Dillon Sq Deal

Target1911 · #1

Anyone have any feedback on the Dillon Sq Deal press? I want to start reloading for my 1911 45 and a friend told me I sould get the Sq Deal.
I just wanted to get some opinions on it first.

Thanks

DMG · #2

I use it and love it. If you do not plan on reloading rifle ammunition, and/or plan on having a lot of dies for different caliber handguns, this is the way to go. Simple to set up and simple to operate.

David G.

#3

I used one for years and had no problems. As David said, it was used only for .45 ACP, while my550B did everything else. I eventually got a 650 and sold the SDB, so I have the 650 and the 550. It looks like the 550 is going up for sale so I can get another 650.

If you're going to load only one caliber, then I wouldn't hesitate to get a SDB.

Chas.

nuparadigm · #4

I have two SDB's. Both are at least 12 years old. One for 9X19 and the other for .45 ACP. Both have produced well over 10,000 rounds each and I've never had any problems with either of them.

I shoot a lot.

ELB · #5

I also have a Square Deal B, for .38/.357. Worked really well, loaded at least 10,000 rounds with it. Paid for itself early on.

elb

Target1911 · #6

Charles L. Cotton wrote: It looks like the 550 is going up for sale so I can get another 650.

How much you want for your 550?

TX Rancher · #7

I used a Square Deal for ~20 years to load 45 acp. I found it to be very reliable and well worth the price.

The only reason I don't use it now is I upgraded to a 650, which is one sweet machine

I did have one problem with my Square Deal (charge bar issues) and Dillon fixed the problem rapidly, at no charge to me.

HankB · #8

I've had an SDB for well over 10 years. When I had some problems with the priming mechanism, Dillon sent me a new part at no charge - which didn't fit.

When I called them and described the problem, they said "Wow, you really have an OLD one, don't you? We've redesigned it since then" . . . and sent me an entire NEW priming assembly - also at no charge.

If you're only going to be loading straight-wall pistol cases, and not changing calibers frequently, the SDB is better than the 550. (It gains lots of points for the automatic indexing.)

If I were buying today, I'd probably go the 650 route . . . but as long as my SDB is working - and paid for! - I'll be keeping it.

para driver · #9

Dillon:
Good equipment
Good people
Fantastic warranty and service..

had my 550 for nealy 20 years now, still going strong...
you can't go wrong..

Smokewagon · #10

I've had my SDB for about three years. Loads .45acp and .45 colt extremely accurately. Will be adding conversion for .40 S&W soon.

Liturature claims you can load up to 400-500 rounds per hour. It is true.

Pistol ammo only though.

HankB · #11

Smokewagon wrote: . . . Liturature claims you can load up to 400-500 rounds per hour. It is true . . .

The one time I timed myself, working at what I consider to be a comfortable pace, it took me just under six minutes to load a box of 50 - that's a loading rate of slightly over 500/hour.

Since I periodically have to empty the loaded rounds bin, refill the primer tube, and check the powder charge being dropped, I'd guess the sustained rate is no more than half that.