I did a search on "Dillon" and read every thread that mentioned the excellent RL550B or awesome 650B, but those aren't exactly cheap presses...

Since I'll only be loaded .357 plinking ammo, I'm trying to choose between getting a new Square Deal B from Dillon or a used Dillon RL450 that I'll need to get Dillon dies for.

Some of the Dillon threads mentioned comments about the older RL450 as being a decent semi-progressive press -- certainly much faster than my single stage press -- and most of the RL550 upgrades could be added later if I wanted.

Any feedback from anyone on the Square Deal B press -- How's it work out, quality of ammo, durability, problems, quirks, etc.???

FYI, I won't be loading thousands of rounds a year on it, I'm just trying to save some valuable time so I can spend it out shooting or fishing or... Thanks!

Old No7

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"Freedom and the Second Amendment... One cannot exist without the other." � dth 2000

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No7,

Sorry if I read your post wrong, but you don't need to get Dillon dies to go with that Dillon 450 press. It uses standard dies.

I have never used the Square Deal press, I do have a 450 that I have had since new (almost 20 years). Top quality equipment. Just so you know, the lifetime warranty is to the press, not the original purchaser. That means you can always get it repaired, etc, directly from Dillon. Even if the 450 has been "rolled down a hill and burned", you can get it rebuilt at the factory for free.

The Dillon pistol dies are first rate in my opinion, I have several sets, but you don't have to use them on the 450.

I have had a Square -B for 15 years. Last year it started to get to rough so I sent the whole thing back. It came back to me 2 wks later like new, NO CHARGE. The square deal is the press that you need the Dillon dies for. If you decide to go that route I have some .357 / .38 that I no longer use.
For loading pistol only it is an adequate progressive press, but it would be nice to have the capability of loading for rifles if need be.

Good luck on your decision.

I'd choose the Square Deal for reloading handgun-only cartridges. Less expensive than their other presses which are suitable for reloading longer cartridges. Love mine. AND Dillon's customer service is absolutely second to none!

The 450 can be sent back to Dillon for rebuild & upgrade @ min. to no cost. IF you can get the 450 cheap, go that route as any 7/8X14 dies will fit. The Sq. deal needs Dillon dies for each caliber (they are good dies though). Good luck!

Without hesitation, the 450.

Look in your Dillon catalog. The handle on the 450 is set off to the side. The handle on the Square deal B comes right down the middle. Coincidentally, the straight-down-the-middle handle path of the Square Deal is probably the most comfortable place to sit. Obviously, you'll shift your position to accomodate your press, but if you sit off to the right of your Square Deal, you'll have a long reach for the bullets. If you sit off to the left of your Square Deal, you'll have a long reach for the brass. You may not be old, but you will be some day, and your back will be happier if you can sit right in front of your 450 and have an easy convenient reach for all the components.

If you want to start shooting IDPA or something (and I recommend you do), your ammo demands will go up, and you'll want a faster press. You'll be glad you have the ability to upgrade to a 550 then.

If you can get the 450 used, it will cost you about the same as the new Square deal, I'm guessing.

[This message has been edited by HenryC470 (edited 08-23-2001).]

[This message has been edited by HenryC470 (edited 08-23-2001).]

Have two square deals. They are fantastic if youre sure you are going to stick with pistol cartridges. If not sure, move up to the 550 or the 650. Never tried the 450 so cant compare.

My first progressive press was a Lee 1000, couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

2nd press was Dillon 450. This was before upgrades were available. At that time this was manual priming and powder dispensing (ie at bottom of stroke you had to manually activate both). You had to turn off your radio run off all your distracting helpers (friends) and turn off the phone. If you did not pay strict attention to the reloading cycle you either had no primer or no powder.

3rd press is Dillon 550, automated priming and powder dispensing but not auto shellplate advance. Currently own 2, one for large primers and one for small primer cartridges. Do not own a Dillon Square Deal but have loaded several hundred rounds on a friends machine trying to decide if i wanted one. Great little machine with good production rate ie:approx 400 rds per hour which is what the is 550 is also comfortable to operate. The SQ Deal has auto index which i don't care for but could get used too. My recomendation would be a 450 upgraded to 550 specs if you ever think that you would also load rifle calibers, this is a very versitle machine. Either way Dillon is absolutly the brand of choice. Every other brand is very
far behind.

Doug