constant hassle to keep SDB running
Quote from Reloader on January 16, 2014, 11:52 pmI'm using a Square Deal that I acquired used and replaced a lot of worn parts 2 years back. After loading an estimated 8-9K of 9mm, I'm having constant problems with both minor and major issues. The primer feed may run for 200-300 rounds and then foul several times within 100 rounds. Even making a concerted effort to maintain an even and repeatable stroke fails to improve the function. I've tried changing out parts/springs with varied results. Last week the priming stem broke during one of the primer feed foul-ups. I'd used the last spare but fortunately, my Son found a "Spares Kit" at a retail store he was passing. Today, the carbide insert popped out of the 9mm sizing die. It's not like I'm using grubby, dirty brass- mine is double tumbled to remove grit and foreign material. It's like there's always something needs fiddling with-except the powder measure-that has always worked fine.
I'm getting very dissatisfied with all the tinkering. I'm not so sure having this one refurbed is worthwhile and possibly even a new Dillon won't be significantly better. I'm mechanical enough to know how and why things work but this random quirky stuff is getting the best of me.
I'm using a Square Deal that I acquired used and replaced a lot of worn parts 2 years back. After loading an estimated 8-9K of 9mm, I'm having constant problems with both minor and major issues. The primer feed may run for 200-300 rounds and then foul several times within 100 rounds. Even making a concerted effort to maintain an even and repeatable stroke fails to improve the function. I've tried changing out parts/springs with varied results. Last week the priming stem broke during one of the primer feed foul-ups. I'd used the last spare but fortunately, my Son found a "Spares Kit" at a retail store he was passing. Today, the carbide insert popped out of the 9mm sizing die. It's not like I'm using grubby, dirty brass- mine is double tumbled to remove grit and foreign material. It's like there's always something needs fiddling with-except the powder measure-that has always worked fine.
I'm getting very dissatisfied with all the tinkering. I'm not so sure having this one refurbed is worthwhile and possibly even a new Dillon won't be significantly better. I'm mechanical enough to know how and why things work but this random quirky stuff is getting the best of me.
Quote from Reloader on January 17, 2014, 3:16 pmSince it is still under warranty, I recommend you contact us for a return authorization to send it in for some R&R. Due to the indifferent quality of recent production of primers, some feeding issues are unavoidable. However, we can go through the machine and restore it to new running condition.
Since it is still under warranty, I recommend you contact us for a return authorization to send it in for some R&R. Due to the indifferent quality of recent production of primers, some feeding issues are unavoidable. However, we can go through the machine and restore it to new running condition.
Quote from Reloader on March 18, 2014, 1:10 amMy experience is similar. I too am a mechanical person. I bought my SDB about 20 years ago. It worked OK for about 4-5K rounds, I'm guessing, then the problems started.
I'll work with it, but then the problems get the best of me and I'll put it away for a while. I've called the help line in the past and they always told me to adjust the set screws on the primer feed. That never cured anything for more than 100 or so rounds.
Now I can't get through to talk to anyone. I'm always about the 25th caller in line.
I would pay a reasonable amount to have it worked on but I can't reach anyone at Dillon.
What to do?
My experience is similar. I too am a mechanical person. I bought my SDB about 20 years ago. It worked OK for about 4-5K rounds, I'm guessing, then the problems started.
I'll work with it, but then the problems get the best of me and I'll put it away for a while. I've called the help line in the past and they always told me to adjust the set screws on the primer feed. That never cured anything for more than 100 or so rounds.
Now I can't get through to talk to anyone. I'm always about the 25th caller in line.
I would pay a reasonable amount to have it worked on but I can't reach anyone at Dillon.
What to do?
Quote from Reloader on March 18, 2014, 5:04 pmWell, the phones are busiest on Mondays. If you email us a brief description of the specific machine problems and your address, we will create a return authorization for you to send it in for rebuilding. Then ship us the machine, and wait a few weeks.
Random quirky stuff in the priming system could be adjustment related, or primer related. We recently had a customer send us some recent production primers from a domestic manufacturer. They measured .006" out of round.
Well, the phones are busiest on Mondays. If you email us a brief description of the specific machine problems and your address, we will create a return authorization for you to send it in for rebuilding. Then ship us the machine, and wait a few weeks.
Random quirky stuff in the priming system could be adjustment related, or primer related. We recently had a customer send us some recent production primers from a domestic manufacturer. They measured .006" out of round.
Quote from Reloader on April 13, 2014, 6:31 pmLube and cleaning, over 20,000 rounds through my Square Deal. Over tightening of screws on the primer feeder causes the feeder to tip to one side and then the primer holder catches. About every 1000 rounds blow out the press and lube with 30 wieght oil. If it starts sticking wipe of dirty oil and relube. Check the primer tube and make sure you have the correct pimer tube in place. Replace the primer holder on the end of the primer tube. I've had other presses and the Dillion work the best by FAR.
Lube and cleaning, over 20,000 rounds through my Square Deal. Over tightening of screws on the primer feeder causes the feeder to tip to one side and then the primer holder catches. About every 1000 rounds blow out the press and lube with 30 wieght oil. If it starts sticking wipe of dirty oil and relube. Check the primer tube and make sure you have the correct pimer tube in place. Replace the primer holder on the end of the primer tube. I've had other presses and the Dillion work the best by FAR.