Im tinkering with the idea of reloading. I will buy a used unit to start out with. There are used Square Deals on ebay with 2 calibers selling for less then 300 dollars. Seems like a good buy considering a SD starts out at 340 + 40 for a conversion + shipping.
According to Brian Enos though, a 550B is a better unit. (http://brianenos.com/store/dillon.sqdeal.html)
I would only be reloading pistol calibers and Im not seeing the benefit of buying a 550B over a Square Deal.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Square Deal or 550B?
Moderators: carlson1, Charles L. Cotton
-
flb_78
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1277
- Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2007 11:17 am
- Location: Gravel Switch, KY
- Contact:
Square Deal or 550B?
http://www.AmarilloGunOwners.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
This may not be very helpful but...
I'm very pleased with the 550B I got a couple of months ago. Brian Enos was very patient in helping figure out what I needed, even though I didn't buy my dies or some other accessories from him. To date, I'm only loading .223 (or 5.56 if someone can tell me the difference). Even as a newbie, I can easily load over 100 rounds an hour, and I'm pausing often to recheck the powder dump and OAL. The multistage does take some getting used to and you do have to pay attention and be sure you avoid distractions.
The 550B was kind of a pain to setup, I'd recommend the video. Now that it's in place, I'm happy with my decision. Not too long ago I bought 1000 rds of Black Hills and if I'd have reloaded it the 550B would have paid for itself. Plus it gave me an excuse to build a new workbench.
I'm very pleased with the 550B I got a couple of months ago. Brian Enos was very patient in helping figure out what I needed, even though I didn't buy my dies or some other accessories from him. To date, I'm only loading .223 (or 5.56 if someone can tell me the difference). Even as a newbie, I can easily load over 100 rounds an hour, and I'm pausing often to recheck the powder dump and OAL. The multistage does take some getting used to and you do have to pay attention and be sure you avoid distractions.
The 550B was kind of a pain to setup, I'd recommend the video. Now that it's in place, I'm happy with my decision. Not too long ago I bought 1000 rds of Black Hills and if I'd have reloaded it the 550B would have paid for itself. Plus it gave me an excuse to build a new workbench.
it's socially unacceptable to be ahead of your time.
L'Olam Lo - Never Again
L'Olam Lo - Never Again
-
ghostrider
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1758
- Joined: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:05 am
- Location: Free Republic of Texas
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
welcome to the world of reloading.
Either press will do a good job for pistol reloads. The advantage of the 550B is that it uses standard size dies. Why should you care? Because I'm going to suggest a good first step is to start with a single stage press to learn the basics of reloading before moving up to a progressive. If you do that, then you can use 1 set of dies in the single stage press to get started and then use them in the 550B.
I would also recommend getting multiple reloading data books because you'll find some variation of 'max' loads between different books, so more data is better.
Either press will do a good job for pistol reloads. The advantage of the 550B is that it uses standard size dies. Why should you care? Because I'm going to suggest a good first step is to start with a single stage press to learn the basics of reloading before moving up to a progressive. If you do that, then you can use 1 set of dies in the single stage press to get started and then use them in the 550B.
I would also recommend getting multiple reloading data books because you'll find some variation of 'max' loads between different books, so more data is better.
NRA Member
Amateur Radio Operator
Amateur Radio Operator
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
The deciding point or question seems to be whether you think you will ever reload more than one or two pistol calibers.
When I was match shooting a revolver, I used a Square Deal B to load thousands of .38, and it was perfect for that. Inexpensive to buy new, set up pretty easy, easy to use. Was exactly what I needed.
However, if I were to start new again, I would probably spring for the 550 just for the flexibility of all the calibers, plus some other nice additions you can put on. The SD is just not set up to be changed quickly and easily. Since the revolver matches, I've added several other calibers to my arsenal, and now I am calculating whether to buy a couple more SquareDeals and dedicate one to each pistol caliber, or go with the 550.
BTW, I also pondered going the hand-loaded route first, and frankly am glad I skipped it. The purpose of my first SD was mass production of a single caliber in a single loading (i.e. same powder, same bullet, same brass), and it was perfect for that. I could crank out about 400 rounds an hour without too much effort. If I was going for long range accuracy, where I was shooting a few rounds, but everyone had to be "just so" I might go the hand route and baby each round.
You can learn the process either way, you just have to pay attention. I HIGHLY recommend that when you reload, plot out your process very carefully, FOCUS ONLY on what you are doing -- no TV, no talk radio, lock everyone else out of the room, no distractions whatsoever, go slow at first, and schedule some sample checking into the process. After a few trials, you will be cranking out shiny new rounds by the bucket.
Good luck.
When I was match shooting a revolver, I used a Square Deal B to load thousands of .38, and it was perfect for that. Inexpensive to buy new, set up pretty easy, easy to use. Was exactly what I needed.
However, if I were to start new again, I would probably spring for the 550 just for the flexibility of all the calibers, plus some other nice additions you can put on. The SD is just not set up to be changed quickly and easily. Since the revolver matches, I've added several other calibers to my arsenal, and now I am calculating whether to buy a couple more SquareDeals and dedicate one to each pistol caliber, or go with the 550.
BTW, I also pondered going the hand-loaded route first, and frankly am glad I skipped it. The purpose of my first SD was mass production of a single caliber in a single loading (i.e. same powder, same bullet, same brass), and it was perfect for that. I could crank out about 400 rounds an hour without too much effort. If I was going for long range accuracy, where I was shooting a few rounds, but everyone had to be "just so" I might go the hand route and baby each round.
You can learn the process either way, you just have to pay attention. I HIGHLY recommend that when you reload, plot out your process very carefully, FOCUS ONLY on what you are doing -- no TV, no talk radio, lock everyone else out of the room, no distractions whatsoever, go slow at first, and schedule some sample checking into the process. After a few trials, you will be cranking out shiny new rounds by the bucket.
Good luck.
USAF 1982-2005
____________
____________
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
I bought a xl650 with a case feeder when I first started shooting competitions. 50,000 rounds (at least) later, I wouldn't change a thing
See you at the range
NRA Life, TSRA Life, USPSA Life, Mensa (not worth $50 per year so it's expired)
Tom (Retired May 2019) Neal
NRA Life, TSRA Life, USPSA Life, Mensa (not worth $50 per year so it's expired)
Tom (Retired May 2019) Neal
-
HankB
- Senior Member
- Posts: 1394
- Joined: Mon Aug 08, 2005 2:03 pm
- Location: Central TX, just west of Austin
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
I have an SDB. I mostly load .45s, but have the setups for .38/.357 and .44 Mag as well.
If you are ONLY going to reload straight-wall pistol cases on a progressive, the SDB is superior to the 550 because it will automatically index the cases. I like this feature, some folks consider it unimportant. To each his own.
If you are going to be swapping calibers a lot, the 550 is easier to change over. Likewise, the 550 will load rifle cases, the SDB won't.
I bought mine back when the price was, IIRC, under $200, and the press has given me good service - Dillon has been GREAT on the few instances in which I needed a replacement part. Seeing as it was paid for over 15 years ago, and works well today, I figure keeping it is a good idea.
If I were starting from scratch today, however, I would probably look hard - real hard - at the 650.
If you are ONLY going to reload straight-wall pistol cases on a progressive, the SDB is superior to the 550 because it will automatically index the cases. I like this feature, some folks consider it unimportant. To each his own.
If you are going to be swapping calibers a lot, the 550 is easier to change over. Likewise, the 550 will load rifle cases, the SDB won't.
I bought mine back when the price was, IIRC, under $200, and the press has given me good service - Dillon has been GREAT on the few instances in which I needed a replacement part. Seeing as it was paid for over 15 years ago, and works well today, I figure keeping it is a good idea.
If I were starting from scratch today, however, I would probably look hard - real hard - at the 650.
Original CHL: 2000: 56 day turnaround
1st renewal, 2004: 34 days
2nd renewal, 2008: 81 days
3rd renewal, 2013: 12 days
1st renewal, 2004: 34 days
2nd renewal, 2008: 81 days
3rd renewal, 2013: 12 days
-
dukalmighty
- Senior Member
- Posts: 822
- Joined: Mon Aug 27, 2007 5:45 am
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
I love my 550
It is said that if you line up all the cars in the world end-to-end, someone would be stupid enough to try to pass them
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
Check this out...iratollah wrote:To date, I'm only loading .223 (or 5.56 if someone can tell me the difference).
You can read more here: http://ammo.ar15.com/ammo/project/hist_diff.html
NRA Endowment Member
TSRA Member
TSRA Member
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
this is my frist post here on this site. i must say this site is very useful. i'm from the great state of texas but have live here AZ for the past 5 yrs. but anyway i have always wondered what the differance was and well now i know and i plan to pass off the info to some of my fellow shooters here in AZ. thanks guys
kd5zex wrote:Check this out...iratollah wrote:To date, I'm only loading .223 (or 5.56 if someone can tell me the difference).
You can read more here: http://ammo.ar15.com/ammo/project/hist_diff.html
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
Get the 550B ... the extra hundred now will pay for itself quickly.
Re: Square Deal or 550B?
My .02
Well i got the 550b, and I am super happy with it. That aside...
I reload 45acp, 308win, and 300RUM. It would be nice to have a single stage for those rifle calibers. I find that OAL on the 550b press isn't as precice as I would like it due to the shell plate? and tool head wobble. Additionally, if you start measuring powder for each round, the progressive (ness) of the press is useless. So, accually for me a square deal and a single stage press for the same money would have been a better option. Granted a few thousandths of an inch OAL, or a tenth of a grain of powder or so, doesn't make much practical difference in the accuracy of a load. So MOST likely the 550b will be fine for all your rifle and pistol needs., unless you have OCD (lol)
Well i got the 550b, and I am super happy with it. That aside...
I reload 45acp, 308win, and 300RUM. It would be nice to have a single stage for those rifle calibers. I find that OAL on the 550b press isn't as precice as I would like it due to the shell plate? and tool head wobble. Additionally, if you start measuring powder for each round, the progressive (ness) of the press is useless. So, accually for me a square deal and a single stage press for the same money would have been a better option. Granted a few thousandths of an inch OAL, or a tenth of a grain of powder or so, doesn't make much practical difference in the accuracy of a load. So MOST likely the 550b will be fine for all your rifle and pistol needs., unless you have OCD (lol)