New (to me) Dillon SDB

[Oldgoat03]

I finally got my first progressive (Dillon SDB). I bought a used setup for .45ACP (my primary caliber). It came with toolheads & dies for .40S&W/10mm and 9mm also. So far I've only loaded a few hundred .45ACP and it is great! I will keep my single stage for rifle but wow this is really cool! As setup it loads my exact dimmension pet round 230 gr RN. I did adjust the powder a bit for my use. I am impressed with the consistent powder drops (W231) by the way.

My question is are there any peculiarities that I should be aware of on the SDB? How difficult is it to change between large and small primers and calibers etc. It doesn't seem too difficult from what I've read in the instructions but thought I'd ask you folks that have hands on experience.

I'm already looking at getting another for small primers (lazy I know).

Thanks in advance for your input.
Bob

 

[erikk8829]

Two things come to mind. One is to keep an eye on the primer seating plunger for height adjustment. If you start flipping primers remove primer feeding tube and carage from press and use wrench (allen) to loosen set screw and then press in on cup to bottom out ram and tighten.Second that I just had happen was the set screw that holds the wheel on the primer carage loosened up binding the feed arm from catching and sending a new primer from the feed tube. Again remove primer tube and just re tighten set screw and all will be well

 

[oneounceload]

Isn't the SDB the one with the proprietary dies so you MUST buy the Dillon ones? And it is only good for pistol cartridges they have listed; otherwise, a good machine

 

[cfullgraf]

Yes, the SDB uses special dies only available from Dillon.

I change dies by unbolting one press and bolting in another. I load 45 ACP on one and 9x19 on the other. I was not as impressed with the caliber change on the SDB as the L-N-L or the Dillon 650 but the lower price of the SDB made buying the extra SDB press attractive.

I prefer to clean my cases between resizing and loading so I removed the primer systems on the SDB presses and hand prime. I resize the cases on a Hornady L-N-L shortly after shooting them. So, I am no help for you on the SDB priming system.

Yes, they are a great little press.

 

[Kingcreek]

I bought a SDB when they first came out. It's never loaded anything but .45acp and many many thousands of them. A few years ago I started breaking a few parts here and there and I called Dillon. The great customer service fella on the phone noticed I had several recent part failures and that mine was one of the first of the SDBs. He asked how many rounds and I said "a lot". He said "How many is a lot?"
Oh, 30-40 thousand, maybe more.
He said, " we want your machine. Our guys will look it over and rebuild it or replace it. We'll pay shipping both ways and you'll have it back in 10 days."
I actually had it back like new 6 days later.
Other than cleaning and lubing the ram and primer system (dry graphite works best), just watch for wear on the plastic ram guides and bushings.

 

[Oldgoat03]

Great replies - Thanks!

I truly appreciate all your replies and experiences.

Please keep them coming if you have more.

Thanks again
Bob

 

[RainDodger]

I had the same experience as Kingcreek. I have one of the first SDBs, bought in the early-mid 80s. I was ordering some replacement parts one time and they told me to just send it back to them. It came back in a few days, virtually brand new. Love that kind of service.

 

[dsm]

Keep an eye on the screw that holds the powder actuator bracket on. I had mine loosen and pulled away from the powder measure slide which caused a few empty cases.

 

[Bush Pilot]

The SDB is a great press if you aren't looking to load for rifle. I don't worry about changing primer feeds, I have a SDB set up for every primary handgun cartridge I shoot

 

[jmorris]

My SD's were bought before the "B" model but have been back to Dillon a few times over the years for the free rebuilds and except for the frame and primer catch have been upgraded to the current configuration by Dillon at no cost other than shipping to them.

May I ask what you paid for your setup?

 

[kostner]

I have two SDB presses that I bought used and sent them in for a rebuild and have been turning out thousands of 45ACP &9mm for years. Money well spent. Do rifle on a Lee Classic press. You have a great press enjoy.

 

[budman46]

great piece of equipment. being the lazy sort, i have one for small and another in large primer. i call dillon occasionally for updates which they graciously provide.

if you load .45 colt, all you need is a shell plate, the rest is adjustments.

i do large volume rifle on a 550, but the rest on a lee classic cast turret with over 30 turrets/calibers so far.

 

[Oldgoat03]

I too have a Lee Classic Turret press. I have setup turrets for all handgun calibers I shoot and really like the press.

I do have to say though that I'm really enjoying my SDB a lot too and may end up with at least one more for small primer loads.

Bob

 

[oldandslow]

og03, 11/29/12

I got my SDB about eight years ago and have about 85,000 rounds through it so far. I reload .45acp, 9mm, 38sp and 357mag. Swapping dies for different calibers or sp/lp primer feeds is no big deal.

I've worn out a number of parts so far but they are always replaced free of charge and quickly by Dillon. I've broken 2 crank handles, usually about every 30,000 rounds. I've broken two or three link arms at about the same round counts as the crank handles (they are well lubed). I've broken one primer-return pin spring.

I recently got a Dillon 650 (without auto-case feeder, I like it quiet while I reload) and now use that machine for all the large-primer rounds. I use the SDB for all the small primer rounds and to decap all emtpy cases prior to cleaning them with Stainless Steel pin media. It's a tough little machine.

I'm sure you'll have good luck with your SDB also.

best wishes- oldandslow