Denny Crane
Member
What is the best way to purchase Dillon equip?
Direct from Dillon?
FleaBay?
Forum Classifieds?
Other Retailer?
Direct from Dillon?
FleaBay?
Forum Classifieds?
Other Retailer?
Purchase Dillon Equip?
- Thread starter Denny Crane
- Start date
- Status
Skip_a_roo
Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2008
- Messages
- 170
Friends and fleabay. I have 3 Square Deal B's that I have bought that way. My XL650 was purchased direct from Dillon.
With the SDB's, I had less than $500 in all three and had 6 caliber changes too. Win/win in my book.
With the SDB's, I had less than $500 in all three and had 6 caliber changes too. Win/win in my book.
LiveLife
Member
Many buy Dillon products at Brian Enos website with happy results.
Denny Crane
Member
I just let what might have been a good deal go on EB. The discription was not very detailed and I didn't see it in time to ask questions. It also had .45 acp dies which I already have. I was afraid a good deal good change fast if I had to buy a bunch of little parts to make it complete.
I want a 550B and will want .45 acp, .44 mag, .357/.38
I will keep my old single stage for the rifle cal's I use.
I think my RCBS carbide .45 acp dies will work in the 550?
So I should buy one with a different cal?
I want a 550B and will want .45 acp, .44 mag, .357/.38
I will keep my old single stage for the rifle cal's I use.
I think my RCBS carbide .45 acp dies will work in the 550?
So I should buy one with a different cal?
Maj Dad
Member
"Knee; right foot; left foot..."
Denny,
I bought my 550 for the best price I could find at the time (1999, ~$275) with the knowledge that Dillon guarantees it and the seller doesn't matter. I have about 8 or 10 calliber conversions and none are Dillon dies, not because they're no good/too expensive, but because I either already had them or got them second hand. I use RCBS, Lyman, Hornady (my preference in pistol dies because of the titanium nitride sizers), Pacific, Lee and Herter's. They all do fine.
Denny,
I bought my 550 for the best price I could find at the time (1999, ~$275) with the knowledge that Dillon guarantees it and the seller doesn't matter. I have about 8 or 10 calliber conversions and none are Dillon dies, not because they're no good/too expensive, but because I either already had them or got them second hand. I use RCBS, Lyman, Hornady (my preference in pistol dies because of the titanium nitride sizers), Pacific, Lee and Herter's. They all do fine.
Denny Crane
Member
It might date me a little but my current press is a single stage I bought in the 70's. Most of my dies date back to at least the early 80's but are carbide.
This stuff spent 20+yrs boxed up while life was busy with other things but now that I have unboxed it I think it will stay out.
Am I on the right track with the 550? I am not exactly a beginner but I am way behind!
This stuff spent 20+yrs boxed up while life was busy with other things but now that I have unboxed it I think it will stay out.
Am I on the right track with the 550? I am not exactly a beginner but I am way behind!
Maj Dad
Member
I used single stage press(es) from 1969 to 1999 - did fine, and I did "batch processing" - sized/deprimed a bunch, tumbled, primed a bunch, and kept them on hand for loading. After I started shooting a lot more pistol ammo, I did some research & moved up to the Dillon. All my dies worked fine with it, and I still use my Rockchucker & Herter's U3 for some rifles and most load work-ups. You will really enjoy the 550, and I can assure you that if you have any questions, problems or just want to shoot the breeze you can call them up & they will spend as much time on the phone as you need. I messed up a couple of things through inattention in my learning curve (believe me, it is short), and before I could even suggest ordering a replacement part they sent it gratis - even if it was questionable, they just replaced it, and I have to say that the equipment was never defective. I cannot praise their customer service too highly - surely equaled, but never surpassed. Lose a part? They'll replace it, no charge. Break it? Same. RCBS & others do, too, so they don't have a copyright, but it's nice to know you've got a friend... 
loadedround
Member
It appears that all Dillon products have a "fixed price" on new equipment sold regardless of where purchased...direct fromm Dillon or from a dealer. Brian Enos is a great dealer to buy your equipment. He will also pay the transportation if order is over a certain amount, either 400 or 500 dollars...a savings upto 40.00. Once in a while you can catch a good deal on ebay or Gunbroker for used equipment, but not too often.
kaferhaus
Member
Dillon is first class equipment with first class service. everything they sell is way overpriced.
Plenty of other companies have progressive presses that are just as efficient (or more so in my opinion) with great customer service at much better prices.
I have a 550B that I've used for years, parts have broken here and there, warranty items were taken care of promptly but be aware some of the small parts are "wear" items and are not covered by warranty. That's why they sell a "service kit". Not really bitching but it's a good thing to know up front.
Other than small parts I've not bought anything else from Dillon. Ebay, online classifieds etc will get you much better prices on all the accessories, shell plates etc.
The only dies I've had issues with on the Dillon are LEE. they're not tapered at the bottom and cases tend to get hung on the rims.
I have shooting buddies that own the Hornady and RCBS progressives and their ammo quality and speed is every bit as good as my 550B.
Plenty of other companies have progressive presses that are just as efficient (or more so in my opinion) with great customer service at much better prices.
I have a 550B that I've used for years, parts have broken here and there, warranty items were taken care of promptly but be aware some of the small parts are "wear" items and are not covered by warranty. That's why they sell a "service kit". Not really bitching but it's a good thing to know up front.
Other than small parts I've not bought anything else from Dillon. Ebay, online classifieds etc will get you much better prices on all the accessories, shell plates etc.
The only dies I've had issues with on the Dillon are LEE. they're not tapered at the bottom and cases tend to get hung on the rims.
I have shooting buddies that own the Hornady and RCBS progressives and their ammo quality and speed is every bit as good as my 550B.
dc.fireman
Member
This.
I like my press. If you buy directly from Dillon, they pay the shipping. If you can find it cheaper locally through one of the local internet ad sites, good for you. Keep in mind, that some of the popular auction sites will want you to pay "shipping + handling fees" - and they can be rather expensive. Save your money for your powder, primers, bullets, and brass....
stork
Member
Denny,
Your RCBS 45 dies will work with the 550. However, the Dillon sizer die has a bit more taper at the entrance which helps with the speed.
Dillon's seater die is also superior to the RCBS if you use cast bullets. The lube that builds up in the seater die has to be removed from time to time. The Dillon system is much faster plus you don't have to play around with adjusting the seating stem again. You just pull the pin, dump out the seater plug, scrape it out and put it back in without having to adjust anything.
I tried my RCBS carbide die set with my 550 when I got it, it worked ok, but just not as fast or user friendly as the Dillon. I had to jiggle the system about every 20-30 rounds to center the brass in the sizer die. I finally broke down & got the Dillon set.
FWIW
Your RCBS 45 dies will work with the 550. However, the Dillon sizer die has a bit more taper at the entrance which helps with the speed.
Dillon's seater die is also superior to the RCBS if you use cast bullets. The lube that builds up in the seater die has to be removed from time to time. The Dillon system is much faster plus you don't have to play around with adjusting the seating stem again. You just pull the pin, dump out the seater plug, scrape it out and put it back in without having to adjust anything.
I tried my RCBS carbide die set with my 550 when I got it, it worked ok, but just not as fast or user friendly as the Dillon. I had to jiggle the system about every 20-30 rounds to center the brass in the sizer die. I finally broke down & got the Dillon set.
FWIW
shotgunred
Member
- Joined
- Feb 29, 2008
- Messages
- 29
The lnl with case feeder is within $50 of a 650 with case feeder.
Skip the 550 either get a lnl or a 650. If budget is an issue don'y buy the case feeder at first.
Denny Crane
Member
I am having trouble pulling the trigger and ordering anything!
The accessories for the Dillon are high. Strong mount, roller handle, trays, etc. It adds up.
I may want to load a couple hundred .357's one day and 4-500 .45 acp's a few days later. Maybe none the next week.
I can't see myself wanting to load a thousand a week.
Would I be better off with 2 Square Deal B's??
I want the change over to different cal to be as easy as possible.
Is the 550 easy enough to change?
I'm not against the advice to skip the 550 and go for the 650 as long as it doesn't just complicate the process for the numbers I want to load.
I guess with the resale as good as it is I can order one and sell it if I don't like it.
The accessories for the Dillon are high. Strong mount, roller handle, trays, etc. It adds up.
I may want to load a couple hundred .357's one day and 4-500 .45 acp's a few days later. Maybe none the next week.
I can't see myself wanting to load a thousand a week.
Would I be better off with 2 Square Deal B's??
I want the change over to different cal to be as easy as possible.
Is the 550 easy enough to change?
I'm not against the advice to skip the 550 and go for the 650 as long as it doesn't just complicate the process for the numbers I want to load.
I guess with the resale as good as it is I can order one and sell it if I don't like it.
LiveLife
Member
Take your time and examine all of your options until you are able to make a "happy" decision.
My reloading mentor told me that all presses go up and down and progressive presses spin the shell plate at the same time. They come in different colors and prices. As long as they produce accurate reloads, shoot away!
My reloading mentor told me that all presses go up and down and progressive presses spin the shell plate at the same time. They come in different colors and prices. As long as they produce accurate reloads, shoot away!
JoelSteinbach
Member
I have both the SDB and a 550, I use one for large primer rounds and one for small primer rounds, I purchased them both from Dillon, they are an amazing company to deal with.
dc.fireman
Member
If I'm not mistaken, the dies for the SDB are rather proprietary... If you're starting out, you might want to try something a tad more 'universal' like your previously mentioned LNL or 550 or 650, RC IV - something which makes use of your existing die sets...
stork
Member
Denny,
If 357 and 45 are the only two calibers you're going to reload, AND you will be loading both of them fairly constantly, I'd spring for two square deals.
When I got my 550 I did so thinking I would have the ability to change out calibers with ease. After 2 years of loading with it, I have yet to change out of the 45 ACP. I've loaded 10,000 rounds or more with it with very little trouble. If I had it to do over I would get a Square Deal in 45 ACP. Speed is better with the SD than the 550 with less handle movement. Since getting the 550 I have also picked up a used 450 that I am setting up for 223.
Other calibers I still use my RCBS 4x4 as I can use my Redding 3BR measure with it and I have the shell plates and dies for every other caliber I load for.
FWIW
If 357 and 45 are the only two calibers you're going to reload, AND you will be loading both of them fairly constantly, I'd spring for two square deals.
When I got my 550 I did so thinking I would have the ability to change out calibers with ease. After 2 years of loading with it, I have yet to change out of the 45 ACP. I've loaded 10,000 rounds or more with it with very little trouble. If I had it to do over I would get a Square Deal in 45 ACP. Speed is better with the SD than the 550 with less handle movement. Since getting the 550 I have also picked up a used 450 that I am setting up for 223.
Other calibers I still use my RCBS 4x4 as I can use my Redding 3BR measure with it and I have the shell plates and dies for every other caliber I load for.
FWIW
General Tso
member
Grafs
Maj Dad
Member
Denny, for sure skip the accessories on the Dillon (Strong mount, roller handle, trays, etc.). Unnecessary and (dare I say??), overpriced in my view. I can change out pistol calibers on my 550 in well under 10 minutes, 5 if I'm in a hurry, so I wouldn't give up the versatility of it for the simplicity of the SDB unless you're flush & just want to have multiple presses on your bench. Think it all through & then go right ahead, as Davy Crockett said...
rfwobbly
Member
Denny -
Allow me to bring together some of the points being floated around...
• The Square Deal is a great press, but uses proprietary dies, NOT standard 7/8-14 dies. If you buy the SDB and suddenly want to reload 4 more calibers, then you'll be sunk.
• If you want a SDB, then I would buy one used. The exclusive dies limits resale value. They go all the time on the for sale board here on THR for $200-$225. Find one set up for your caliber and just run it.
• If you buy a 550b, you can use your standard dies from almost any manufacturer. The 550 will give you a lot more versatility and flexibility over an SDB.
• Caliber change-over on a 550b takes about 3 minutes. Make that 10 minutes if you need to change primer size, like going from 38 Spcl to 45ACP. It's very easy and straight forward.
• Since next to no one discounts Dillon, Brian Enos seems to be the place to buy.
• Dillon can be expensive, but all the accessories you mentioned are just that... expensive accessories. They are NOT necessary to operate the machine. I added the Strong Mount after a year only because my new bench was lower.
• When you buy the "550b with caliber conversion" it does NOT include the dies, only the shell plate and powder die for that caliber.
• You'll need a 1) caliber conversion, 2) powder die (#20064), and 3) 550 tool head (#13909) for each caliber you're going to reload, unless some of them use the same dies, like 38 Spcl and 357 Mag.
• If you buy the 550, then the most needed accessory is the 1" lock nut kit (#10668).
• The best deal Dillon sells, so don't forget to add some of these to your order, is their ammo boxes.
Hope this helps!
Allow me to bring together some of the points being floated around...
• The Square Deal is a great press, but uses proprietary dies, NOT standard 7/8-14 dies. If you buy the SDB and suddenly want to reload 4 more calibers, then you'll be sunk.
• If you want a SDB, then I would buy one used. The exclusive dies limits resale value. They go all the time on the for sale board here on THR for $200-$225. Find one set up for your caliber and just run it.
• If you buy a 550b, you can use your standard dies from almost any manufacturer. The 550 will give you a lot more versatility and flexibility over an SDB.
• Caliber change-over on a 550b takes about 3 minutes. Make that 10 minutes if you need to change primer size, like going from 38 Spcl to 45ACP. It's very easy and straight forward.
• Since next to no one discounts Dillon, Brian Enos seems to be the place to buy.
• Dillon can be expensive, but all the accessories you mentioned are just that... expensive accessories. They are NOT necessary to operate the machine. I added the Strong Mount after a year only because my new bench was lower.
• When you buy the "550b with caliber conversion" it does NOT include the dies, only the shell plate and powder die for that caliber.
• You'll need a 1) caliber conversion, 2) powder die (#20064), and 3) 550 tool head (#13909) for each caliber you're going to reload, unless some of them use the same dies, like 38 Spcl and 357 Mag.
• If you buy the 550, then the most needed accessory is the 1" lock nut kit (#10668).
• The best deal Dillon sells, so don't forget to add some of these to your order, is their ammo boxes.
Hope this helps!
Last edited:
Denny Crane
Member
550B ordered the other day from Dillon. Should be here early next week.
I did order a deluxe caliber conversion kit and a spare parts kit.
Thanks to all for the input.
I did order a deluxe caliber conversion kit and a spare parts kit.
Thanks to all for the input.
Denny Crane
Member
Ok, I have had the 550 for a while now and have loaded several thousand rds, mostly .45 acp and .38 sp. I have what I think they call the deluxe caliber conversion kit and the Dillon .38 dies.
Yesterday I decided to load some .357's and I find it to be a pain changing from .38 to .357 and getting everything adjusted. Makes me put off making the change.
What's the answer to that?
Do I need another complete caliber conversion set up including a second set of .38 dies? Maybe without the powder drop since that adjustment is fairly quick and easy?
Am I making it harder than need be?
Yesterday I decided to load some .357's and I find it to be a pain changing from .38 to .357 and getting everything adjusted. Makes me put off making the change.
What's the answer to that?
Do I need another complete caliber conversion set up including a second set of .38 dies? Maybe without the powder drop since that adjustment is fairly quick and easy?
Am I making it harder than need be?
JoelSteinbach
Member
Get another toolhead powder die , and set of dies, that is what I have done, for both my 38-357, 44spec and mag
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