Got my Square Deal

[jgh4445]

My ( new to me) Square Deal came yesterday. Its the old model, the one before the "B" model with the low primer alarm and the fail safe rod etc. The powder measure is operated by a spring instead of that rod and blue nut. From my research, the alarm and the linkage on the powder measure seem to be the difference in this one and the "B" model.

This one runs flawlessly. Cranks out really nice 45ACPs. Now, do I buy another SDB or just buy caliber conversions. In addition to the 45ACP, I shoot 45LC, 9 and 10mm.

Can you just change the primer cup on the slide with the large primer in it or do you need a whole new slide for small primers? I realize you need sm primer pick up tubes and a sm primer magazine to convert this press.

Never used one of these before but sure does run smooth!

 

[Jim Watson]

I know people who say the spring return powder measure operates smoother and more accurately than the pull rod type. But you do have to watch out for binding of the powder bar. Dillon would probably sell you the upgrade for a reasonable price.

A primer alarm is a big convenience. When mine buzzes, of course I add primers, but I also look at the powder level and check my supply of brass and bullets to be sure I have enough other components in reach for the next 100.

When I was loading on a SDB, I had complete primer feed assemblies for small and large. I think a primer slide for each would be the minimum, I would not want to be swapping out the cup every time I changed over.

 

[jgh4445]

Thanks Jim. I'll call Dillon Monday and get the alarm and talk about the conversion. I might like the spring run measure better too. I remember the linkage from my experience with the 550B. I'll order the small primer stuff too. HOw do I tell which powder bar I have?

 

[cfullgraf]

I have three SDBs each dedicated to one cartridge. I make "cartridge changes" by unbolting the press from the bench and bolting in another. I built a shelf stand for holding the idle presses.

The SDB is small enough that it does not take up very much storage space.

If you buy everything for a cartridge change, it cost around half the cost of the hole press. I decided it was worth it for me to not fiddle with the press each time I wanted to change cartridges.

You can reduce the cost for cartridge changes depending on how much adjusting you want to do when changing cartridges.

 

[mahansm]

You can get by with just changing the primer slide; one of each should have come with the press. You will also have to change out the primer tube inside the steel tube on the primer assembly when you make the changeover.

.45 Colt is really on the upper end of what the SDB will handle; I've had problems with stuck cases and difficult sizing with .44 mag (unlubricated) on this press.

Rather than a second SDB, I'd look at a 550B for the larger stuff. This also opens up the possibility of expansion to rifle reloading in time.

I now reload .380 ACP, 9mm, .38/.357, and .40 S&W on my SDB.

.44 Mag and .45 ACP are on the 550, as well as .500 Mag, .223, and .308 Win.

The original thought was to split by primer sizes, but .223 and small primer .45 kind of blew that idea.

 

[ilmonster]

Assuming you're comfortable using the SDB for just handgun cartridges, I'd go with the caliber conversions. I have a SDB and reload 9mm, 38 Spcl, 44 Spcl and 45 ACP. I therefore have small and large primer assemblies (including small and lg. primer slides), and caliber conversions for all four cartridges. Changing from one caliber to another only takes 5 min. or so. The primer alarm is worth it. Usually I don't realize I'm low on primers when it goes off. Never saw a need for the powder alarm though. I really like the SDB - glad I purchased mine (although, I too purchased it used)! I use a newly purchased Lee Classic Cast press for rifle rounds (45-70 now, and maybe a .223 come spring).