Dillon Square Deal

rballi

OK, I think it's time for me to start reloading. I came across a deal on a used Dillon Square Deal with three sets of dies or inserts for $125. I'm going to go look at it tonight. First of all, I think it is a deal at $125 compared to almost $300 new, plus the extra dies, right? So, those with experience with the Dillon Square Deal, please list some pros and cons of that make & model. I have heard that the major drawback to the Square Deal is caliber changes.I'll be just starting out reloading so, for now, I don't think I'll be needing the 550 or 650.

nmyers@home.com

They're all a pain to change calibers.The SQD is a fine choice, as long as you accept it's limitation to handgun cartridges. I bought a used 550, but the powder measure was broken; I called Dillon and they sent me the parts I needed AT NO CHARGE! Neal

hunter280man

Neal is correct, they all are a pain-in-the-bum to change. I have a square deal also, use it for 38/357 and 44mag. Not bad for the money, she's served me for about 15 years I think. If you have or get the extra Die plates, you dont have to "re-adjust" when changing calibers. "minor at most" Just unscrew the allen bolts and switch! Fasten on the powder measure, set, check bell, and crimp, bingo, your loading. I have broken one handle and dillon made-it-right with me, even if it was my uncles fault,not theirs... Keep an eye on your primers, I had to cut down a broken cb antena and make a gauge to let me know when I was getting low, works good!

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The older I get, The better I was!!![This message has been edited by hunter280man (edited 02-07-2002).]

kimberkid

The biggest thing about the Square Deal is it will only do hand gun cartridges ... as to calibur changes, the extra die plates are only $10. I have 2 RL550s and I keep the heads on my most used caliburs complete with powder measurers and everything. I didn't buy them all at once but over the years I picked up the extra powder drops when I had the extra $$$. A friend of mine uses Lee powder discs on his Dillon for pistol cartridges and says they work just as good if not better and they are much cheaper. I keep one machine for .45, .308 & 22-250, takes less than a minute to change as they all use the same baseplate and large primer tube (head change only). The other is for 9mm and .223, both use small primer tube, baseplate change takes about a minute and die head takes a minute or less ... then just check your powder drop and GO!

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Here's a thought: Let's make criminals responsible for their crimes ... Not the tools they use!kimberkid@gunbroker.zzn.com

aby80

I use my Square Deal for .38 Spec, .45 ACP and 9mm. I use the 550 for rifle cartridges. I also have a 450 jr which was one of Dillon's first progressive machines. It uses the same shell plates, dies and tool heads as the Square Deal and I bought it because it came with a couple of complete caliber changes. The bad thing about the Square Deal is that the dies are rather expensive. I bought a bunch of tool heads and shell plates for my 550 on GB auctions at a very good price. If the Square Deal doesn't come with a manual, call Dillon and they will send you one. It shows you all the parts numbers, etc. that you need to know plus they will send you a replacement part for any broken part you might need. The 550 will use most any dies made except Lee dies which have one less thread. I found by removing the rubber locking ring on Lee dies and putting that side of your locking ring toward the top of the dies you can use them on the 550. You can call Dillon anytime and get expert info on their equipment.

chuck

I have used one fer about 12 years and no problems, I load 357 41 44 45 I buy the extra heads and set them up, change over takes about 10 min IT'S A GREAT RELOADING MACHINE. I do not want a progress press fer rifle, at that price it's a steel.

chuck

I have used one fer about 12 years and no problems, I load 357 41 44 45 I buy the extra heads and set them up, change over takes about 10 min IT'S A GREAT RELOADING MACHINE. I do not want a progress press fer rifle, at that price it's a steel.

chuck

I have used one fer about 12 years and no problems, I load 357 41 44 45 I buy the extra heads and set them up, change over takes about 10 min IT'S A GREAT RELOADING MACHINE. I do not want a progress press fer rifle, at that price it's a steel.

rballi

Thanks for the replies! I got it for $125. It came with two sets of 38/357, and a 9mm. Can I start loading 44 or 45 (with the new dies of course) with the current setup? I think the 44 & 45 have larger primers than the 38/357 & 9mm. Do I have to make any changes to the primer tube or base plate?Roy

aby80

To load .44, .45 ACP and .45 Long Colt you will need different shell plates for each caliber. You will also need a large primer magazine and also a large primer slide bar assembly. You got a very good price on your Square Deal. If it didn't come with a manual phone Dillon at 1-800-223-4570, tell them you bought a used Press and ask them if they will send you an instruction manual. If there are any missing parts tell the person from Dillon and they will probably send you these parts free of charge. I bought a 550 used that was missing 5-6 small parts and the manual and they sent me all the items free of charge.

rballi

Thanks again for all the replies. I ended up swapping one of the extra 38/357 dies for a 45acp setup with a baseplate minus the powder drop. All I need is the large primer setup. I'll be giving Dillon a call.Roy