Bad timing...

[imashooter2]

I'm woefully behind in my preparations for the season. Only enough lead cast for half the year, less than fifty .45 ACP in the can and not much more .38 Special. With the first match of the year only 2 weeks away, I figured I better drag myself down the basement and get to work. Let's see... The SDB is still set up for the .38 Long Colt experiment I was all hot on last fall. First match is USPSA and the 625 needs some .45 ACP. Well, I'll just swap out the tool head... Huh! The back bolt isn't coming loose. What's up with that? Twenty minutes of screwing around later and I have the answer. The threaded insert came out of the press body. Damn! :(

http://home.comcast.net/~imashooter2/pictures/sdb-insert.jpg

Well, could be worse. I still have 3 good screws. I'll put a quick thousand or so in the can to get me through the March matches and then call for an RMA. 263 rounds later... Yep. It could be worse alright. :o

http://home.comcast.net/~imashooter2/pictures/sdb-handle.jpg

So... What's Dillon's turn around on press rebuilds these days? [smilie=b:

[MtGun44]

Handle breakage was THE bane of the SDB back when I had one. Great little machine
except for that.

What color is the plastic layer under the shell head on your SDB?

Bill

[imashooter2]

Blue. I've got a couple of the old white ones though.

[beagle]

Heck, looks like you threw a helicoil. Any machine shop should be able to replace it in about 5 minutes.

Clean threads, runs a new insert in and loctite. Those things were a real PITA on our mini-guns in the army and their feeder delinkers as well. I hate 'em. Come out at the worst time but they are repairable./beagle

[r1kk1]

I had a powder measure body let go while loading one time. Turn around was quick since they shipped me one. I would not know what the turn around time on frames is. I had the old 450 and upgraded to the 550. I did stop by the shop years ago in Arizona and it was in and out. I know, doesn't help you.

take care,

r1kk1

[stubshaft]

Give them a call their Customer Service is usually very fast and helpful.

[imashooter2]

Heck, looks like you threw a helicoil. Any machine shop should be able to replace it in about 5 minutes.

Clean threads, runs a new insert in and loctite. Those things were a real PITA on our mini-guns in the army and their feeder delinkers as well. I hate 'em. Come out at the worst time but they are repairable./beagle

I'd still be loading if it was just the helicoil. The second picture is what ended my day...

[OneSkinnyMass]

do ya think having only 3 mounting bolts caused that? was there any twisting that you noticed?

[imashooter2]

No... the rear bolt hole snapped off a couple years ago. I had it held down with the distributor clamp off a 1967 Chevy 230 straight 6. It's loaded a lot of ammo since then...

http://home.comcast.net/~imashooter2/pictures/SDB-clamp.jpg

[imashooter2]

I called Dillon and turn around on a rebuild was 4 weeks. I told them to just send me a handle. I'll put the press back on the bench with the distributor clamp and load until I get a cushion, then send it back for the frame work. Might even stop by the hardware store for a replacement insert and keep on keepin' on until something else breaks...

[noylj]

You can't convice yourself that you really need a L-N-L or 650?
I thought that SDB users bought multiple presses (one for each caliber).
After you load for your season, you should really treat yourself to a rebuild.

[imashooter2]

Well, I do have the 550, just no .45 ACP or .38 Special conversions for it. I actually prefer the SDB for pistol. The short throw of the lever and auto index are very nice features.

As for the rebuild... Yeah, I think this press is reaching the end of its service life. After I get some ammo on the shelf, I'm going to send it back.

[imashooter2]

The handle came while I was at work today and I'm back in business. http://www.ar15.com/images/smilies/icon_smile_cool.gif

http://home.comcast.net/~imashooter2/pictures/sdb-back.jpg

Turns out that the threaded inserts made for metal all require drill size that exceeds the available casting, so I got a thin wall brass insert intended for woodworking, filed it to a transition fit and then pressed it in coated with a good epoxy. It held for the first tightening. Who knows how durable it will be. I need to get a few thousand in the can and then I have options. http://www.ar15.com/images/smilies/smiley_abused.gif

http://home.comcast.net/~imashooter2/pictures/sdb-insert1.jpg

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Yep, sounds like that press is on it's last legs. Good adapt and overcome work on your part.

Beagle,

I'm glad they've got those mini guns upgraded by Mike Dillon nowadays. You gave me flash backs with your comment. Old 68M20 guy here.