Square Deal B?

[Genius.]

I'm wanting to step up to a progressive press for my handgun. Right now I'm running a Lee
Classic Turret.

Should I look at the Square Deal, or will I be better off with the 550? The 650 is out of my budget.

Is the Square Deal a good press?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Re: Square Deal B?

Go with the 550.
Also, SDB doesn't use std 7/8"x14 thread dies.
I load from .32S&W to .45-90 on my 550.
LG

 

[pcschwenke]

Re: Square Deal B?

I personally like the square deal better. It's a true progressive press. This press does use proprietary dies but I don't care. I have the Dillon square deal, 550, & 650.

 

[Grumpy61]

Re: Square Deal B?

for strictly pistol, a Square Deal is hard to beat imo. I have 2, 1 set up for small primers, the other for large. I also have 2 550's. the auto index on the SD really speeds up the process.

 

[sawgunner2001]

Re: Square Deal B?

I use a SDB for all my handgun reloading needs and it suits me quite well. If and/or when I choose to upgrade, it'll be to either a Dillon 650 or a Hornady LnL AP (probably the LnL...with a case feeder). It'll definitely NOT be the non auto-indexing 550 due to it's lack of an auto-indexing feature. Although I certainly can't argue with Grumpy61 about having one each for large primers and small, it really isn't that hard to change. Probably a 15-30 minute procedure (depending on how often you've done it) to completely change from a small primer'd cartridge to a large one, to include changing the priming system, shell plate, and toolhead. I'd rather have two powder measures to eliminate the need to recalibrate it when changing cal's, but get by with only one just fine.

One thing to factor into your decision is the point made by lumpy grits, the SDB uses dies proprietary to Dillon. Dillon will be your ONLY source of dies for a SDB. A separate toolhead for each caliber is STRONGLY recommended so that you only have to set up the dies one time.

If the 550 is within your budget, I'd strongly consider the LnL AP from Hornady if you can swing it. I haven't used one, but am strongly leaning towards getting it to upgrade from the SDB simply for the ability to load rifle cartridges and for the ability to add a case feeder. It gets reviews comparable to those of the Dillon 650.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[stockdoc]

Re: Square Deal B?

Get the sdb, you'll be a happy camper. And when it gets tired after 20 some odd years you can send it back to the factory for a complete rebuild/upgrade for FREE! Can't beat that in my book

 

[pcschwenke]

Re: Square Deal B?

Or you could sell it for nearly the cost of new! I love my square deal.

 

[Unknown]

Re: Square Deal B?

I have a square deal B set up for 45 ACP, and it is great to not have to switch stuff around. I also have an old Dillon 450 press, and a single stage press.

I think the world of Dillon's products, and their customer service. They claim a "No BS customer service", and over the past 15-20 years, that has always been the case when I have dealt with them. They don't even ask me to return broken parts before sending me a replacement...you just can't beat that.

 

[Deej]

Re: Square Deal B?

If only doing pistol calibers and don't have all your dies bought, go with the SDB. I have 2 550's and a SDB. I do all my auto pistol loading on it. I do my revolver loading on one of the 550's as I like to crimp seperate. the othe 550 is set up for 223. I have 2 boys and a dad that can go through 223 like popcorn at the movies and I need volume. I have not used the hornady but dillon has been wonderful with me for the past 20 years and I will stick with them.