SDB Opinion Please
Quote from Reloader on March 1, 2009, 11:14 pmI am looking at purchasing a reloader for 9mm and 38spl. I have researched several different brands and models and have concluded that a Dillon purchase will happen soon. But now the last question is which one??
Has anyone purchased a Square Deal B and regretted the purchase in terms of features, performance, ease of use? Or should I "bite the bullet" [sorry about that pun] and get a 550B? I usually shy away from the entry level product by just about any manufacturer but I feel different vibes about the Dillon product line based upon the subjective opinions I've accessed on this site and others. I don't shoot a lot, but when I load, I'll generally load a bunch; I've 3500 9mm's ready to go and another 1000 .38s. This volume will probably last for a year or so.
Thanks for your help with my decision.
I am looking at purchasing a reloader for 9mm and 38spl. I have researched several different brands and models and have concluded that a Dillon purchase will happen soon. But now the last question is which one??
Has anyone purchased a Square Deal B and regretted the purchase in terms of features, performance, ease of use? Or should I "bite the bullet" [sorry about that pun] and get a 550B? I usually shy away from the entry level product by just about any manufacturer but I feel different vibes about the Dillon product line based upon the subjective opinions I've accessed on this site and others. I don't shoot a lot, but when I load, I'll generally load a bunch; I've 3500 9mm's ready to go and another 1000 .38s. This volume will probably last for a year or so.
Thanks for your help with my decision.
Quote from Reloader on March 11, 2009, 1:08 pmSDB is very easy to use, but if your gonna load riffle, its not for you. I load about 200 .45's an hour, and I'm taking my time, I'm sure you can do more if you wanted to.
SDB is very easy to use, but if your gonna load riffle, its not for you. I load about 200 .45's an hour, and I'm taking my time, I'm sure you can do more if you wanted to.
Quote from Reloader on March 15, 2009, 12:00 amSDB is a good progressive loader but with any machine, requires you pay attention when operating. It is possible to double charge powder if you hesitate with the handle pull and restart the loading cycle due to jams. Also, primer feeding system has a design fault which I have advised Dillion about(one week ago) with no reply from them yet..the primer feeding tube tip can be overextended into the feeding cavity by over tighting the tube cap, causing misfeeds and deformed feeding tube tip. They actually give you extra feeding tips when you buy the unit...why? With reloading, an overloaded bullet may cause you pain, an underloaded bullet will still go bang. Point is, pay attention....do not watch TV or have sex at the same time...when your reloading that is.
SDB is a good progressive loader but with any machine, requires you pay attention when operating. It is possible to double charge powder if you hesitate with the handle pull and restart the loading cycle due to jams. Also, primer feeding system has a design fault which I have advised Dillion about(one week ago) with no reply from them yet..the primer feeding tube tip can be overextended into the feeding cavity by over tighting the tube cap, causing misfeeds and deformed feeding tube tip. They actually give you extra feeding tips when you buy the unit...why? With reloading, an overloaded bullet may cause you pain, an underloaded bullet will still go bang. Point is, pay attention....do not watch TV or have sex at the same time...when your reloading that is.
Quote from Reloader on April 14, 2009, 5:34 pmI have a SDB that I've used for over 15 years with very few problems. It is an "entry level" machine only in that it is the most limited that Dillon sells (pistol rounds only, non-standard dies). In every other way it is a very advanced machine. You will never regret owning one.
That said, unless you are certain you will only load for pistols and only for the range of rounds the SDB comes in, I'd go for a 550B. It's more versatile and covers a much wider range of calibers and types. Nearly anything you can buy standard dies for can be reloaded.
I have a SDB that I've used for over 15 years with very few problems. It is an "entry level" machine only in that it is the most limited that Dillon sells (pistol rounds only, non-standard dies). In every other way it is a very advanced machine. You will never regret owning one.
That said, unless you are certain you will only load for pistols and only for the range of rounds the SDB comes in, I'd go for a 550B. It's more versatile and covers a much wider range of calibers and types. Nearly anything you can buy standard dies for can be reloaded.
Quote from Reloader on April 25, 2009, 11:57 pmThe SDB is a very purpose built machine. I have two newer and one older one. No complaints, no regrets. Entry level...NO. For your favorite piston caliber in quantity nothing comes close.
The SDB is a very purpose built machine. I have two newer and one older one. No complaints, no regrets. Entry level...NO. For your favorite piston caliber in quantity nothing comes close.