Buying a Dillon press

[jonny4523]

I'm wanting to get a press immediately but not sure that I'm going to have the green for a Dillon 650 like I would like to have. Can someone compare a Square Deal and a 550 for me? Pros and Cons of each? I'd really like to get one ordered/purchased this week.

Thanks

[jonny4523]

For example, I know that the Square Deal is auto-indexing. Is the 550?

[Liquid Rhino]

The square deal is also for Pistol-only calibers, whereas the 550 can be mated to any cal conversion plate. The 550 must be manually indexed. This is not necessarily a bad thing, some folks actually prefer it.

[XDDAN]

I'm sorry I can't compare the 550 to the Square B but I do love my Square B for .45 reloading. I cranked out 350 rounds in about 75 minutes just two nights ago. I would buy another Square B without thinking twice about it. I bought mine used for $175 it was 10 years old when I got it. It needed one new plastic piece that Dillion sent me free of charge. I have been cranking out rounds ever since. I LOVE IT!
Dan

[jfdavis58]

I've got both.

The square deal is pistol calibers only (Dillon specific dies), auto indexing.
Production rate is 200-300 rounds per hour. Carbide inserts in the dies here will convince you rapidly about their advantages.

The 550 uses standard sized dies (any manufacturer-pistol or rifle), manual index. Production is 400-500 rnd/hr.

Both are incredibly easy to set-up and use. You will need a sturdy table or bench and a small amount of hardware. Production rates should be considered 'nominal'. With extra primer pick-up tubes, a fast digital scale and a clean work area, I can do almost 1000 rnds per hour on the 550 and easily 500+ on the Square Deal. Rhythm and concentration are required.

Both machines can be completely disassembled for cleaning and periodic replacement of worn parts; you should also order the maintenance kit for you choice of machine. You can send it back for such service, but it's a fun experience for someone with a mechanical mind-set.

Dillon phone technical service is second to none; even if you call some part a 'thingy' or a 'whatsamajig' they seem to be able to get you the right replacement.

[yochujr]

I only have a 550 but I'm extremely happy with it and I actually prefer the manual index. It makes me feel a little more in control and I can check stations super easy. Having never used one at all before I bought mine, I was still able to load my first 100 rounds of 45 in just over 15 minutes. This did not include filling the poweder hopper and priming tube but it did include several routine checks of oal and charge.

[fredj338]

As previously stated, the SDB is auto indexing but you must use Dillon dies & it's handgun only (no 357sig). I have two 550B & don't really miss the auto indexing. I like to inspect powder drops & it is easier to do this. I also make test batches, small 5-10rds w/ diff. powder, it's easier to do this on a 550B. Caliber changes & are faster & cheaper on a 550B v a 650.
I used to shoot 2K-3K rds/month & never found the 550B lacking in production rate. You can easily hit 400rds/hr manual indexing. Yes, you'll get more rounds out of the 650 but 99% of us don;t need more than 400rds/hr IMO.

[Steel1212]

First dillon press get a 550. You can load anything on it pistol/rifle other than BMG. The tool heads are easily removed and switching calibers take about 5 minutes. Unless your going to crank out 1000s of rounds at a sitting and don't shoot but one caliber I don't see the need for a 650. If you have a 650 you should get the case feeder or it isn't worth it. If you have the casefeeder it then becomes a pain to switch calibers because now you have to deal with the case feeder.

I was going to get a 650 instead of another 550 but now that I have toolheads for 9mm, 40, 45, 223, 308 and sizing/trimmer heads for the rifles all for the 550 I'm just going to get another 550 and set it up for large primers. Hell the 308 and 45 use the same shellplate and the 9mm and 40 do also but you have to change their buttons. Just swap heads and go. I typically load up about 1k at a time and I do that in a couple hours or so.

[slugger6]

Check out this site Competition Shooting Books, DVDs, Holsters, & Reloading Equipment. Brian does an excellent comparison. By the way, I have the Dillon 550B.

[Bearcreek]

I just got into reloading in December.. got the 550B and love it! Being new I love the manual indexing to check my stations periodically, especially if I have an issue. I don't have any of the fancy attachments, and don't feel I need them. I reload .45ACP and 9mm.

Welcome to the world of reloading!!