I recently started reloading again after a several year hiatus. I have an RCBS Rockchucker, but feel I will soon want to get a progressive. I will never load rifle shells, so I am considering the Dillon SD versus 550. Wondering if other than the auto indexing on the SD, there are other significant differences, or what others have experienced. My needs would be pistol calibers, no magnums, mostly cast bullets. Thanks.
Dillon Square Deal vs 550
- Thread starter Pequod
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Moonman
Member
The Square D has dies that are not standard, they're specific Dillon's to the Square D.
Some folks who shoot a bunch of 9MM and 45ACP get a Square D for each caliber, and they're ready to rock n roll all the time with either caliber.
If you have dies and load for a few different handgun calibers, you may be more well suited to the Dillon 550-B.
Any other Dillon questions, Check Out Brian Enos' Dillon web site, it's a good one and answers all your questions.
MOONMAN
Some folks who shoot a bunch of 9MM and 45ACP get a Square D for each caliber, and they're ready to rock n roll all the time with either caliber.
If you have dies and load for a few different handgun calibers, you may be more well suited to the Dillon 550-B.
Any other Dillon questions, Check Out Brian Enos' Dillon web site, it's a good one and answers all your questions.
MOONMAN
TSQUARED
Member
I used the older RCBS A-2 presss for many years. When I went to a progressive ca 15 years ago I opted for the Dillon 550 which uses the standard 7/8 x 14 dies. I use it for all the staright sides pistol calibers as well as very mild loads in 45-70 and 458 Winchester Magnum.
Plottman Pops
Member
I have both and like M16 for handgun it's had to beat Square Deal. If you load any rifle Square Deal is out.....
CGM
Member
For pistol calibers.... the only reason you would want a 550 over the SDB is if you already have the standard dies. Otherwise... stick to the SDB.
jj2am44
Member
I talked to a guy from Dillon today. They have 2000 machines on backorder and he could not tell me when my caliber conversion would ship. Knowing this, I would go for the 550. There may come a day when you want to reload rifle. I said the same thing as you. Now I'm looking for 308 and 223 dies.
dentkimterry
Member
I load with the Square Deal and 550b. The auto index of the SDB is nice but as you have to let go of the handle to load brass, it isn't any faster than the 550b. To get the full benefit of auto indexing you need something with a case feeder, Dillon 650 XL. Also my 550b is much less mechanically involved without auto index, much less to go wrong.
socal s&w
Member
SDB? They are really, really well put together and fun to use. I have four of them and would not consider a 550 for handgun cartridges at all.
The single drawback is they are a little compact, making it slightly less accessible if you have very large hands. I have large hands and do not have issue, but if they were much larger, perhaps.
Mounted to a plate that is in the jaws of a large vise, this is what my four SDB's look like....(three are mounted in the pic, before I installed the last) all ready to load.
The single drawback is they are a little compact, making it slightly less accessible if you have very large hands. I have large hands and do not have issue, but if they were much larger, perhaps.
Mounted to a plate that is in the jaws of a large vise, this is what my four SDB's look like....(three are mounted in the pic, before I installed the last) all ready to load.
fredj338
Member
Why not? There is no speed advantage to the auto indexing, none. There is a huge disadvantage in being stuck with the more expensive Dillon dies & you are never loading rifle on it or rounds like the 357sig. Nope, the SDB is an ok press, the 550 is better because of it's versatiity & leverage. I came to that decision 25yrs ago when going progressive & went 550, never regretted it even when adding a 650 to the bench.
I have four of them and could use a few more.
I see the reloading shop is VERY well stocked but a 550 would eliminate the need for multiple presses for someone willing to spend a couple minutes to setup for a different caliber.
A little time in exchange for a lot of money is not a bad angle from where I sit shooting and reloading for hobby only.
Skip Sackett
US Veteran
SDB? They are really, really well put together and fun to use. I have four of them and would not consider a 550 for handgun cartridges at all.
EVERY TIME I SEE THESE PICTURES, ALL I CAN THINK IS: "WHAT A GENIUS!"
The Square Deal B has a definite function and purpose. You can load a bunch of pistol rounds on one and if you need to have a talk with someone, just turn them into your case feeder, you set the bullets (watch their fingers though), and you can talk away. My wife and I used to do that until I got all of those XL650s!
They are a great machine and if you do buy one, you will not be sorry until you want to load for rifle cases or 357Sig.
BUT, either one you buy, will work as designed and will produce great ammunition. They just don't get better than Dillon machines for the average reloader.
I see the reloading shop is VERY well stocked but a 550 would eliminate the need for multiple presses for someone willing to spend a couple minutes to setup for a different caliber.
A little time in exchange for a lot of money is not a bad angle from where I sit shooting and reloading for hobby only.
True, but I have two 550's and a 650 gathering dust. The Square Deal B's get most of the action. I still prefer my Forster Co-ax for loading rifle rounds. I use the 550's for oddball handgun rounds and the 650 for cranking out lots of .223 and .308. I still hand prime when loading those. I only load for a hobby as well.
OP
That is a lot of great feedback, thanks a lot. I thought except for the few extra dollars it would be a no-brainer to go with the 550, but obviously there is something about the square deal that pistol reloaders really like. I do not have large hands and do not intend to reload rifle.
Could some of you who have loaded on both, but prefer and stick with the Square Deal, explain why you like it better than the 550? I realize the auto indexing is there, but that seems to generate as many negative as positive comments. Thanks.
Could some of you who have loaded on both, but prefer and stick with the Square Deal, explain why you like it better than the 550? I realize the auto indexing is there, but that seems to generate as many negative as positive comments. Thanks.
socal s&w
Member
With the auto advance, it would be very tough to throw a double load. Really about the only time it can happen is if something runs amok and you need to remove cases from the shell plate and put them back incorrectly. A 650 would have the same advantage, but the 550 does not auto advance. While the 550 is a great press, I like the SDB's a lot.
This is NOT a 550 bashing, only stating my opinion, not yours.
This is NOT a 550 bashing, only stating my opinion, not yours.
