Square Deal

Found a Dillon Square Deal for cheap,  Sent it to Dillon for rehab, came back as new.  Wondering how  they compare to the quality of ammo compared to other Dillons as I know the die set up is a  different.  It's in 45acp.  Also any recommendations, quirks or updates I might be aware of would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance 
Jim

I have problems feeling the primers bottoming out during the seating process on the Square Deal press.  The press handle feels spongy when pushing forward to seat primers. The press definitely doesn't like tight primer pockets.
Other than priming issues, it creates great ammo.

I've been using my Square Deal for pistol since 1990 (and I have 5 other presses), it's been very consistent for me, and their service is outstanding.

8eightring wrote:I have problems feeling the primers bottoming out during the seating process on the Square Deal press.  The press handle feels spongy when pushing forward to seat primers. The press definitely doesn't like tight primer pockets.
Other than priming issues, it creates great ammo.

Might be worth checking this product and reviews posted by SDB users:

https://www.uniquetek.com/product/T1739

https://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/replacement-brass-ends.html

AP

I bought a used SDB on this forum when I started shooting 3 years ago, and it has been great for loading 45.  I am at about 8,000 rounds and it keeps chugging them out.  I added the following enhancements:

• PhotoEscape expander powder transfer unit, the one that fits the SDB
  
• The SWC bullet seat stem from UniqueTek
  

I load lead SWC bullets, hi-tek coated from Brazos.

I haven't tried the brass primer tube ends yet, but they look worthwhile also.

I never got the priming system to be reliable in my SDB despite 2 trips back to Dillon. There were always a few percent flipped primers. I sized and deprimed on a single stage, cleaned and hand primed before loading on the SDB. I never had reason to doubt the accuracy of my ammo. After nearly 20 years using the SDB I switched to an XL650. The SDB is simpler. The XL650, or any press that uses standard dies, has more opportunity to screw around and change things.