Dillon Square Deal Question

[altheating]

I am going to pick up a old Dillon Square Deal 38 special press (Pre Square Deal B Model) that my buddy has in storage. Does any one know if that is a 38 special only press or can I adjust those Dillon dies for 357 Mag. Seems to me when we bought it 25 plus years ago we bought it as a 38 special press. I hope somebody knows.

[Alvarez Kelly]

The short answer is NO, it is NOT a 38 Special only press. You can adjust the seating and crimp dies dies for 357 magnum very easily. Dillon uses the same exact conversion kit/die parts for 38 special and 357 magnum.

Of course, you can also convert it to other pistol cartrdges also...

Feel free to PM me if you need more info.

[Pete P]

That is correct.

[cajun shooter]

The only problem with this Dillon press is that it will only accept Dillon dies and no others which makes caliber changes more expensive. If loading one caliber then go for it.

[imashooter2]

The SDB conversion with dies is $84. The RL550 conversion without dies is $45 and the RL650 conversion without dies is $77.

If you buy Lee dies, your 550 conversion is a couple bucks cheaper than the SDB, but the 650 is more expensive unless you already have dies on the shelf.

[seagiant]

Hi,
Well,I got out of the Dillon loaders all together,having a 550B and a Sq.Deal in 45 ACP. I had more trouble coming to the conclusion to sell the little Sq.Deal than the 550B! The Sq.Deal is a neat little loader if you want to keep it in one caliber. Some people have one for every pistol cal. that they load! Of course as stated with the 38 spl. you can load 2 calibers!

[altheating]

Thanks folks. I just got her all mounted to the bench and was able to crank out a few 357's after giving her a thorough cleaning. Its been over 25 years since I used the SD press!

[Moonman]

Some people have a Square D for 45ACP, and one for 9mm, life is good and they're good to go. A 38/357 too would be a great bonus for the pistol only shooter.