Rule3]

Originally Posted by gordon21

Thanks for the replies so far. The Lee turret is way cheaper. if I understand it right, you could de-prime 200 cases in a row, THEN, resize 200, THEN charge all 200 cases, etc You would rotate the turret one position only after every 200 repetitive motions.

I said 200 figuring that would easily cover a range session with my wife and me or a guest. Then go home with most of my 200 empties, reload over the next 2 weeks and hit the range again.

In the video, the Dillon seemed so easy but after reading the owners manual on setting it up I got nervous. the idea of doing 200 identical motions, then doing 200 of the next step is looking better and better. time.

You could do it that way if you have it set as a SINGLE stage (simply remove the turret rod) The LEE Classic turret is self indexing meaning it turns with each pull of the handle. 4 pulls and you have a complete round. About 100-150 rounds per hour with no sweat. I load 10-12 handgun calibers and 4 rifle on it.

Real Guns - Lee Classic Turret, It's Not Just For Kids

[Krell1]

Originally Posted by Warren Sear

In my opinion, you need a single stage press first and above all. It may be slower, but it will get the job done right.

I agree. I started out with a single station RCBS press and eventually went with the square deal. I liked it but, unless you want to load a lot of ammo quickly, you can do just as well with a single station press. I really never needed the quantity and, now that I'm retired, I can reload what I need at my leisure. I sold the square deal and went back to single station. In my opinion, a Lee press is the most inexpensive way to go as a starter press and it produces quality reloads.

[x10x10]

The quality difference between Lee and Dillon isn't even measurable, As a person starting out, I can't stress enough to buy quality up front.

[wheelgun28]

I started with a square deal and was very happy.

I had several sets of dies but started with 40. I had 9mm, 38 spl, 41mag, 44mag, I think others too.

I made loads of ammo with it, it was fun and easy to use.

I think the dies that the machine uses are very very good. I dont think that they are expensive in the least. You buy the conversion with the dies so it has what you need to set the machine up.

The dies are Dillon quality, they stand with the best of them IMHO.

Yes they fit that press only, not a big deal to me.

If you out grow the machine you can sell off the dies. It seems that they hold value pretty well so you wont get to beat up financially.

I moved from the SD to the 650 mostly I wanted to do rifle and the case feed for easier loading.

I also along the way picked up a 550. I do like it to but really I only load longer rifle on 308 and up. Its easier to set up and for a few hundred its fine.

I do process the brass on the 650 size trim etc.


Dont fear the SD

I say this all the time, if I started with a single stage I would have lost interest in very short order and gave up on reloading.

Yes I do have a single stage press and its a handy tool for certain things. Just not the primary loading machine.

[dla]

Originally Posted by gordon21

Here's why I ask:

Availability of powder, bullets & primers. I will load only 9mm and will get my initial supply (200 rounds) of brass from buying factory ammo.

Complexity of press assembly, adjustments and operation. The exploded parts diagrams and owners manual sure do mention a LOT of adjustable parts. As a newbie, setting all those adjustments up might be daunting.

The press is $380 before any extras. I will also have to buy all other reloading supplies such as manuals, scales, etc. I assume I will not get into this for less than $550 before cost of bullets, primers and powder. I hate to think about spending $550 total and then not being able to find supplies to reload. I then go back to spending $13-15 per box for factory ammo and have $550 just sitting there. And it's not all that easy finding the factory 9mm either.

Dillon's factory video shows a fully assembled unit that works so SIMPLE. But I realize there was a lot of work getting it assembled and adjusted.

So please make comments on whether I am getting in over my head with this model or should start with a basic one function O or C press where I measure my own powder for each round and have to manually prime each round.

The SDB is the best pistol cartridge progressive available. You won't get a higher production rate until you step up to the 650.

The cost of caliber conversion, (with everything + shipping), is $130. That sounds like a lot, but when you add up the cost of the equivalent goodies for the 550 & 650 you'll see that they aren't so cheap either. Plus, honestly, you aren't going to jump & add calibers that often.

I recommend that you get at least 4 primer pickup tubes and a solution for primer flipping and pickup. Loading primer tubes is my least favorite part of the process and I like to do about 400 rounds at a sitting (~ 1 hour).

The SDB dies are first rate and the setup is excellent - it really is an excellent little press. IMO, the SDB is a simpler, safer solution for a beginning reloader.

Now I should mention that I started on a Lyman turret back in the 60's, and I also did time on an RCBS RockChucker in the 70's and 80's. So I have painful memories of sllllooooowwwwllllyyy making ammo. I decided that I'm one of those who likes to shoot more than fondle each cartridge.

[shield]

Originally Posted by Mack

IMO reloading 9 mm is a waste of time unless you are reloaing huge amounts and if you are the SD is not the right press. I could see the SD for expensive rounds like .357, 10 mm, .44 or .45 Colt NOT for .38, 9 mm, .40 or 45 acp. YMMV.

Depends what you mean by "huge amounts". I load 9mm for about 13 cents per round, and 45 ACP for about 18 cents on my SD. Doesn't take much to save a lot compared to buying factory rounds.

[Rule3]

To the OP, all these threads always turn to the same thing. Buy a Dillion.

When you buy your first car always buy a Benz or BMW when you take up Golf always buy the most expensive hand fitted clubs. Never buy a suit off the rack, get one hand tailored out of silk in Italy.

It's all a matter of how much cash you have and if you really want to get into reloading and buy all the other "stuff"

Scroll to the bottom of this page and there are many threads on this, do a search and find even more.

If you think a progressive press is for you, it's hard to believe but other companies like RCBS and Hornady make them also.

Choose wisely Grasshopper

[ChuckS1]

Get the SDB. Even though I started on an RCBS single stage press, and still use it for .45 Colt and .223, I use my SDB on a regular basis. As others have said, changing dies isn't hard if you get additional tool heads. Set up your dies and bang, all you have do is remove a few screws and you're done. If you have to switch primer sizes, I would buy another primer assembly so you have one for each size. Again, a few screws undone and replaced and you're done. Shell plate swap is also easy. My two most loaded calibers are .45 ACP and .38 Special, but I also load 9mm on it as well.

[Ben_hutcherson]

Originally Posted by Mack

IMO reloading 9 mm is a waste of time unless you are reloaing huge amounts and if you are the SD is not the right press. I could see the SD for expensive rounds like .357, 10 mm, .44 or .45 Colt NOT for .38, 9 mm, .40 or 45 acp. YMMV.

I reload for several calibers where reloading is the only realistic option(i.e. 32-20) or at least the only affordable option(44 magnum).

I also reload a LOT for 38 special-far more than I do for any other caliber.

Around here, when it's in stock, the going rate for factory 38 special is around $20-22 a box(this is up from the $18-20 I was paying pre-panic). This works out to a cost of $.40 to $.44 per round.

I use a lot of the Xtreme 158gr plated bullets, which run right at $.10 each. Primers are running $.04 each now, and using Unique powder at a cost of around $25/lb, the cost is $.02 per round for powder(my actual cost is lower, but I rounded off to make the math easier). Using a powder like Bullseye gets things down to closer to $.01 per round. I consider the brass free, since all of mine came from factory ammo already bought and effectively lasts forever.

That give me a cost of $.16 per round for 38 special, or $8 per box of 50. I've bought cast bullets as cheap as $.06 each, and using Bullseye can get my cost down to $.11 per loaded round, but I'll go with the $.16 cost.

$8 per 50 represents a savings of $12 per 50 vs current market prices. Using a "bare minimum" of $200 worth of equipment(what I started with), the break even point for 38 special is after about 17 boxes, or 850 rounds. Even looking at $600 spent on a Dillon or other high end press, the break even point is around 2500 rounds.

Looking at the math for 9mm, Xtreme has 115gr plated bullets for around $.085 each. Primer costs are the same(although you might get lucky now and find them for $.035 or even $.03 each), and using Unique powder you'll be in the range of about $.025 per round. That puts us to $.15 per round, or around $7.50 per box. Assuming $15/box for factory, that means that your break-even point using the "bare minimum" equipment is around 1350 rounds, and on $600 of equipment will be 4000 rounds.

For me, even if I only loaded 38 special, reloading would still be a no-brainer. Of course, other calibers like .44 magnum(where I save about $30 a box) and 32-20(where I save $35 a box) are icing on the cake.

[Oldgoat03]

I have a single stage (still use to work up new loads) a Lee Classic 4 hole turret that I use for rifle and 2 SDB's. I like and use them all. I have toolheads& dies for all my pistol calibers and I got a second primer assy for quick primer size swaps. Since caliber / primers size changes are so easy the 2nd SDB sits in a box.

One thing that no one has mentioned yet is that the SDB comes set up ready to make ammo in the caliber you order. All you will need to do is check and adjust powder drops and bullet seating depth which must be done on any press.

In my oprion you can't go wrong with an SDB for loading pistol cartridges.

Hope this helps
OG03

[Yellowjacket56]

Greetings to all, and I might add that as a new member, perhaps I should keep my pie hole shut. But I would like to add my $0.02 for WIW.

I started to reload over forty years ago. Not a lot at first but enough to learn some things about it. I started with a single stage RCBS Rockchucker because it was cheaper and easier to find.
I probably am not smart enough to run a progressive press anyway. But it works and still works for me.

My advice is that if a particular press appeals to you. Study up on it and learn all you can before you put your greenbacks down on the table. But remember a machine bought on emotion alone, is not going be as pretty when the newness and emotions wear off. That Rockchucker of mine is ugly as sin, but I love to work with it and I get a chance to fondle each round as it is processed. Don't tell my wife.

I started with one loading and at present I load for 8 different calibers and I found a used MEC shotgun press and restored it to good working order for 12 Gauge.

It (Reloading) gives me a great deal of pleasure on cold winter night with my black Lab sleeping nearby. I hope you find it as fulfilling as I do.

Now I will shut up and sit down.

[M&PUSER]

Originally Posted by gordon21

Here's why I ask:

Availability of powder, bullets & primers. I will load only 9mm and will get my initial supply (200 rounds) of brass from buying factory ammo.

Complexity of press assembly, adjustments and operation. The exploded parts diagrams and owners manual sure do mention a LOT of adjustable parts. As a newbie, setting all those adjustments up might be daunting.

The press is $380 before any extras. I will also have to buy all other reloading supplies such as manuals, scales, etc. I assume I will not get into this for less than $550 before cost of bullets, primers and powder. I hate to think about spending $550 total and then not being able to find supplies to reload. I then go back to spending $13-15 per box for factory ammo and have $550 just sitting there. And it's not all that easy finding the factory 9mm either.

Dillon's factory video shows a fully assembled unit that works so SIMPLE. But I realize there was a lot of work getting it assembled and adjusted.

So please make comments on whether I am getting in over my head with this model or should start with a basic one function O or C press where I measure my own powder for each round and have to manually prime each round.

Start with one of these for the 9mm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPoLxeCAhcQ

You can always upgrade to a progressive later.

[shil]

I would recommend starting out with a single-stage, along the lines of an RCBS Rockchucker or similar. Once you get the feel of the reloading process, then consider a progressive. My feeling is that as you gain experience, even if you buy a progressive you will always use the single-stage from time to time. I've been reloading for 30+ years (still learning much from this forum!) and have both, getting a progressive for high-volume batches. Volume is the advantage of a progressive. Consider that, if you compare cost of components with cost of factory ammo, it will take 2-3 thousand reloaded rounds to amortize the initial cost of a progressive, depending upon what you buy. That's my estimate, anyway. Others may or may not agree. I still frequently use my single-stage for rifle cartridges and small batches of handgun cartridges for which setting up the progressive is, to me, anyway, more trouble than it's worth. Square Deal B? Not for me. Too limiting. If you are only going to load for one caliber, then maybe. I bought a Hornady LNLAP. Tough choice between it and a Dillon 550, but, for the price, the auto-advance of the Hornady won.

[plattincreek]

I reload for about 30 different calibers. I started out 40 years ago with a RCBS Rockchucker single stage press. I also have a Dillon 650 XL with all of the bells and whistles. My advice, get a good single stage press. Unless you are a very active competitive shooter where you need a couple thousand rounds per week, a Rockchucker will handle all of your reloading needs in a simple, straightforward, easy to use manner.

[x10x10]

All good points above but one thing is missing, TIME,
Depending on your lifestyle "Time" is a precious thing. I like to reload in the winter or in bad weather and do batches, and the larger the better. I try to knock out no less that 500 rnds everytime I sit down, with pistol I can easily do that with the 650 and if I get an hour or more I can knock out 1k rounds. For Rifle I try to knock out no less than 100 rounds.

that means If I can get an hour of time at home without interruptions I can do that.

If you don't have other commitments then time isn't a big deal, but for me the days of spending all day at the bench are not here yet.

[NAM68]

I don't think you need a Dillon. In my case I go to an outdoor range twice a month. 24 times a year and shoot about 200 rounds og 45 cal I reload on a Lee Pro 1000...progressive press. I like the progressive press because of the finished bullet.

[x10x10]

I think you've missed the point of Reloading, Reloading never saves you money, it just lets you shoot more for the same money.

And still the reason to buy Dillon over Lee is 10 years down the road, If your a person that gets into a hobby and hits it hard for 3-5 years and then you move on. Then you can throw away the lee or sell the dillon for $50 less than you paid for it. Your choice

[Moonman]

gordon21,

The Dillon Square Deal B would be an excellent machine to StART LOADING 9MM .

It basically comes ready to load from Dillon.(Square Deal model)

You would still need to check your finished round (test round, NO POWDER/PRIMER)

9MM has a number of variables in chamber dimensions depending upon AGE (pre-SAMMI Specs), Manufacturer, etc.

for FUNCTION CYCLING AND MAGAZINE FUNCTION WITH YOUR FIREARM.

IF THINGS TURN OUT THAT YOUR'RE NOT HAPPY WITH RELOADING,

OR YOUR PRODUCTION, THE DILLON CAN BE SOLD TO RECOVER MOST OF YOUR INVESTMENT.

Some Dillon's ONLY LAST A FEW MINUTES on Forum for sale threads before they are snapped up.

[venomballistics]

200 pieces of brass .....
when your clear of 500 .. then lets talk progressives.
In the mean time your shoving a significant mechanical layer in your face on top of the basic, but highly nuanced skill set that is reloading.
a turret or single stage fits your needs right now .. don't get too spendy on it so as to make room for a solid progressive press a little later

[thatroolz]

I would go with the RL550B, progressive. It isn't so complicated that you can't do it well. It is just a matter of concentration. Pay attention to what you are doing and you will be fine. You will be able to crank out tons of 9mm. I am doing .40 S&W on mine and I am very pleased. The powder throw is excellent, the machine is sturdy and very well made and easy to setup! So I vote no on the Square Deal and a hell yes to the RL550B. I love mine

[mosquito]

1st press, DILLON 550B! It was my first press.....still have it along with 2 1050's.

G

[zzzippper]

I've had both and if I was starting new I would go with the 550 for all the reasons stated. And Dillon has great customer service.

The 550 is so easy you will buy more guns just so you can load other calibers.

[RacinbobSW]

The OP certainly has plenty of facts and opinions to sort out. I just add that I started with a single stage, bought a Lee 1000, sold it and got a SDB. The cons on the dies and only loading pistol aren't an issue for me. I load .38/.357, 9mm and .45acp. Speed isn't an issue. I easily do 300/hr being anal about it. I love the Square Deal and think it's perfect for me. That's the key though. What's right for me may not be for others. The opinions are all here and folks need to decide what's right for them. Quality wise, Dillon is second to none but there are other fine machines out there. I'd suggest starting with a single stage and then you'll be able to make a better informed decision on what's right for you if/when you move to a progressive.

[blujax01]

Should a New Reloader Consider a Dillon Square Deal?

Why, yes. Yes, he should.

[Rule3]

Grasshopper, One should consider any and all options available before making a decision. Only after doing so will one make a wise purchase based on on expected needs, results and financial constraints.

[mosquito]

Originally Posted by Rule3

Grasshopper, One should consider any and all options available before making a decision. Only after doing so will one make a wise purchase based on on expected needs, results and financial constraints.

Well said!

G