Dillon Square Deal B, opinions?

[jwest]

You need the 550 B if you ever plan to reload .50AE.

[jb7706]

Thanks jb. I have been reading on his site and FAQ for the past 15 mins and it makes me "think" that the Base 650 (without casefeeder and auto primer) is the best choice for now, unless I find a sub-$300 SDB. The only problem is I won't be able to afford the XL 650 even without the casefeeder now, but I could probably swing the SDB in a couple of weeks.

I want to be sure we are on the same page RE "auto primer." I think you mean the RF-100 Auto Primer Filler, is that right? If so it is not necessary at all. If I had the extra cash I would certainly buy one, but it is not a necessity, esp. if you are on a tight budget. Get the case feeder before you spring for the RF-100.

The 550 and 650 presses both include a primer magazine that is able to hold 100 primers and will automatically insert those primers into the case as you load. You just have to manually fill the magazine with primers you pick up using the primer tubes included with your press.

You might find a used 550/650 in the 300-400 range if you are patient and keep your eyes open, I passed on a couple that I kick myself for now. If you just can't wait to start loading go for the SDB, but in my case I waited over 2 years to afford the 650, and it was a wait well spent. There are other cheaper presses out there that will get the job done, but I have not met a single guy that traded in a Dillon for anything else. I can't say the same for any other press on the market.

[ar15robert]

I only have 1 handgun in .45 i had 2 at one time but didnt like the springfield that much so i gave it to a friend of mine.

Anyhow for my situation i went with the square deal for this caliber about 8 years ago and have loaded thousands of rounds thru it and cant complain about it.

I also shoot rifles but use and rcbs rock chucker single stage press yes its more work but i also am picky with loading rifle.I like to clean every primer pocket trim each piece of brass to the exact same length,weigh powder charges,etc things a progressive cant do.

[JOE MACK]

The Blues

I find the SDB quite handy. I've got one dedicated solely to the .41Magnum. The other is for 9mm or .40S&W. My RL550 handles the odd stuff like .480Ruger, .475Linebaugh, .414SM, .41Special, and does my .45ACP. If I'm going to try and fill all my ammo cans, I take a couple steaks and necessary components over to a friend that has a RL650 with all the bells and whistles. As it stands, I can load all the .41Magnum I want to shoot on the SDB the night before a ranges session and the press cost me $200 used.

[GW]

and the press cost me $200 used.

Well, its unlikely you'll see one at that price again.
BUT... It could happen.
I was buying SDB's off e-bay and I'd have the seller ship it directly to Dillon who, for $29.95, refurbished it and shipped it on to me. I strongly recommend doing that with any used Dillon press you might buy off e-bay/craigslist etc

[California-Quigley]

i got a complete 550 setup from craigslist,

550b, strong mount, set up with .40 cal dies, spare tool head, a bunch of powder,2k PRIMERS, cv500 tumbler and media seperator, RCBS digital scale, calipers, bullet puller, about 1k .40 cases, 600 bullets, in .45 and.40, bullets trays, and cases... $600

so keep an eye out.... the deals will be there!

[SCMA-1]

I love my Square Deals and couldn't see spending more to get anything else. I bought mine back when they were $150-$200 brand new and setup for 1 caliber each. I have one that is setup for large pistol primers and the other is setup for small pistol primers so I never have to switch that assembly out. I load 9mm, 38/357, and 40 S&W on the SP setup and 44 Mag, 45 ACP on the LP setup. Over the years, I've worn out lots of parts and broken several frames over the course of loading hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammo but have never paid for any replacements with Dillon's outstanding lifetime repair/replacement policy. I've never had a double load (it's virtually impossible) and only a few squibs in the early days before the SD was upgraded to include a failsafe powder bar return system.

SCMA-1