Thinking of going "Blue"-Dillon Square Deal B

[MyDads38]

Okay, so I've tested the waters with a Lee Pro 1000 in 9mm. I know what most think of this machine, I actually bought it to see if I could get it to run. Turns out I did, but only for a short time before packing up and moving twice since Oct. 2016. Once set up, it ran like it should. My only issue is its only 3 station, and I like to seat/crimp seperately.

So, I've been researching the Dillon SDB. Only thing I wish it had is a case feeder option. Otherwise, it looks like what I would like to try as far as a serious entry into a progressive press. I don't see the 550b as an upgrade, speed wise and don't like the manual rotation. I don't shoot a lot, but looking more to streamline my loading time. If it worked out for me, I would add 2 more to my bench, and leave them set up for the 3 calibers I would load the most-9mm, 40 S&W and 45 ACP. I would keep my Lee Classic Turret for 38 Special and continue to load 223/308 rifle on my Classic Cast SS press.

I'm not considering any other brand, but would like comments from those who are using the SDB press. Thanks in advance.....

 

[mozeppa]

don't go Dillon SDB... go the xl650 ....costs a little more , but you will be glad you did.

i have 2 xl650's ...a lyman T-mag ....and 2 rcbs rock chuckers and all my dies will work with any of them.

i might be wrong, but i think only the dies made for the sdb dillon can be used and no other.

 

[OKFC05]

I have two SDBs: pistol caliber only, proprietary dies, not all the speed and options of the 650. BUT it is reliable and comes with the Dillon lifetime warranty. If I had not gotten into competition, the SDB would have been fine.
Had I known I was going into USPSA and IDPA, I would have bought the 650. But having used the SDBs for 20 years, I keep one set up for 9mm and one for .38 most of the time, and just spend more time loading.


If you have the money and plan to load a lot, the 650 with the quick change kits for each caliber is a truly fast and versatile setup.

 

[ronnie gore]

square deal

i have 4 of the square deal presses so i don't have to change anything to load. they are great i have used them for years.

 

[iouri]

The only downside to SDB is proprietary dies. I've statred with 550 and actually manual index is not such a big deal - your hand will be in position for bullet seating anyway. On a plus side for 550 - you can use any dies and can reload rifle rounds as well.

 

[lrrifleman]

Years ago, I had an SDB, and it served its purpose until I started loading different cartridges and/or bullet styles. As noted by mozeppa, the SDB dies are proprietary and usable only on an SDB. I bought my SDB back when they sold for about $200, now that they sell for about $400 a piece, I would lean towards a 550 or 650 if I am loading more than 1 cartridge!

Currently, I load precision target ammo on an RCBS single stage ... stick powder and a Dillon just don't work well. I use my 550B for: 38 Special wadcutter, 38 Special SWC, 357 RN/SWC, 9mm, 45 ACP RN, 45 ACP SWC, and soon for 380 RN. I still load my 41s on a single stage.

When I reload on my progressive, I take my time and relax. On the SDB, I was able to produce about 200 rounds per hour, on the 550B, I can produce between 250 and 300 an hour. I find the change over from one cartridge to another is quicker with the 550B, and in the long run, more economical because I can use anyones dies, and I don't have to buy extra presses. The only downside that I remember encountering with the SDB, was that if I got caught up in a good rhythm, I didn't notice running dry on primers if the battery died or the follower got stuck until powder dribbled into the collection bin.

 

[6string]

If you can, try out a number of Dillon presses side by side.
Once I did this for myself, the square deal was not even a consideration. The 650, or even the 550, is vastly superior. The leverage and smoothness of the 650 and 550 are just on a much higher performance level. The square deal feels cheap and gritty by comparison.
If you're upgrading from a Lee, don't go for half measures.

Jim

 

[MyDads38]

I know all about the dies for the SDB, but these will be dedicated pistol only machines, as I will still load my rifle rounds on SS press. I don't shoot a lot and my Lee Classic Turret serves me well. I would rather have auto index as opposed to a case feeder on a manual index 550b, but that's just my preference. I have a small reloading room, so the SDB would be a good fit-in addition to Dillon customer service and lifetime warranty.

 

[patrickd]

If you have the cash go Dillon they are super machines. However if cash is a concern as it is with most of us the Hornady AP is a pretty good setup and is expandable later as finances allow.

 

[apollo99]

The initial cost of the Dillon reloaders isn't the issue, It's the add ons and upgrades. A XL650 isn't much more than a 550 or a SDB. But than add on the case feed, the roller handle, the strong mount, and the bullet tray for starters, you're up around $1700. But at the end of the day, you will have a great unit that cranks out about 5-600 rounds an hour.

 

[824tsv]

I have a SDB, bought it new in 2009. Great tool. Get the strong mount and bullet tray, it makes a big difference. I've had zero issues with mine other than the occasional spent primer bouncing out of the bin. I load 4 calibers on mine, 38SPl/9mm/45ACP/40S&W. Caliber change over doesn't take long and the dies stay set and never change unless you want to adjust them. As long as you keep it clean and lubed it will last a lifetime.

 

[Jingles]

I'm a Lee or RCBS guy myself, but if I were going to set up a reloader just for one or two pistol calibers I would go the Dillon SDB route. They are priced well and so easy to run they are hard to beat.

 

[Dan in NY]

Another fan of the SDB...Have one for many years, and it never failed me. I shoot pistol %90 of the time and rarely shoot rifle. Like you, I have a SSPress for that. The SDB self-indexes, can't double-charge, and doesn't take up much room, which are 3 big things I love about it. I never saw the need to buy a second machine, since caliber changes are no big deal for me. It is a great machine, and would be the only machine I'd get if I were in your place. If I upped my rifle game , then absolutely a 650...You won't regret getting a SDB.

 

[MyDads38]

FWIW, I decap and wet tumble before anything goes to a press. This keeps everything clean and no spent primers to deal with. At present, I don't load more than 100 rounds per session. But I can see that changing, with a progessive set up and ready to go. I would buy extra primer tubes, to be able to have 500 ready for a session. The primer alarm will come in handy I've thought about this for a while, and the more I thought about it; Dillon was the way I wanted to go.

 

[fredj338]

The only downside to SDB is proprietary dies. I've statred with 550 and actually manual index is not such a big deal - your hand will be in position for bullet seating anyway. On a plus side for 550 - you can use any dies and can reload rifle rounds as well.

This was my decision over 25yrs ago. The idea of being stuck with pistol only & Dillon dies only put me off so I went 550. Today I run a 550 & a 650 but would be fine if all my loading were on the 550, no case feeder. It will easily do 400rds an hour. Manual indexing isn't slower just a bit more hand movement. You are placing a bullet after powder charging BEFORE indexing. So the slight flick of the thumb is the inly extra movement. Yes it is an upgrade to any Lee progressive.
IMO, the LCT is an upgrade to a Lee 1000. If you really want a case feeder, the 650 is it, period. Trying to save $75 going LNL, still get a slightly inferior press. Buying 3-4 Lee or SDB makes little sense to me but many do it. Maybe if I had 20ft of bench, maybe.

 

[StakeOut]

I enjoy reloading with lots of retirement time on my hands and I enjoy loading 5 calibers on Lee Classic Turrets but if I were to need more production the Dillon 650 would probably be my purchase.

Years ago when I needed volume production I loaded on a few indexing Star Machines with Holm case feeders.

 

[socal s&w]

Love the SDB loader, have 4 of them in 9, 38, 40 and 45. Great little loaders that are a pleasure to load with. Rarely issues, the only issue was I broke a handle and Dillon shipped another immediately. I just used another loader until I received it.
I decap using a tool head with only a decapping pin, no resizer. Then tumble and reprime using a hand priming tool. I just don't like the autoprimers on any machine.
I too really enjoy reloading and while I could load a bunch in short order if needed, like the SDB due to ease of operation. It's also a very simple machine that is very easy to work on for fine tuning and maintenance.
So its got proprietary dies, not a problem, they are actually less expensive than the other dies that Dillon sells AND they come with the machine, there is no hidden cost as there is with the other machines 550 and 650.
As you are well aware, Dillon does not lose value, so selling down the road is like getting most of your cash back.
The only thing that I don't like (on anything, not just loaders) are those darned allen head screws. So I replaced them all with phillips head of the same head shapes. One screwdriver fits all now, I don't have to locate the exact allen wrench to adjust or tighten a screw any more!
I bought three of mine used after my initial new purchase and am very happy with all of them.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I bought a 450 Dillon in 1984, and upgraded it in stages until it is a 550b now.

1) The manual index is really not an issue. The issue is paying attention! I have a family that will leave me alone when I tell them to! I won't allow a TV in the reloading area, and usually have CD's of music, so the news won't distract me!

2) There are cartridges you can't load on a 550b! for example 600 N.E. and 50 BMG! I have loaded 338 Lapua Mag, and 375 H&H Mag (those are very long rounds!

3) Primer issues: I have 10 large and 5 small tubes, plus the 100 primers in the magazine. They make for a long enough session! I made a "primer follower" at the beginning of my second loading session with the 450, a wire coat hanger cut into an "L" shape, left long enough to LOCK the primer feed bar.

4) Powder consistency: USE BALL POWDERS! and I have 2 parallel lines of tape about 2 1/2 inches apart. Don't fill above the top line and resupply before the bottom line! on 380ACP this is a huge supply of powder. On 45-70 you need to pay attention!

5) Accessories and their cost: I loaded with the stock handle, The roller is more comfortable! Bullet tray, for 25 years I used one I made from a 4" PVC pipe cap! (the factory on holds more) I hade made a 2x12 riser for the press (19 years!) the strong mount takes less space!

5) Case feeder: I loaded 25 years without one, I don't think it speeds anything up! But it makes loading pistol cases easier. You can't load and rifle only cartridges with it, in my opinion not worth the money or effort!

6) Removable die plate, (The real difference between 450 and 550) Not a big deal! If you can't set up dies, you shouldn't be reloading! Unless you own a powder measurer for each die set, you save maybe 2 or 3 minutes! I own the 50 caliber powder measurer 3 regular and the original "push bar" powder measurer. I only use the 50 (for 50 AE & 50-90) and one regular. The push bar gets used for small batches on a single stage press!

My recommendation; for the first few years, instead of accessories, buy more brass and load bigger batches at a time! As you get older, buy the things that make life easier! (or leave hints for birthday and Christmas gifts!) Buy all the shell plates and powder funnels you need up front (the prices just keep raising!)

Hope this helps in some way,

Ivan

 

[MyDads38]

Thanks for all the responses so far, I appreciate them all. Since I only load for 4 pistol calibers, I will probably look at having a SDB for 3 of them and leave them set up for each respective cartridge. Looking to buy now before retirement, and enjoy from then on I'm okay on powder, and will add bullets/primers as I go-brass is not and issue lol.

 

[Wise_A]

6) Removable die plate, (The real difference between 450 and 550) Not a big deal! If you can't set up dies, you shouldn't be reloading! Unless you own a powder measurer for each die set, you save maybe 2 or 3 minutes! I own the 50 caliber powder measurer 3 regular and the original "push bar" powder measurer. I only use the 50 (for 50 AE & 50-90) and one regular. The push bar gets used for small batches on a single stage press!

I know a guy who, for every cartridge he loads, has a complete upper assembly. Dies, plate, powder measure, powder check, all the doodads. I think it costs him a couple hundred bucks to add a new cartridge.

My circumstances might be shifting a bit shortly, and a progressive may very well make a ton of sense. I know another, slightly more reasonable guy who has a 550 and a 650, and if I butter him up I bet he'd let me pull the handles for an hour or two.

Said slightly more reasonable guy reloads "to save money", but the entire exterior wall of his basement is lined with 5 gallon buckets, each filled with loaded ammunition.

Plunking down a gun's worth of money on a Dillon might suck--I just bought a Smith for about half a Dillon out the door--and I'll have to forget about how much money this damnedable has "saved" me for a bit.

But those things sure look like fun, and I'm already reloading for two!