For Dilloners: differences between Square Deal and 550B?

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- J -

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Apr 11, 2007
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Argentina
Hello folks,

Can anyone tell me the downsides of the Square Deal versus the 550?

The SD is cheaper, includes a set of dies and is fully progressive, shooting up to 500 rd/hr.

The 550 costs more, doesn't come with any dies, and the shellplate is manually indexed. Spits up to 600 rd/hr.


I'll be reloading handgun only, 9mm right now and probably .45 in the future. In my country, the price difference between the two models is way larger than in the US (200 dollars vs. 60, plus dies).

So, is there a good reason not to buy the Square Deal?

Thanks!
 
They're essentially the same machine, only the paint job differs.


Oh, I thought we were comparing the 650 and the Loadmaster. My bad.
 
The down side of the Square Deal is the cost of additional dies and the die plate, they retail for just over $100 here. The machine itself is a outstanding and the finished product (loaded ammo) is also outstanding. If you are not planning to load rifle then go with the Square Deal, you will not regret it.
I can load load 300 to 400 rounds of 9mm and .40S&W in about 1 hour and that is taking my time.
By the way, Dillon's after sale service is great, they will take care of their machines forever and a day with no BS.
 
I would go with the 550, even if you never load rifle ammo. The 550 uses standard dies, is easier to clean and maintain and change calibers, and in reality is fair amount faster then the SDB.
 
I'd go with the 550B too, the auto index feature on the SDB is nice, but the 550B is over all the better buy. I should have bought my 550B years ago.

cw
 
I have both a SDB and a 550. I overwhelmingly load on my SDB than my 550, which I only use for rifle or special runs. I shoot competitively, so I load a fair amount.

For me, the auto-index kicks the SDB over the 550 in terms of speed and less things to worry about. Die cost wasn't too much of an issue, since I bought all of them on ebay for about $40. I really don't care that they're proprietary, since I intend on continuing to use the press.

As for my 550, I find that Lee dies don't work very well, since they're shorter than RCBS and others. Therefore, the difference between the cost of dies between the SDB and 550 is less, $75 for SDB (including shell plate and powder expander) and $40 plus $35 for dies for the 550. That's even, in my book.

However, the 550 is much better built than the SDB. The SDB's frame is cast pot metal, as well as some other parts. I've had a wear problem on the portion of the ram that actuates the primer mechanism. Of course, dillon replaced it free of charge, so no real issue. The 550 is solid steel and cast aluminum, solid as a rock.

-John
 
I've loaded a lot on a SDB, and maybe would buy another...I like the design.

But, I'd bet the 550 is more reliable and durable over the long haul. I wish I had the chance to load on a 550 to compare, other than pulling the handle, etc.

Dillon does replace parts free, but it's better if they don't break in the first place.
 
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I don't have either press, although I've looked at 'em for years (I get the Dillon catalog every month) and I can assure you that the 550 will be a more versatile tool long run.

You may only be thinking about loading one or two standard calibers now. I too load a lot of 9mm Luger (9x19) and the SDB would do that well. But I also load for the Makarov (9x18) and the 380ACP (9x17.) There is no way to do those calibers on the SDB, as Dillon does not offer their special dies in those calibers.

I load 45ACP. But I also load 45 Auto Rim for my WWI era revolver. That uses standard 45ACP dies, but needs a different shell holder, which is not available for the SDB, but is available for the 550.

And of course if you ever do decide to reload for a rifle (any rifle) the 550 will be ready. If you ever decide you need higher throughput, there is a case feeder available for the 550.

And so on. If you never need any capability beyond just reloading a couple of standard calibers, then the SDB will do the job (better, given the auto indexing, but subject to the durability issues mentioned above.) But if any other job needs to be done, you'll probably be wishing you had chosen the more capable machine to start with.
 
550 is stouter built and a tad more reliable as to parts breakage but the square deal is substaintaily faster. Ive got 5 square deals set up in calibers i use the most and take up the slack of the handgun loading and my rifle loading on a 550. With the square deals short stroke you can put a run on a 650 with a case feeder if you get your rythm down.
 
I'm going on the fast lane to crazy town.

A used XL650 has been offered to me for roughly the cost I'd have importing the Square Deal.

I'll be an idiot if I let it go, won't I?
 
My impression (as a non-Dillon press user) is that if you're going to go blue, the 650 is the way to go if you can swing it. I know there are those who say they prefer the 550 over the 650 despite its lack of auto indexing, having 4 instead of 5 stations, and until recently lacking a case feeder, but most of the posts I've seen making that claim seemed to be from folks who had used a 550 for many years and were justifying keeping it.

As a Lee Loadmaster user, I can tell you that there are several calibers where I use all 5 of the stations in my toolhead, and would not want to have to give one of them up.
 
That is a good deal. I don't know how Dillon warranty service is in Argentina, but here they will send out replacement parts on request, no charge ever, even if bought second hand.

I had a couple of SDBs, and while they turned out good ammunition, it was more work than on a 550 or larger. The SDB has little leverage at the top of the stroke where primers are seated and I really had to lean on it hard to seat primers, especially in .45 ACP. Not too bad in 9mm P.
 
J;

Wow, for a deal like that, I'd jump all over it. Although I personally don't have a 650 (I wish!), my understanding from many club members who do is that there's nothing that typically goes wrong with them. The biggest sore spot on the 650 is the priming system, which can be finicky, but it fundamentally works well. The press is solid, all steel and cast aluminum.

Good luck!

-John
 
SD

I have to agree with John C. I have a SD in .45 acp. It is faster than the 550. I also gree with the rest of his comments on both machines.
The 550 is extremely well made. But so is the SD. The SD is faster hands down. Mine is around 12 years maybe a little older. Had the same problem he had. And have not had one since. Both are very well made tools.


To answer your next question YES.
 
- J - said:
A used XL650 has been offered to me for roughly the cost I'd have importing the Square Deal.

I'll be an idiot if I let it go, won't I?
Yup.

If I had to choose between an SDB and a 550B, I'd go with the 550B, if only for the ability to reload rifle in the future (which would increase resale value as well). We could argue all day about the best machine or color of machine to have, but in the end all that matters is that they do the job well, turn out good ammo in the process, and when something breaks, replacement parts (and service if required) is readily available.
 
I have 1 of each on my bench ,and if I were to add a 3rd,it would be the 550b.I much prefer the extra roominess of the bigger press,and I do mean MUCH.
Take 'rounds per hour' with a large grain of salt.you will easily do 2-300 with either machine,you will not do 500 if you include loading the primer tubes in that rph count,which is part of loading and must be included,but seldom is.

the deal on the 650 is a SUPER deal,btw
 
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