Dillon-buying used vs buying new

[MyDads38]

Am ready to try a Dillon Square Deal B progressive. I found a used one online which includes the press set up for 45acp, and extra tool head, 3-4 extra pick up tubes, Dillon primer flip tray and extra parts kit for $365 shipped. The same new from Dillon would be $531 shipped. All things considered, would you buy used, or start off brand new? 45acp isn't my first choice, but with the extra tool head, I could order another set of dies. But, would I also need to order the small primer assembly? Any help appreciated.

[Inusuit]

I bought a Dillon 550 used. Dillon supports their products regardless of chain of ownership. I suggest you contact their Customer Service to determine what you would need to reload for your caliber of choice. I assume you would need the small primer assembly if you're loading cartridges that use small primers. In my experience, Dillion has the best CS in the firearms industry.

[sdb321]

If you don't want it I'll take it.

[fredj338]

Depends on how used it is. Yeah if i could save $200 & get the same thing, why not. I karma sold a 550 with xtra tool head & 38sp dies to a club member, $250. It needed a couple small parts but near new.

[MyDads38]

Looks to be in very good shape and comes complete. He did say I would need a few small parts for small primer feed, but less than $25.

[Ivan the Butcher]

None of those machines are going down in price or value!

Ivan

[Bkreutz]

Buy it quick before he changes his mind. A SQDB is somewhat limiting because it only will reload pistol rounds and you have to use Dillon dies. But if you were going to buy one anyway, it's a great deal.

[Geno44]

Remember with the Square Deal press you cannot ever do rifle cartridges and you must use the Dillon dies which are rather pricey. Have you taken a close look at the 550? Also someone did sell these at a slight discount or with free shipping. I can't remember who but it was one of the top pistol competitors.
Added comment- It was Brian Enos and apparently he is no longer selling Dillon. There are some free ship sellers.

[rwsmith]

Dillons are kinda like a Colt 1911, unless it's had the poop beat out of it and parts damaged that can't be replaced, it' s a good gun.

[THREEDFLYER]

Bought both of my Dillon's used from two different shooter buddies of mine who put them through a few years of use before I ended up bringing them home. Not one mechanical issue whatsoever. The only issues I have had was me being a klutz and loosing small parts.....which when I called Dillon to re-order they sent them to me for FREE. Can't beat the customer service. They talked me through a set up issue I was having, and again it was operator error. KUDOS all around to them.

As a bonus, since moving from Seattle to Prescott Valley, AZ I have been able to stop down to the Dillon showroom a couple times now in Scottsdale.

I own a 550 and a 650XL with case feeder......and several tool heads for mostly pistol calibers. Still prefer to load my rifle on my single stages.......but that's not a reflection on Dillon, their machines will do it, I just don't load that many rifle rounds.

Good luck!

[Maple Trapper]

I've had a Dillon 550 for about 28-29 years. Over the years I've broken or lost a few small parts, As others have said, I called Dillon to order replacements. Dillon sent them free and didn't even charge shipping.
I have also had buddies who bought used Dillon presses. Any and all parts needed were sent free from Dillon. They have a no BS guarantee, they cover the product regardless of who has owned it or what caused the issue. They are great, and the person you talk to on the phone knows the product, they don't need to refer you to anyone else.
That being said, I second buying a 550 rather than the Square Deal B unless you only shoot pistol. The 550 can load a whole range of pistol and rifle calibers up to but not including the 50 BMG, that is a different loader.
You can likely find a used 550 someplace too.

[MyDads38]

What little rifle I load, will be on single stage press. I only load 38 Spec, 9mm, 40 S&W and 45acp; so the Square Deal will suit my needs fine :-)

[federali]

The only possible downside to used reloading equipment is if the prior owner did not have everything properly adjusted, particularly the rotating shell advance. Too much play can cause accelerated wear. I wouldn't hesitate to buy used Dillon equipment if everything appears tight. I've owned an RCBS Rockchucker since they first came out and that baby has proven indestructable.

All the manufacturers pretty much use the same manufacturing techniques in that the frames are cast. Therefore, they probably use the same raw materials.

[Skeet 028]

I buy used all the time...but on the SDB I would maybe do a new one. I have bought 2 used ones and they both needed work. One went back to Dillon for a rebuild. Yeah..they did it free but I still had to py shipping.. Sitting right next to me as I type is a 550B i recently bought used. w/ 5 cal conversions 3 sets of Dillon dies all of it's original parts 4 toolhead stands 8 tool heads one of the brass looking ,primer flippers and an unused ammo disassembly hammer. Even got the manual for 330 bucks. But unless the price is very good buying new is the least trouble free...JMO. With the SDB the dies are included of course.

[sdb321]

I bought my SDB new. I just shoot .357 but I also have a Winchester 94/.30-30. I stumbled on a RCBS Partner single stage press and I am setting it up to reload .30-30. No more than I shoot the Winchester it should work out fine. The SDB is super!!!!