Square Deal B Re-tapped??

[1989toddm]

Is there any feasible reason I couldn't re-thread the die plate in my square deal to accept 7-14 dies?

[Alvarez Kelly]

Yes. They won't fit. The whole press is designed completely differently than any that uses 7/8" x 14 dies.

[Alvarez Kelly]

FYI. One of the early Dillon 450 Jr presses used the 7/8" x 14 decap sizing die but the other dies were the Square Deal types.

[1989toddm]

Just so I know we understand each other, I'm talking about drilling and tapping the existing holes bigger. Still centered over the shell plate.

[Alvarez Kelly]

Well... you can always try it, but even if you can jamb them in there, I believe you will find there is not enough room to install or tighten die nuts.

[jmorris]

They won't fit centered over the shell plate. A 7/8-14 die would be .4375 from the center to the OD put another one right beside it and you are at .875 center to center (with the threads touching one another). On an SD the dies are around .850 center to center.

[1989toddm]

Thanks Kelly and Jmorris, that is what I was asking. If only dies werent so expensive!

[jmorris]

That is one drawback of the SD these days, the two that I have are almost 30 years old but have been rebuilt a few times for only the cost to ship them back to Dillon (they even covered return shipping). Back then the entire machine cost $130 setup for 1 caliber.

[1989toddm]

Mine is currently in route to Dillon. I called to get the number to write on the box and was told 67.95 to rebuild it. I didnt complain beacuase thats a decent price in comparisson to new price! I just found it interesting after all the raving I've heard about there customer service.

[r1kk1]

Their customer service is excellent. When you get the press back you will be pleasantly surprised. I had the 1st model SD and they updated/upgraded mine to the B model for around 45 bucks when I was in Arizona. For some progressive rebuild numbers:

Hornady will upgrade the Projector to a new LNL press for 200.00 (there is a thread on this).
Lee will rebuild a progressive press for 50% of suggested retail price.
I have no idea what RCBS will do for their d/c presses or the 2000 when you send it in.

I used to shoot IHMSA and Bowling Pin shoots so the SD got a serious workout. I traded mine for a Star lubrisizer (San Diego model) after Dillon rebuilt mine. I bought my 550 after it started life life as a 450.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I got my press back. It looked brand new. It brought back memories when I did buy it new.

Take care

r1kk1

[Alvarez Kelly]

Dillon will repair any broken press for free. They will charge for "cleaning and lubricating" your press however. You have to be very specific why you want to return a press. When I needed a really worn out press repaired, I had to explain to the man on the phone that I wasn't asking for a cleaning/lubricating job. Finally he saw the light. Some reps are better than others.

[MtGun44]

No room for dies and locknuts.

Bill

[Walter Laich]

I've found sdb dies here as well as ebay of a bit less than new. On the bright side, they never wear out, course most dies never wear out :)

[jmorris]

You wouldn't need lock nuts if there were enough room to center the dies over the shell plate. A simple set screw would work to keep them from rotating.

If you had a lathe, you might be able to turn down a 7/8-14 die set to fit and work in an SD. Once you got done with the first set, the Dillon dies would look like a better deal.

[Alvarez Kelly]

OP has 1st choice of any or all:

I have Square Deal conversion/die kits available. Each has the shellplate, the funnel, 3 dies, 2 seating stems, and the 3 brass buttons. $67 per kit, shipped.

I have 9mm (SPF), 45ACP(SPF) and 38/357 kits.

UPDATE:
The OP has passed on these.

Don't post in this thread if you want these. PM me! The 9mm and 45ACP sets are SPF.

[1989toddm]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I like the set screw idea but probably won't take the risk of messing up a die plate at this time. Alvarez Kelly the set I am interested in is .40 S&W right now. That is a generous offer!

On the Dillon CS note, I enclosed a USMO already for the above amount..do you think there is any chance I can talk them into not cashing it and sending it back? Lol I have my doubts!

Also since I sent a check that apparently is for cleaning and lubricating...will the priming issue get fixed?

[Alvarez Kelly]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I like the set screw idea but probably won't take the risk of messing up a die plate at this time. Alvarez Kelly the set I am interested in is .40 S&W right now. That is a generous offer!

On the Dillon CS note, I enclosed a USMO already for the above amount..do you think there is any chance I can talk them into not cashing it and sending it back? Lol I have my doubts!

Also since I sent a check that apparently is for cleaning and lubricating...will the priming issue get fixed?

Since you mailed the payment, I doubt you are going to get it back, but... they will totally go through your press. You may not even recognize it. They generally replace all the priming parts, along with everything else that might wear. You will be very happy when it comes back.

Sorry I couldn't help with the 40S&W set. :-)

[1989toddm]

Since you mailed the payment, I doubt you are going to get it back, but... they will totally go through your press. You may not even recognize it. They generally replace all the priming parts, along with everything else that might wear. You will be very happy when it comes back.

Sorry I couldn't help with the 40S&W set. :-)


Good news, I like the sound of a brand new press for 100 bucks including shipping. No problem AK thanks!

[1989toddm]

Since you mailed the payment, I doubt you are going to get it back, but... they will totally go through your press. You may not even recognize it. They generally replace all the priming parts, along with everything else that might wear. You will be very happy when it comes back.

Sorry I couldn't help with the 40S&W set. :-)

Well got the press in FedEx today and WOW ITS BRAND NEW!! Tried a shell and everything is set correctly..even seated my boolit to the right depth! I'm impressed with Dillons work, even if I paid for it. I know they fixed more than I paid for.

[Alvarez Kelly]

Well got the press in FedEx today and WOW ITS BRAND NEW!! Tried a shell and everything is set correctly..even seated my boolit to the right depth! I'm impressed with Dillons work, even if I paid for it. I know they fixed more than I paid for.

Yep. That's the usual response when Dillon rebuilds a press. :-)