14 September 2011, 02:05
enfieldsparesDillon Square Deal
Might be able to buy one, no dies but has powder hopper, for equivalent of US $40.
Are these any good and can I get dies and shellplate to reload .44 Magnum? I know what the 550 is like but that's not what is offered!
Many thanks for any and all opinions!
14 September 2011, 11:13
GerryYo, I've got one of the original Square Deals, set-up for 38 Spl/.357 Mag and .44 Mag.
My understanding is that Dillon still has replacement parts available for them, so probably 44 Mag Die Head & Base Plate my still be available. Send 'm an inquiry.
Couple of issues that plagued the original Square Deal that led to the 550:
Upwards priming stroke isn't very powerful and requires some real effort. Since my SD isn't permanently mounted on the bench (space issues) when it is mounted I have to insert a 4"x4" post directly under the press to accommodate the amount of pressure required. I now use it "semi-automatically" and prime the cases separately.
The primer tube leaves you in the lurch as there was originally no way to note when the tube was empty. Simple fix with @ 10" piece of snipped off metal clothes hanger with red finger nail polish painted bent end so I don't have to fish it out of the tube. The red finger-nail polish for "visability".
With a little bit of forethought I've developed a system that makes mine useful for me and certainly saves time when mass loading mid-range 44 Mags & buckets of wadcutter .38 Spls. for target shooting.
Yeah, I like mine and for the price you mention certainly a solid deal (pun intended) if the parts required can be obtained from Dillon.
14 September 2011, 15:52
Slowpoke SlimConversion kits are still available direct from Dillon:
http://www.dillonprecision.com...liber_Conversion_KitLooks like the kit is $84 US, don't know how bad shipping and any taxes on your end would be?
That is a great deal on the press. I don't have a square deal press, but looked hard at them for a time. They are a pain in the ass to swap calibers on, and get set up and adjusted, but if you're using it as a dedicated for caliber press, they would be great. I nearly bought one in 38/357 for my wife, when she was first getting into competition.
They still offer a separate setup video that is supposed to be a good reference.
14 September 2011, 17:31
arkypeteEnfield
I've got three of them. One for 44 special, one for 45 acp and one for 357 mag.
I set them up for their caliber, bullet and powder charge 20 years ago or so, and have been merrily loading ever since.
Enjoy
Jim