Dillon Questions . .update did the deed today

[redlevel]

I understand that the SDB loaders use only the Dillon dies. First question: is there a different die set for .38 Sp and .357 mag, or can I use the same dies? Maybe a dumb question, but I can't figure it out from the information on the website. In one place, it seems to suggest that one set will work, but I also notice that there is a different number for .38 Special and .357 magnum caliber conversion kits.

Next question: I also understand that the other Dillon products use standard dies. My die sets are all 3 die sets. The 550B, for instance, has four stations. Could I operate the machine with just three dies, or would I need to order a factory crimp die from Lee for each caliber I load? I have always had good results doing bullet seating and crimping in the same operation.

Third question. How well does the Dillon powder thrower setup meter Unique? I only use Unique and Bullseye. Never had much problem with Bullseye, but a couple of the powder dispensers I have used gave very inconsistent results with Unique.

I have been reloading for forty years now. Started with an old Lyman Spartan press. Did a few years with a Lee Progressive. It finally gave up the ghost. I have been doing my loading on the cheap, using Lee Auto-prime, cheap Lee presses, including a hand press, and Lee powder dippers. It worked well for what I needed. I could put in a week reloading one caliber and load a couple of thousand rounds. "Slow but Sho" as we say down here. Now, however, arthritis and tendonitis in my hands make it impossible for me to consider doing all those operations, depriming/resizing, then priming, then loading, etc. I need to convert a bunch of components into loaded ammo, and I need to be producing a loaded round with each stroke.

I'm just trying to decide which Dillon machine to go with. I'll only be loading .38sp/.357mag (predominately), .45 Colt, and possibly .45ACP. Getting the SDB shipped ready to start loading .38sp/.357 out of the box is mighty tempting.

All advice welcomed.

 

[44MOshooter]

redlevel,

Not sure about your first question,I would think there's enough adjustment to load the 38s and 357s on the same set of dies? Again I have no experience with the Dillion SDB reloaders.

I do have a couple 550s I load on.
You can reload with the 3 die sets and not use the forth station,I personally like to separate the bullet seating and crimping into the 2 stations.

As far as metering the Unique and Bullseye powders,they've metered well in both my 550s.

Good luck and hope this helps

 

[novalty]

I recently picked up a 550 myself. Not sure about the SDB die questions. The 550 can use any die set with standard threads, and you would just use you sizing/decapping die and seating/crimp die. The press expands and charges your cases at same time.

I like that the 550 is manually indexed as I can inspect each station if I need to like I am used to on a single stage & the Redding turret I had. It is definitely faster than the T7, as you can process multiple cases in one stroke. The only thing I don't like is the cost of caliber conversions, and found that I might as well sink even more money into the Quick change kit for each caliber. The powder charge nut is a pita on my arthritic hands too, so trying to decide on buying the knobs "as seen on Feebay", or just keep a standard box wrench by the press.

As for metering Unique it does pretty well, and generally stays within 0.1grs., but I don't think it is as accurate as the Uniflow I had. Don't care if I get flack from Smurf Nation, it is what I've notice from using both powder measures--including using the Uniflow with the powder through expander system. My biggest concern with the powder system on the Dillon is going to be using AA#5, as I recently picked up several pounds, and there are several noted comments on the Brian Enos forum stating problems metering AA#5 on the 550--hopefully it is just internet rumor.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I've running 2 SQ-DL presses since about 1989. These presses use Dillon's proprietary die(small). I've runs lots Unique through over the years. I bought these because I wanted auto-indexing and the DL650 hadn't been invented yet. If you want to use your dies you should go with a 550 or 650. SQ_DL caliber conversions are about $90 ea.

And yes you can load 38/357......44 spl/44 mag. By simply adjusting the dies.

 

[ronnie gore]

dillion

I have 4 square deal presses in 38/357, .40, .45. and 9mm
the dies can be adjusted for the 38 or 357.
but if I did not already have them I would buy a 550.
no matter what breaks they replace it for free.

 

[Geno44]

The versatility and capability of the 550 make it a no brainer. The difference in price isn't that great. Get the 550!

 

[PPCSHOOTER]

THE DIFFERENCE ON THE SDB NUMBERS. THEY ARE FACTORY PRESET , READY TO LOAD UPON DELIVERY. ONE NUMBER IS SET UP FOR 38SPL THE OTHER IS SET UP FOR 357MAG, SEATING DEPTH, CRIMP, CASE FLAIR. . THEY EVEN INCLUDE A DUMMY CARTRIDGE TO SHOW YOU HOW IT WAS SET UP. YOU JUST SET UP THE POWDER MEASURE ADJUST IT AND BEGIN LOADING. THEY ARE THE SAME PRESS. JUST SET UP DIFFERENTLY. ONCE YOU GET EITHER PRESS YOU CAN ADJUST IT TO LOAD THE OTHER. JP

 

[824tsv]

^
No need to yell, we heard you!

 

[redlevel]

^
No need to yell, we heard you!

It's OK. I'm 'bout half deaf anyhow.

 

[Twoboxer]

^ OK, most of us are

I'm guessing you haven't seen Brian Enos' Website - Which Dillon? Very sound, experienced, third-party advice about the presses. Bottom line, unless you have specific reasons to confine yourself to the SD, the 550 is a better choice.

Also might want to check the prices on his site - you'll save a few bucks vs ordering from Dillon, even though your stuff will be shipped from Dillon.

(Note I'm a Hornady user, not connected to Brian Enos in any way. He's just a great source for those who drink the Blue Koolaid )

 

[Bkreutz]

If your arthritis and tendonitis are one of the main reasons for going with a Dillon, I'd recommend the 650, I have both ailments as well, makes a big difference to me to do as little manipulation of the handloading operation as I can. I don't do marathon sessions but mainly load enough to replace what I just shot. A 650 is more expensive but if you think about it long term it's not that much.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

When you have ailments that cause grip issues, I think you will enjoy one of the roller handle up grades. I bought the metal roller up grade about 6 years ago and wish I has that option in 1984 when I bought my 450. I also bought the case feeder (pistol only) and up grade to 550b kit at that time. The case feeder won't speed up loading but makes it easier. I had never considered grip issues before, and may actually speed things up if haveing right hand dexterity problems. I load batches of large pistol cases (500 to 3000) and have 12 large primer tubes, after 1200 rounds (about 2 hours) I take an extended break by reloading all the tubes, getting coffee or pop, and checking in with the Mrs. and checking E and Voice mails. I don't allow interruptions including TV (that is how bad ammo happens). I recommend the use of carbide dies or the spray on dry lube if carbide isn't possible. Lastly; certain shell plates fit more than one type of case (example; 45 Colt, 45 Scolfield 44-40, 44 Mag/Special/Russian, and 38-40 all can use the same) and sometimes the powder measure can remain unadjusted for different rounds (example: 6.7 grains of WW 231 for my 45 Colt load has same setting as 5.0 grains of Clays for my 44-40 load) This makes for very fast caliber changes without owning several powder drops at $77 each. At times I have shot so much 45 ACP I have an entire set up for that. and have several times loaded batches of 5000 to 6000. A safety tip is, I write the powder and the charge weight on a post-it and rubber band that to the powder drop for what it is set for so a week or a month later I know what is going on, and I write the die set on the tool head in bold marker (reading the fine print on installed dies can be very difficult). Have fun Ivan

 

[dickttx]

You could also use the extra hole on the 550 for a Lock-out die. That would help to verify your powder drop.

 

[redlevel]

Thanks for all the replies. Just the kind of information I was looking for.

I'm still leaning toward the SDB. Here's why.

I'm not a competitive shooter, nor a really high volume shooter otherwise.
Maybe 4-5000 rounds per year, or a little more. The thing is, I like to keep
a lot of ammo on hand. I have accumulated a lot of components; powder,
primers, cast bullets, and brass over the last 15-20 years. I am subject
to consuming a thousand rounds of .38 special in a month if I have it on hand.

I have very little plinking/target .38 special on hand now. Mostly defense ammo.
I probably would load five thousand rounds of .38 special before I even thought
about setting up to load anything else. I have several thousand rounds of .45 ACP
factory ammo on hand, and maybe 2000 rounds of .45 Colt. Maybe in a year
I would think about getting a conversion kit for .45 Colt.
For the first year, my main concern would be converting a bunch of that .38 sp brass,
Bullseye powder, and small pistol primers into loaded ammo.

I figure I can get into the SDB with the few options I would want for $425
or a tad more. In another year, if I am still around and want to, I could spring for
a .45 Colt conversion for around another $100. The 550 would probably
run at least $100 more with options. Yep, I am tight. Can't heppit. Grew up
having to pinch pennies.

Space is a concern, and the SDB appears to be a little more compact.
There is a certain appeal to ordering the machine in .38special, bolting it
to the table, setting the powder dump, making minor tweaks to the dies,
and churning out rounds almost immediately.

Haven't really decided yet.

 

[Geno44]

Sell two boxes of the .45 Colt for the extra $100 and get the 550. You'll be glad you did. Seriously, nobody should tell you how to spend your money.

 

[m657]

Any Dillon I've had has made loading way easier and so much faster I've had to work hard to be able to keep up the pace shooting enough to use what a short loading session can produce.

My very first 450 Dillon circa 1979 was an eyeopener. I had never loaded ANYthing on ANY press and was a total novice.

My first box of 50- 357s took 8 minutes, and they all went bang! That was with no indexing, and the primer AND powder both had to be hand operated as well as the other operations.

Personally I really don't like to use Unique as for me it is less easy and less exact for charge, although I've learned how to make do with it. Others don't seem to have any problem. I get more variance than I like from round to round, yet it seems to work just fine. In 45LC cowboy loads, seems to be no big deal. Frankly I prefer Trail Boss or Universal Clays for 45LC over Unique anything, but that is *my* opinion only.

The only brass that has benefited from my use of Lee Factory Crimp die is the autoloaders in 40S&W, although I've also put them in my 9 & 45acp set up as well. 650s have a couple advantages I prefer after 20+ years with the 450/550 gear.

I was a late comer to using Bullseye, until just a couple years ago. It works fine for me, don't quite understand how I missed out on it for so long.

'so many boolits, so little time'

 

[Squarebutt]

I've used both, and while the SDB may be a little faster with the auto-indexing, if you have big paws like mine, it's hard to place the shells and bullets in their places, as it's tight. The other point in favor of the 550 is that there are lots of used components for sale here and there, all guaranteed for life by Dillon.

 

[Bart 44]

I use SDs, several, for all my handgun loading.
I've owned and used the Dillon 1050, 650, 550 and SD. The 1050 went after I quit shooting IPSC. The 1050 is an awesome machine. A 650 replaced it but didn't get use much so it went. Thought I wanted to load a bunch of .223s so picked up a nice 550 at a very good price. Bought a lot of inexpensive factory .223s so never did load any on the 550. I load lots of handgun ammo but wouldn't think of using the 550 over the SD for any of it. The SD just works so well.

The main reason I don't care for the 550 for handgun ammo is that it doesn't auto advance……it's a manual operation that can lend itself to potential double charging of cartridges with low amounts of powder. During my years of shooting IPSC I witnessed 3 blowups and heard of at least 3 others. What they all had in common was 45 ACP and Dillon 550.

Dennis.

 

[chief38]

As a SD-B owner for around 30 years I loaded tens of thousands of rounds on it and it served me well. Now that I shoot a lot more I stepped up to a Dillon 650 a couple of years ago and it's a way better press. I never had any major issues with my SD-B, but the 650 is much more stable, 3 times faster and produces better ammo.

If you are looking to shoot a few thousand rounds a year the SD-B will do the job, but if you shoot a lot and in multiple calibers and are looking to maximize your time, effort and efficiency, go with the 650. The 650 I have is set up with the auto case feeder which works great - one less thing to do and really speeds things up.

By the way.......... the new Dillon standard dies for the 550, 650 and 1050 are superb and the quick pull disconnect makes cleaning a breeze with no re-adjustments necessary.

 

[Oldgoat03]

Redlevel

I have a couple of SDB's and a 550. I Like them all and have never been disappointed using any of them. To be honest I load mostly pistol so tend to graviate toward the SDB's because I got them first, they autoindex and I am very used to them. I hvae pretty good size paws and manage just fine with the SDB's. The truth is you won't be disappointed with either. So make the decision that works for you and don't look back. Besides resale if you even do want to change is quite good on all Dillon products.

Og03