Dillon Precision - not what it used to be

[uechikid]

I thought I'd post an update on my order. I'm sure many of you are experiencing the same issue but thought it might give others a warning.

If you've ordered anything from Dillon, it could take a long time to receive it. When I ordered my 38 conversion kit for my Square Deal B I was told 6 months for delivery. It will be 6 months in a few days and I have yet to receive the kit. Today I called Dillon and asked when I might receive them and was told 12-14 months from my original order date. Thats 6-8 months more.

Dillon equipment is great and I've certainly have had great service in the past but given this knowledge I would probably not buy Dillon equipment again. I would look for a company that can service their customers needs in a more timely fashion. Yes it's unusual times but!!

I’ve been waiting on the same dies since February 8th. I guess it’s a good thing I’m not in a big hurry for them.

 

[.38SuperMan]

My LGS has a lot of Dillon equipment. No 38 conversion kit, but he does have one for .45 Colt should you be interested.

Appreciate the info but have a 45 colt set. I’ve had my press since the early 90’s and had a second one with 38/357 dies but sold it to my brother years ago. I kept one setup for spp and one for lpp so I didn’t have to change priming systems over. Thirty years ago I loaded 38’s for my son when we shot USPSA together. Since getting out of competition neither of us shot much 38 until a couple years ago.

Fortunately I still have my dads old RCBS Rock Chucker and 38/357 dies. It does a great job but loading a few hundred rounds is a slow slooooow process.

I’m finding it’s not just shooting supplies. My wife and I started looking at a new Mini Cooper S recently. There are a few around but finding what you want Is difficult. Our dealer said they’re nearly impossible to get and it’s taking 6 months or longer to get one. We looked on line at other dealers websites and some have no inventory at all. Apparently it’s partly due to the chip shortage and has been complicated by the factories being shut down for vacations.

I’m beginning to think we’re seeing a new normal. Companies for decades have created artificial shortages to support higher prices.

 

[jake1945]

In the next 3 1/2 years, all things will only get worse, much much worse!

 

[johngalt]

I thought I'd post an update on my order. I'm sure many of you are experiencing the same issue but thought it might give others a warning.

If you've ordered anything from Dillon, it could take a long time to receive it. When I ordered my 38 conversion kit for my Square Deal B I was told 6 months for delivery. It will be 6 months in a few days and I have yet to receive the kit. Today I called Dillon and asked when I might receive them and was told 12-14 months from my original order date. Thats 6-8 months more.

Dillon equipment is great and I've certainly have had great service in the past but given this knowledge I would probably not buy Dillon equipment again. I would look for a company that can service their customers needs in a more timely fashion. Yes it's unusual times but!!

Another issue that others may not be aware of is the Square Deal press uses proprietary dies. Their other presses use standard dies, which means you are not dependent on Dillon.

I've owned a Hornady LNL AP since 2008, I still like it a lot. Back in the day, their customer service was excellent. I haven't had a need to call them for several years, so I have no knowledge of their quality of service today.

 

[WR Moore]

Hey guys, it's not just one business or market segment that can't get stuff. Last week I had my car at the local dealership for wheel alignment. Only one vehiclce in the show room, many vacant spaces on the lot. Went to the local power equipment place to pick up spares n stuff for the chain saw-no mowers on the floor, many vacant spaces where mechandise is supposed to be. They can't ship it if they can't get it.

 

[jazzman452]

Would it make a difference if the wait time was 60 weeks versus six months because that is the wait time for dies and also the price is now 120.00

Jim

 

[.38SuperMan]

Would it make a difference if the wait time was 60 weeks versus six months because that is the wait time for dies and also the price is now 120.00

Jim

Actually the price is $130 plus appropriate taxes and shipping. I think it came to $141 and change. Also when I called them at the 6 month point the informed me it would be 6-8 more months. That’s 12-14 months.

Ok, I decided that wasn’t going to work so I got my butt on the phone and started calling dealers. I probably called fifty and found 3 that had 38/357 dies. 2 would not ship them??? And a third said no problem. We confirmed the part number and they quoted $99 plus shipping, $7. I ordered them and received them I two days by priority mail. I then called Dillon and canceled my order and received a refund check a week later. Don’t know why they sent a check vs refunding my card but that’s fine.

In talking to a few of the dealers they brought up how much Dillon had changed since the 2 Dillon sons took over after Mike’s death. They said they didn’t care for their new business practices. A couple said Mike would send parts free to the dealers If a customer needed something. Now the sons charge for every little thing. One dealer said price increases usually came mid year but the sons moved them up to the first of the year this time. Several other dealers said they no longer carried Dillon products.

I’d suggest if you’re looking for something get on the phone and call the dealers.

 

[gnappi]

I recently called them about a part I lost in my last move. I called them, asked about the part availability, they refused my money and sent one free.

I'm sure stuff happens with staffing, supply line and COVID issues but taking your buckazoids and telling you to wait six months was a surprise to hear.

Not to steer business from Dillon direct, their dies as well as other similar quality branded dies are readily available on the net. I'd go that route before waiting 6 months.