Square Deal B Owners

[Ninety Caliber]

I have been reloading for a total of 4 years , all on a Lee classic Turret. I shoot competitively so am wanting to increase production and decrease fiddling . The Lee had been pretty good but the " safety prime" system has always been quirky. I can do about 100 rounds an hour and would love to be able to do 300. I only shoot and load .38 special for competition and would keep my Lee for my smaller volume stuff including rifle. Would love a 650 but need the ability to remove the press and store between sessions and space is limited. Due to the way the SDB has to be operated , i.e.; letting go of the handle, I am having doubts about the speed. Would really like to hear from folks that own both presses.<br />
Am I crazy or what? If I buy a progressive, it will be auto-advance. Help!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Whiterabbit]

Not a helpful answer perse, but IMO what most helps progressive productivity, along with auto advance, is a case feeder. I suggest planning in advance for that. That way, all you do is pull the handle, start a bullet, pull the handle, start a bullet, pull the handle....

Can the SDB handle a case feeder?

[rickys2]

Get the 550b, much better build unit. Cheaper on the assy than the 650

[Petrol & Powder]

The SDB is fine if you only load one caliber. The dies are proprietary so you can't substitute standard 7/8" dies. The SDB is the only Dillon press that uses that type of die; all of the others used standard dies.

I prefer the 550 and I say that after using the 650 & 1050. The manual index is not an impediment. With pre-loaded primer tubes, rates over 400 rounds per hour are easily obtained with a 550B.

If space is a problem consider some type of removable mount. I made mine but there are commercially made units as well.
Here's a MEC shotgun press on a removable bench top section and the spare blank "plug" section for when there is no need for a press.

207245

[dragon813gt]

With pre-loaded primer tubes, rates over 400 rounds per hour are easily obtained with a 550B.

Does that time include loading the tubes. This is an area where people fudge the numbers. Doesn't matter if you're filing the tubes while watching TV. All time has to be accounted for.

The OP has said he wants auto advance. That precludes the 550. In his situation the SDB should meet his needs. The downside to the press is the proprietary dies and the small window to work in. I've heard people w/ larger hands complain about this.

[lefty o]

Does that time include loading the tubes. This is an area where people fudge the numbers. Doesn't matter if you're filing the tubes while watching TV. All time has to be accounted for.

The OP has said he wants auto advance. That precludes the 550. In his situation the SDB should meet his needs. The downside to the press is the proprietary dies and the small window to work in. I've heard people w/ larger hands complain about this.

he stated with pre-loaded primer tubes.

[dragon813gt]

he stated with pre-loaded primer tubes.

Which was my point. The time loading them has to be accounted for. If the 400 rate included loading the tubes then the rate is legitimate. If the time didn't include loading the tubes then the rate is lower than 400. All time has to be accounted for when discussing loading rates.

[Walt]

If all you're going to load is 38 Special the SDB will work fine for you. Safely loading good ammo at 300 rounds per hour can be handled nicely by the little Dillon.

[Reddirt62]

I run a 550 and a 650 not a SDB. I run all my presses on inline fabrications quick change mount which means I can rotate between my 4 presses and my swager in moments. The 650 is a lot of machine for a single caliber, I reloaded just 45acp on my 550 for many years. It is a fantastic machine. If auto advance is a deal killer then the SDB might be for you. The pic is of the quick change mount, forgive the mess.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171105/f295cbadf40eeb7e1c3d76f23ffd6b3c.jpg

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[D Crockett]

if I were you I would go with the 550b for the type of reloading you do you will not regret it I had a lee 25 years ago and hated that thing it is now resting on the bottom of Mirror lake then I got a 550b and love that press I load for 45acp 44mag and now223 and do not have to change to another press when changing to another cal. D Crockett

[HeavyMetal]

The Square Deal makes sense if your only loading one Caliber, in the OP case that would be 38 Special.

The down side is when, not if, he decides to reload for more than one caliber because the press is A. dedicated to pistol rounds only and B. proprietary dies for the press.

There are primer tube fillers on the market which will reduce the time spent loading prime tubes.

However if at anytime the OP thinks he may reload other calibers the 550B is the ticket, the lack of auto indexing is actually a blessing for those not use to this feature as it allows easier visual inspection of each station while getting used to the new press.

The other advantage of the 550B is reloading both pistol and rifle shells and 400 an hour is easily done.

HM


Add in the ability to use any 7/8'sx 14 die set with Four stations is huge as well, something you can't do with a Pro 1000.

[kmw1954]

I don't own a Dillon but I do own a Lee 3 hole Value turret and a Lee Pro1000. I have watched enough of the youtube videos on the Dillon to have good idea how it works when compared to the Pro1000.

If I were to be loading only one caliber and lots of it and that was pistol then the Square Deal B would be at the top of my list. It is much faster than a turret press and doesn't take up a lot of space. If like you I was only loading 38Spl then I would watch for a used one already set up for that. To me that would seem to be the Best deal.

But because I load for more than one pistol caliber, 3 and hope to soon be 4, I chose the dreaded Lee Pro1000 and it is serving me well.

[imashooter2]

I find 400 an hour on an SDB is an easy pace including loading the tubes.

I have a 550 and think it is slower. The manual advance and longer handle throw are the difference. The 550 is certainly a more versatile machine, but I load my highest volume ammo on an SDB.

[warpspeed]

I have owned every Dillon press they make from the 1050 to the square deal.

If all I was going to reload was a single pistol caliber, I'd buy a Square Deal in a heartbeat. They are a great press and can be found used for a great price especially in 38 special.

[Ninety Caliber]

The Square Deal makes sense if your only loading one Caliber, in the OP case that would be 38 Special.

The down side is when, not if, he decides to reload for more than one caliber because the press is A. dedicated to pistol rounds only and B. proprietary dies for the press.

There are primer tube fillers on the market which will reduce the time spent loading prime tubes.

However if at anytime the OP thinks he may reload other calibers the 550B is the ticket, the lack of auto indexing is actually a blessing for those not use to this feature as it allows easier visual inspection of each station while getting used to the new press.

The other advantage of the 550B is reloading both pistol and rifle shells and 400 an hour is easily done.

HM


Add in the ability to use any 7/8'sx 14 die set with Four stations is huge as well, something you can't do with a Pro 1000.

To clarify, I the OP, as stated in my post will use my Classic Turret for my other calibers. I have No interest in a manual index press.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Petrol & Powder]

Does that time include loading the tubes. This is an area where people fudge the numbers. Doesn't matter if you're filing the tubes while watching TV. All time has to be accounted for.

The OP has said he wants auto advance. That precludes the 550. In his situation the SDB should meet his needs. The downside to the press is the proprietary dies and the small window to work in. I've heard people w/ larger hands complain about this.

It does not include the time to fill the tubes. You are correct that the time needed to fill the tubes should be included. However, by separating that task from the actual reloading operation, you can speed up the reloading operation. It is fudging the numbers but if you have an hour to dedicate to reloading it allows you to get the most out of that one hour.

I really don't think auto indexing is all that important, which is why I included the 550 in the discussion.

If I was only going to load one handgun cartridge and never expand to other calibers, the SDB might be a good option. The odds of never adding additional calibers is pretty slim for most folks.

[Petrol & Powder]

And just to be clear, not every user will be able to get the highest production rates out of the 550B.

I've been doing it so long that I combine motions. My right hand places the new casing in station 1 while my left hand is placing a bullet on the casing in station 3. As I pull the handle down with my right hand, my left hand is picking up another bullet. After the handle is cycled, I use my left thumb to advance the shell plate. This is done while pinching the bullet between my left thumb and forefinger. As soon as the shell plate hits the next detent, the bullet goes on the case while my right hand is fetching a new casing.

[sawinredneck]

I have the Lee CCT that you have and really thought I wanted auto index as you do. I came across a deal on a 550b that I couldn’t pass up, so I got it thinking I’d get rid of the CCT. I’m honestly glad the 550 doesn’t have auto index, but I also plan to load multiple calibers on it. But it allows me to set up one stage at a time, correctly, instead of chasing my tail.
I’ll also be keeping my CCT as I’ve learned doing load development and small batches on the 550 just aren’t worth the effort, it’s more of a pain than it’s honestly worth. Set it up, crank out a few hundred rounds and be happy, but don’t think you will make 20rds on a progressive and enjoy the process!
When I first started out, pre-internet, I bought a pro-1000, it scared me enough I never even tried to get it set up. Some years later I sold it and went with a single stage and am glad I did. If I’d had my ultimate choice the second time I’d have bought a SDB in 10mm, I’m glad I didn’t go that route as I wouldn’t have the options that I do now to load various calibers, including.308 and .243. I’ve also watched a lot of videos on the SDB, maybe I’d have put up with it, but now, I don’t think I’d put up with the small window for loading! It’s really tight in there!
I understand a lot of this doesn’t apply to you, and I understand you have reasons for wanting what you want and why, I completely respect that. All I’m asking you to do is look at what some of your future needs may be and how well this investment will fit into that plan. In my world it’s a rather sizable investment and I like to be able to get as much out out of my money as I can. If the SDB fits your current and future needs, by all means get one, but as you get into this, at least most of us, we tent to buy more “tools” and aqiuer more firearms as we go on. Just some things to think about is all. Good luck in your decision!

[15meter]

I have both the SDB and the 550, plus a Rockchucker and a Lyman turret. That said, I am not selling the SDB, I'LL continue to use it for pistol rounds. 250-300 rounds an hour is a nice slow deliberate pace to make sure everything is done right.

Dillon's tech support is great and just a phone call away.

[JimB..]

I’ve never timed myself in the SDB, but I’m happy with the number of bullets that fall out of it. Unlike most here, I have dies for 5 calibers, although I mostly load 38spcl and 9mm. The changeover doesn’t bother me.

If you’ll add your location someone might just let you come load on their SDB for an afternoon.

[pjames32]

I have 2 SDB's, one for large primer and one for small. I load 4 pistol calibers. I load a leisurely 250+ rounds per hour including filling the primer tubes. I could go faster, but I'm a little anal about it. If I were 40-50 years younger and starting over I'd buy a 650. For 1-2 pistol calibers the SDB works great. FWIW I wear a size 13.5 ring and have enough room in the SDB to make it work.

[Kraschenbirn]

I've got both an upgraded DL450...same as the 550 w/o interchangeable tool heads...and an SDB with tooling for both .38/.357 and .45 ACP and, as others have stated, feel that 250-300 rounds per hour is a comfortable production rate. For me, loading of primer tubes isn't an issue 'cause I've got a half-dozen of each size that I pre-load while loafing in front of the idiot box and anything more that 400-500 rounds at a sitting is about the limit of my attention span. I don't find the 450's manual advance that much of a issue and can get about the same rate on it but prefer the SBD's shorter stroke.

Bill

[pull the trigger]

I have a SDB and for the $250 you can find a used one for, try it. If you dont like it, sell it for the $250 you paid for it. You will love it tho. A case and boolit feeder would be nice but not a big deal to me at all. I load 44, 38, 357 and 9mm on mine. Usually find the caliber conversion kits for $50ish if you look. You can come try mine if you want

[Ninety Caliber]

Thanks for all the help guys.....I've made my decision. SDB it is!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[sawinredneck]

Thanks for all the help guys.....I've made my decision. SDB it is!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Congrats! I hope you enjoy it and I’m glad you put some thought into the decision.

[15meter]

Thanks for all the help guys.....I've made my decision. SDB it is!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

You won't regret it, just think hard before you add the Dillon riser mount and bullet tray. I have a friend who did and the way it's configured, it is difficult for me to get a bullet placed on the case in comparison to mine that is just bolted to the bench top.

[Big Wes]

I have both an SDB and a 550B. Started on the 550 and then came across a SDB several years later set up for 45 acp for $75.00 I load all my 45's on it and load everything else on the 550. Both are really good tools, and can produce a lot of ammo.

[jmorris]

Everything setup, full tube of primers, box of bullets on the left of the press and a box of brass on the right, I can load 100 rounds on one of my SD's in under 9.5 minutes. I generally run a tad slower on my 550.

My case and bullet fed 650's and 1050's, load 100 rounds in less than 4 minutes and its a lot less work too.

The SD's were a great value when they came out, at $120-130 nothing was even close to them.

Today the price they sell for would have me look towards the 550 or 650 but I wouldn't sell the two I have for twice what I paid for them and for their size I can't say I know of any press that could out load them. Then again its only one extra bolt to move an SD vs a 550, 650 or 1050...

[kmw1954]

Thanks for all the help guys.....I've made my decision. SDB it is!


Good for you and I doubt you will be disappointed.

As I stated earlier, I have a Lee Pro1000 and It was used when I got it. Now if I'd have come across a SDB for relatively the same price as I paid for the Lee I would also be loading on a blue one. I am not brand dependent but I do pay attention to end results and over-all value. Thing is that people also have a differing definition of Value and do not always use the same criteria.

[anothernewb]

You can't go wrong with a SDB. And you can get some real speed out of it. I've hit the 400 mark more than once. But it does take a little prep. load up a bunch of primer tubes, and set up your workspace so you have plenty of components within reach, and have the minimal amount of movements to make.

I recently went to an inline fabrication flush quick mount. makes moving/removing and storing the press a snap.

After using the SDB,550, and 650. IMO the SDB is the easiest of the 3 to operate. and I would posit that it's one of the simplest proressive presses of any make to operate.

While it's not the cheapest to get multiple calibers for - it's really no more or less expensive than the other presses when you consider the caliber conversion kits they require. Changing out some of the screws, like the set screws for the primer and the powder measure for thumbscrew styles makes changes very quick. Buying the complete tool head with a caliber kit is the way to go IMO.

I moved to a 650, and initially was going to sell my SDB, but since then have decided to keep it as it's just so good at what it does.

[sawinredneck]

I hadn’t honestly looked at the price of the SBD after the deal I got on my 550. Wow was I in for sticker shock! I wish I’d bought several of them back when they were $150!

[bullet maker 57]

I have a 650 and an SD as well. The SD is set up for 38 spl. I load almost everything else on the 650. Love them both. you can't go wrong.

[jmorris]

A couple SD fans in here, may be interested in this one.

After it was concluded on another forum to be impossible, I threw together this case feed for the SD.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUdzxJenkX0

[kmw1954]

Mr Morris I don't know if you are impossible or unbelievable! Another fine job in automation! I admire those with imagination.

[pjames32]

Mr Morris............would you be interested in selling me 1 or 2 case feeders?

[anothernewb]

shut up and take my money!

[mtgrs737]

I have a Franklin armory primer tube filler that fills my primer tube in about 15 seconds. Midway sells them and they do a good job.

[dragon813gt]

I have a Franklin armory primer tube filler that fills my primer tube in about 15 seconds. Midway sells them and they do a good job.

We've had discussions about them many times. I gave up on trying to make a few of them work. Poking at the primers w/ the tubes takes me less time then trying to make one of them work. People have mixed feelings about the Dillon primer tube filler as well.

[HATCH]

I have owned multiple SDBs a couple 550s and a couple 650s.

Filling primer tubes is a moot point. Any press you get you will have to deal with loading primer tubes.
If your only loading 38sp then the SDB is perfect.
Purchase a vibraprime and you can load 100 primers in a minute.

I sold all my SDB to purchase my first 650.
I had 3 SDB that were dedicated (38sp,40 sw, & 45acp)

[dogmower]

had SDB and hornady projector. hands down, projector all the way. in fact, I have 2. took me over a million handle pulls to wear out (sort of, just the timing) on the first one. sent it back to hornady and they made it right again, FOR FREE.

[EddieZoom]

I bought my SDB back when they were $150 as well. Loaded on and off for decades. Recently came into a 550 that I had rebuilt by Dillon. I have to say that I think I prefer the manual indexing of the 550 over the auto indexing of the SDB. Speed was never much of a concern for me...either machine will crank them out faster than I can shoot them.

On the SDB, something would get mucked up (usually crappy brass at stage 1 that I would have tossed if I spent more time examining brass) and that would interrupt my flow and cause me to clear the press and re-examine.

The 550 gives me a better feeling of control when something gets mucked up resulting in smoother operation for me.

[jmorris]

Mr Morris............would you be interested in selling me 1 or 2 case feeders?

I only built the one and never used it beyond the video above to prove it could be done.

If I could have them made in china and sell a million at harbor freight, they might be worth it. For what I would have to charge for one, a 650 would be a lot better idea.