Wife is buying me a Dillon SDB

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cpttango30

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Does anyone here use one? I have been looking at them for a long time. When I first started looking the price was $229.99 or around there.

What are you likes and dislikes about it?

This is not going to do anything other than 45acp. For now I might get a caliber change if I ever buy my wife a 9mm. But I just want it for loading my plinking ammo it take a long time to load 200 rounds for a range session on a single stage RCBS reloader Special.
 
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The only drawback,for me,is the limited hand room.But then I'm used to my 550b,and just recently added a sdb...on loan from a friend actually.
I also have to lean into the operating handle more on the priming stroke on the sdb,but that only takes a second or two extra... I like them SNUG.
The longer handle on the 550 is more to my likeing on that aslpect.

anywy,you'll turn out ammo faster than you ever dreamed of. :)
 
The SDB is a very cost effective machine - I've been very pleased with mine. I actually have two - just to lazy to switch primer set ups.

Make sure to read the instructions (or call Dillon) to make sure that you have properly installed the powder fail safe system. I didn't have the screw tight enough for a while - resulting in periodic powder puff loads. After getting it set properly, my loads are much more consistent.

If you start loading 9mm, get a tool head for each set of dies. It saves a LOT of time when you change over. The dies stay in place so you avoid all the adjustments.
 
I have had a SDB for about four years now. I use it to load 380 ACP, 9mm, 38 Spec. and 40 S&W. I really like it. The powder delivery is very consistent, if set up correctly. I bought the press when I first got into reloading and didn't know much about reloading at the time other than the fact that Dillon presses are top notch. In retrospect, if I was to do it over again I would have bought the 550 instead. I say this because the dies for the SDB are press specific, they can only be used on a Dillon SQB. You cannot use any other manufacturers dies on a SDB and you cannot load rifle cartridges on a SDB. So when I got the the point where I wanted to load 223 Rem. I had to buy another press. I still use the SDB for pistol ammo and I use my RCBS single stage press for 223 Rem.
 
I have two of them (I think they were around $140 when my brother and I bought them) since then they have changed a few things on them and Dillon upgraded our older ones for free. The SD can only be used with Dillon dies and will only load pistol calibers. They work fine, I still use mine when I’m working up loads (I can take it to the range) but the 650 and 1050 are much faster machines.
 
If you were going to load multiple calibres on it, you'd be better served with the 550B, but since you're sticking to 45 Auto, you'll be very happy with it.
 
Stick with the SDB. I use mine to load straight wall pistol and it's perfect. For the 45 acp it can't be beat. Auto indexing. Lifetime no questions asked warranty. And the Blue is without a doubt number one.

Plus, it's the least expensive of the Dillon line up. Why buy a Cadillac when the F-150 is what you need?
 
I have a Square Deal that dates back to the begining of SD. It has served me well and I have allmost every caliber. For pistol rounds nothing can beat it. I do own a 550 but use it only for rifle and 45 Auto Rim. You will be happy with your SDB.

jj
 
I have a SDB that dates to 1991. Been back to Dillon for an overhaul recently (free), and still running strong. It has only loaded .45 Auto, and done so to perfection. Highly recommended. Many Dillon aficionados have a SDB that they use exclusively for one pistol caliber. They are true gems.
 
Ive got 5 square deals and a 550. A couple of my square deals are up around a million rounds and still going strong. One finally gave up the ghost this year and the frame cracked but a trip to dillon and it came back like new (for free) and is ready for another million. I like the 55o also but theres about nothing slicker for making handgun ammo quickly then a square deal. With the short stroke the machine has I can run right with a 650 with a case feeder for speed.
 
OK here another question for you. Do I need to spend $60 on the SDB strong mount or can i get the $42 model?
 
Capttango30: I run two Dillon 550's and also a a Dillon SL900 shotshell loader. The 550's do not have strong mounts, but the SL900 came with them and are required in assembly. I found if you like to sit down to load then the strong mounts are not needed. If you desire to stand or use a high stool than buy the strong mounts. It's your money and your choice, but I didn't need them and won't buy them. However YMMV. :)
 
If youir bench is tall enough,the strong mounts are not necessary.I"ve loaded thousands of rounds with out them and see no reason to spend the money 'just because they are there'.
 
My bench is at an odd heigth So having the strong mount for the height is good. Now there are the 550 and 650 stong mounts that cost $42 then there is the SDB Strong mount for $56. I was just wondering if there differance. inthe two?
 
My bench is at an odd heigth So having the strong mount for the height is good. Now there are the 550 and 650 stong mounts that cost $42 then there is the SDB Strong mount for $56. I was just wondering if there differance. inthe two?
 
Well the place I was going to get the SDB from sold it. Oh well They now have a RL550B for only $6 more. I am going for that. I know in the end I am going to be better off.
 
Strong Mounts

The two brackets that attach to the bench appear to be the same for the square deal and the 550. The strong mount for the Square Deal came with an additional plate used to mount the press onto the two brackets.
 
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