Episode 117 - Reloading with a Dillon Square Deal B

[@stevenchristensen8981]

I just got a Dillion Square Deal B from a friend. This is the best video I have seen step by step on how to set up the Dillon and use it. I really liked your tricks for setting the powder measure and bullet length.

[@ptpetroc]

AWESOME AWESOME video - I just purchased a sq deal and being my first reloader, I had very little knowledge of how it operated. I really enjoy using youtube to familiarize myself with a new project, being home improvements, car fixes, what have you. I hunted around and the majority of videos for reloading were ppl cycling the loader as fast as possible. You broke down all the different stages and the conversion change REALLY shows you how things work... SPECTACULAR VIDEO - MUCH APPRECIATED!!!

[@dxradio33]

Excellent video. I am new and have the Square Deal B and you have totally answered all my questions concerning the machine. Once again, thanks.

[@ypres1917]

Very nice overview. I've been running a Square Deal B since 1993 but was intrigued to see your video for tips, and I picked up a couple! Recently the shell plate bolt fractured, I called Dillon to buy another - nope, they wouldn't take my money, sent me two free. Man, they stand behind their product. Fantastic company.

[@L3001USPSA]

Awesome! With over 20 years experience with the press, I'm curious what you learned from me. I recently broke the Primer Return Pin Spring (little flap of spring steel on the front of the press). I ordered it, and paid for it. While I was there I ordered a few 9mm ammo boxes and the tool holder with dipped wrenches. After shipping and a $5 roundup for the NRA... Spent $50 bucks but it's all good. They've treated me well in the past.

[@uechikid8088]

Great Video. Thanks for taking the time to explain all the steps. There are very few videos out there that go into the detail that you do. Thanks again.

[@jimcole5387]

Great tutorial. Great seeing a caliber change in process. Great set up you have by the way. Nice work area.

[@fredgoodrum]

Watching you make the OAL adjustment was worth the wait. Thanks for the tip. That makse like a lot easier. and saves a lot of time, brass and bullets. big Thumbs up.

[@scottstangguy2889]

Thank you for this great video , I have watched several videos on the Dillon Square Deal by other people and I think this was the best , Thanks for your time making this

[@L3001USPSA]

Thanks Scott. I hope it helped you either decide to buy the square deal, or helped you learn your way around one you already have. - Larry, PFS.

[@colintrebilcock5511]

Thanks, just got a used Dillon SDB and this was a great introduction.

[@donnyone-eye8726]

Very detailed walk-through. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@hardball107]

I bought a SDB in 45acp back in the early 80's during my IPSC days, 25 years of shooting. It has served all this time loading my cartridges for myself and my family in 45acp, 38/357 and 9mm, and we shoot a lot on our private range and in competition. How many rounds ? As close as I can figure, 75k-80k ? Dillon sent me the Failsafe powder rod upgrade with a complete rebuild kit and spare primer loading tubes years ago at no charge and the only thing I have done to my SDB is to fit the brass bushings in the operation links. Mine originally came with the Delrin bushings, the brass ones had a larger OD so I just turned them down on a lathe to fit the older arms, made quite a difference. I can't think of a better testimonial than that and I expect my SDB to outlive me and thanks to Dillon's "No BS" warrantee I imagine my son and grandson will have no problem turning out rounds for their shooting.

[@arasi1590]

Thanks a lot just getting into reloading and have DCT B but didn't know where to start and lots of small parts and don't know where to put them but now I know, and good angle of camara for me to see it how you do it. thanks much for sharing your experience

[@dsonyay]

You did an excellent job.. Very good tutorial.

[@piplup10203854]

I really like the idea of the cabinet for storage near the press. That's a really good idea. I like it better than drawers, it seems to be more organized. I will do that when I set up my reloading room :D

[@L3001USPSA]

***** Thanks for the comment. I like the cabinet because I can lock it up. It is also easy to organize with shelves that can be moved up and down to suit your needs. Mine is from Sears (Craftsman) but I'm sure you can find something similar about anywhere. Thanks for watching.

[@piplup10203854]

L3001USPSA Awh okay :D I have a local Sears, I shall go check :) thanks for the reply, I appreciate it

[@effinpistov]

Used my SD extensively in 1988-1990. put it away in storage to collect dust while I pursued a career. Retired last year, found it in the garage and de cobwebbed it..Forgot how to use it.. this brought back memories...Oddly when I finished this video and opted for a "thumbs up" and chose to subscribe, I had a connection error delay...when I right clicked, I was prompted to "Reload"...(a sign?)

[@liftedranger]

I love my square deal. Thanks for the tip on the adj for that OAL. I never thought to measure from the tool head for the adj. Just always kinda did trial and error. Love the reloading vids i always learn something...

[@thomasreece3903]

Great video. I learned a lot Thanks

[@L3001USPSA]

I have experienced this in the past. I never did pinpoint one particular cause, but I would recommend complete disassembly of the entire machine once every 10,000 rounds or so. Remove the ram and the primer assembly. Clean the rails (corner bushings), and the ramp that cams the primer feeder in and out. Check the underside of the shell plate and the tip of the pawl for wear.

[@andyostertag]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience. Much appreciated.

[@scooter17568]

Really like the funnel tip and thanks for letting us know you can recycle the brass and primers. Felt kinda bad just dumping them.

[@L3001USPSA]

The rounds that were on the short side were probably safe to fire, but I pulled the bullets with a kinetic puller (looks like a hammer) and reloaded them with the correct seating depth for an overall length of 1.135 inch. Thanks for watching. Larry - PFS.

[@L3001USPSA]

Thank you Patrick. We're here to educate our viewers in all aspects of shooting competition, which includes things like reloading videos such as this one. I'm glad to hear that so many people have found this one useful. Larry - PFS

[@vapors750]

I think you're referring to the white plastic plug on the top of his powder bar? That is used to hold in place the spacer when you're using the reduced capacity powder bar. If you are using the large capacity powder bar, you flip the plug over and reinsert the short end of it to prevent powder from spilling out the top of the hole.

[@Tommmmas]

how often can you reuse your brass? Also what do you do with the short cartridges you made? Thanks for uploading, appreciated it.

[@L3001USPSA]

Typically handgun brass can be used 5-15 times before cracks start showing up. It all depends on how high the pressures are. I don't keep track of "my" brass. I just leave it on the range sometimes, and other times I have opportunities to pick some. I usually get my brass supply by working a single championship match each year.

[@harrycallahan692]

Really great video. Love Power Pistol Powder. Not crazy about Competition Powder because it is too fast burning and I don't like the felt pulse recoil.

[@kimisdaman]

You can get complete toolheads for the SDB, including the powder measure, so you could literally have set-ups for each different favorite load, with the proper charge, overall length, etc., preset in each toolhead. You wouldn't have to adjust anything, as long as you were using one of your pet loads. I have two SDBs, one set up for small primers, and one for large, so I generally do have to adjust the powder measure as part of a caliber change. Rick

[@bobthornburg1275]

Great video. I am new to reloading, and this answers a lot of questions. Thanks!!

[@keithwardlaw3683]

Can't wait to get mine

[@scottf2199]

Thanks so much, this is so helpful! I've got my own machine in 38 special on the way

[@brianpettet3436]

Watched this as a prep to entering the reloading hobby...great info.

[@lylewold5264]

hi, thanks very much for this video. I've been trying to figure out which way to go (single stage, progressive, ...) on reloading and the real world info presented here really helps. Thanks

[@L3001USPSA]

Also, I did not have to change from small to large primers. That would have been an added step. Glad you liked the video. I haven't even seen it yet. I'll check it out tonight.

[@NickofTimeShootingChannel]

Enjoyed this video, good tips!

[@serverlan763]

After a complete overhaul, and clean how many rounds do you recon a Square Deal will reload before it starts giving problems again?

[@L3001USPSA]

They say you don't need to lube the case because the SDB has a carbide sizing ring. I find that a light amount of case lube reduces the effort required to pull the handle. I use a little Hornady One Shot or Dillon Case Lube on some cases, and mix those into non-lubed cases so that about 50% have been lubed. Larry - PFS

[@IDPAChamp]

Hard to believe here in the kingdom of Queen DiFi they are less restrictive than WA State. Good Video Larry .... never gave the trivia question much thought before you brought it up, which is why they prove to be very beneficial. CCR Reference: Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders Group 18. Explosives and Pyrotechnics Article 123. Small Arms Ammunition and Primers, and Smokeless and Black Powder Propellants

[@TheYetiCreature]

Great informative video. Thanks heaps!

[@L3001USPSA]

You betcha! I'm still loading on this machine and really have no reason to upgrade. It's a great little progressive loader.

[@L3001USPSA]

Firearmswisconsin, I downloaded the SDB manual from Dillon's website and I see it is Part No. 13845 "Collar Sleeve". Maybe your machine is older than the current version, or maybe your Collar Sleeve doesn't fall out like mine does. It must be a spacer and allow for smooth operation of the powder hopper. Hope that helps. Larry - PFS.

[@charlesshumaker2632]

At about 20:28 elapsed you mention a plastic bushing in the powder assembly. I don’t have one of those. (Bought my square deal b about 10 years ago. Do they all have this or was this a later modification? Thank you.

[@L3001USPSA]

That is the term generally used, yes. As I understand it, Glock improved the chamber support of their .40 cal barrels more than a dozen years ago, but the reputation of not being fully supported seems to stick. I have compared my Glock barrel to KKM or Schuemann STI barrels and the amount of support appears to be equal. Whatever the cause of bulged brass, full-length sizing has guaranteed I won't have any rounds stuck in the chamber. Thanks for watching. Larry-PFS.

[@johnbailey9682]

Hello not sure why you have the springs on top ? I have five of them and dillon does not include them because they say not to use them ?

[@L3001USPSA]

Firearmswisconsin. I've torn my SDB down completely to clean it about every 10,000 rounds. As noted in the manual, I grease the link arm bearings. Never have lubed the shellplate bolt. Hope that helps. - Larry, PFS

[@L3001USPSA]

Do you use the Glock mags with the Sub2000? I would try loading out to 1.135 or even 1.140. Glock mags will take rounds that long. Have you tried factory ammo though it? I don't have any experience with Kel-Tec products. I understand they're not the best quality, but at least you can feed it with a quality magazine. Not sure I understand exactly "The round is hitting on the underside of the casing.."

[@EverydayMinuteMan]

As a longtime viewer, I really enjoy the the reloading videos. I have been reloading for some time, but since everyone follows the rules different, it is nice to see your tricks of the trade. I use a Hornady AP, but used a Dillion 550 for a long time. I wanted to upgrade to a 5 station press, but could not justify the price of a 650. Anyways, thanks again for taking the time on the reloading videos, it's embarrassing to say I was damn excited when I saw this new video.

[@moveabledo]

I just bought a SDB, in part because of your amazing video. You tangentially mentioned your comped 40 load. May I ask what is your recipe? You said a 135gr bullet. I promise to find published data to check it against. Thanks!

[@kimisdaman]

Dillon dies have a carbide sizing ring, so no lube is required. I've loaded four different calibers on two SDBs, and have never lubed a case in over ten years of loading. Some do lightly lube their cases, just to make the loading process less fatiguing. If you like to do all-day loading marathons, it might be worthwhile. Rick

[@moveabledo]

Another question +L3001USPSA, I am sitting in front of my newly set up Dillon SDB. I've made about 31 dummy loads for dry fire practice, so all my dies are det up but my powder charge. I am wondering about order. I loaded a bunch of primers before setting my charge and realized my mistake so I took them all back out and watched your vid AGAIN. I noticed you are setting your powder charge using a shell with a spent primer, and obviously no primers in the press. Do you only put in primers when you have your load all set up? BTW, what was your Power Pistol recipe? Alliant does not have a range, only a max, which appears to be about 188PF!!! Lyman 49th has the max load for 155gr jacketed bullet at about 167PF for Power Pistol. Maybe that's a good start...

[@RonGunner065]

Nice video Larry, I really did miss you on my interview this week with Steve & Rick... I was hoping we could get to talk...

[@rudyruiz9615]

Do you use lube on your carbide dies? I use an EGW chamber checker, what do you prefer?

[@L3001USPSA]

curtspray: I have always loaded to 1.135 for Glocks and factory service pistols because that is what my first loading manual (Lee) lised as COL. It is common to load out to as much as 1.200 for cusom STI pistols. Loading longer will reduce pressure. Going from Jacketed to plated to moly coated will reduce pressure as well. If you are loading for plinking or competition, you might want to look into a cheaper bullet. I'm sure those sierras cost a bunch.

[@HammeringHank100]

Very well done. Great video. Please keep them coming. Will you do something on the Dillon 650. That's the press I upgraded to from a RCBS RockChucker back in the 70's. I made a big mistake, I don't like to use it. As a matter of fact,I only produced 200 rounds of .45acp and put the cover on and its been sitting on my bench a little over 4 years. Went back to using my RockChucker so I can inspect every step of my reloading process.I really like the way you load on the Square Deal B Press. I may sell the 650 and pick up one. There's no enjoyment in a automated press. Again, Great Video. Thanks, Hank

[@L3001USPSA]

+HammeringHank100. Hank. Clearly the thing to do is send me your 650 so that we can produce a quality how to video. As much as I would like to upgrade my press, I don't shoot enough to justify it. My SDB can produce enough ammo for my needs. Thanks for watching. Larry.

[@mytmousemalibu]

+L3001USPSA I just recently picked up an XL650 from Dillon and I absolutely love that machine! I really needed an upgrade from my little Lee turret since I picked up USPSA. At this point, it is a little overkill for just that alone but I sure can make a big ole pile of ammo in short order! Nothing wrong with that! For someone that is a skilled procrastinate'r such as myself, where I come to the sudden realization, I forgot I need 200 or so rounds for the club match tomorrow, I can go work the handle for 15-20min and be done! I would have been fine with a SDB or a 550B but I really wanted auto indexing and case feed plus the space for a powder check die as an added safety measure. The 650 fits the bill for that. I don't have the bullet feeder which if fine for now, might add one later or even build my own. Proud to have joined the Blue Kool-Aid cult! I am a believer for life!

[@L3001USPSA]

+mytmousemalibu. OK you sparked my curiosity. Sure I've seen the 650 at friends' houses but never really looked at one up close. I studied one for quite some time at a gun shop yesterday. I think I'm going to get one. If they had one setup for .40 on the floor I probably would've bought it on the spot.

[@mytmousemalibu]

L3001USPSA I was looking pretty hard at progressives before I settled for the 650. I was considering the Hornady LNL, the RCBS Pro Chucker 5 and the XL650. For some the LNL seems to be a really good machine but I did find quite a few guys that were having a lot of issues and regretted buying one. I have never been the biggest Hornady fan to begin with so the mixed reports turned me away. The Pro Chucker appears to be a very nice press but still pretty new and having a few teething issues, plastic parts breakage. RCBS will take care of their customers though. That brought me to the 650, legendary Dillon quality, customer service and their no BS warranty. It is a time proven design, the few plastic bits aren't at risk of breakage, has the features I want, it was the clear winner. The only real detractor is the priming system is known to have had some "chain fires" but that also comes down to the user and machine maintenance and the machine does a good job of containing the blast. I am aware it can happen on a 650 so I am careful. Most people have never had a problem. The only other presses I was looking at were the other Dillon's at that point. Very happy with it!

[@L3001USPSA]

Curtspray. You could increase to 1.135 and still be at "factory" length. This would reduce pressure a little. If your manual says 1.125 and you haven't had any failures to feed, you can continue what you're doing.

[@hrdcoreRider]

You can hang the empty case bin perfectly on the finished case bin without the lower custom bracket.. it has rims for that purpose.

[@geraldf.1222]

I like to charge a cartridge ten times to multiply the error and tune it to get a closer charge.

[@kimisdaman]

It should be visible at the orifice; it's not "up inside". I have always been cautious of mine falling out, as I'm working the lever with the powder measure held over the mouth of a 4# powder jug, but the bushing has never fallen out of either of my measures, in ten years of use. Still, I sometimes put a finger tip on the lip, to ensure it doesn't fall out. RickB

[@boscopcoltrane84]

Have never seen that Delrin bushing on the powder hopper. There is one farther in there that looks like a tight fit, is that it? I have used mine for 20 years.

[@taichionline]

well down educational videogreat helpthanks

[@briangurske5317]

I just picked up a SDB and will do me first batch of reloading .40 this week. My question is do you use case lube when you reload? I have heard some say yes and others no.

[@darkpassenger65]

Thank you.

[@curtspray]

Yes it uses .40 cal S&W Glock-22 Mags and using same reloads as my G-23 OAL of 1.125 .thats why I bought it, same rounds in both rifle and Glock 23 , When I throw the bolt closed 50% of the time first round gets stuck half way into the barrel. leaves a smiley face look on the 6 oclock position of the brass, where it digged into the barrel start area about 1/8 below the edge of the case mouth, Going to use your idea an see what happens, making a dummy round at 1.135 and see if that feeds. Thx

[@IDPAChamp]

Can you provide a reference to a "official" Federal announcement on this ? A search on my part came up empty.

[@CPE45acp]

I know this is an old video but just couple quick questions. 1. Would you still recommend this press? 2. Will the seating die work for hollow points and round nose, or does it have to be changed? Thanks I'm thinking about starting to reload and getting this press.

[@L3001USPSA]

+CPE9. Hello. No problem, we still get questions on just about every episode we have ever produced. I have been loading on this Square Deal B for 10 years and it still makes very good quality ammo. I still don't shoot more than about 5,000 rounds/year and this press is good enough for that. Yes the seating stem works fine for HP's or RN. I have been considering stepping up to an XL650 just to be more efficient with my time, but I don't really *need* it, you know? Just getting an itch for a new toy.

[@kimisdaman]

+CPE9 I've been loading on two SDBs for almost fifteen years, and for common, straight-sided pistol calibers, it's about as good as anything. There are interchangeable stems for different bullet shapes, so you shouldn't have issues related to bullet shape Rick

[@CPE45acp]

+L3001USPSA ok cool. Thanks to both of y'all for replying so fast. I really like all the videos y'all post.

[@vapors750]

If we were in your shoes (retired and getting free ammo)...we'd probably all be shooting that much too...but for many of us, free time is limited and ammo costs are prohibitive.

[@L3001USPSA]

They advertise the caliber change taking 20 minutes. I think I do it faster than that, but it's resetting the powder charge that takes about half of the time. The micrometer powder dial from uniquetek would solve that problem. I'd like to get one some day. I cannot comment on the 550 or 650. I'm not interested in the 550 b/c of the manual indexing. I understand why they built it that way, but I don't trust myself to index it exactly once each time. I like the auto indexing shell plate.

[@EspritBerlin]

Hi Larry, thanks for the video! The cal change seems to take a long time ... Do you think, this press is better than a 550 or 650 ?

[@halls344]

Great video! I have the same press, and when I reload 40S&W my cases seem to stick in station 2 the expanding die/powder charge. My cases are belled out just enough to start bullet but sometimes I have to use more effort on upstroke to get case out of expanding die. Wondering what I'm doing wrong?

[@L3001USPSA]

+halls344 Are you sure it is the powder funnel it is sticking on? Have you run just one case through the cycle by itself to verify this? Whatever the cause, I would be sure that all dies are clean. You can even do a little polishing to be sure they are smooth. Be sure your cases are fairly clean as well. I tumble mine for quite a while (~8 hrs) in walnut media. The outsides are always clean, but the insides are not perfectly clean. This level of cleaning works for me.

[@halls344]

Yes I have, don't clean my brass every time so maybe the inside of case?

[@theretiredhulltechchief1606]

great video and the answer is 10,000

[@mobrewski]

Thanks… good info.

[@L3001USPSA]

Damn, I didn't hear that. Hopefully they'll be selling primers again by next year when I'm ready to buy more! What are those poor revolver shooters going to do? Their competition revos won't set off a Winchester reliably. Larry - PFS

[@RonGunner065]

BTW I am looking at the B sq press...

[@tires2burn]

You could have hung the case bin off the side of the catch bin.

[@L3001USPSA]

Sorry Ron. I was working out of town.

[@joshualawson7604]

I didn't realize primers were brass and could be recycled! Thanks.

[@kimisdaman]

Yes, at least remove the shell plate a blow/brush any accumulaterd power and junk out of there, though a complete diassembly and cleaning isn't a bad idea. Rick

[@margaritaweeber9234]

21:08 Raise the ram...

[@curtspray]

Kel Tek .40 cal carbine rifle folds in half to 16", I used a dremel tool with a cone buffer and compound. Buffed the 6 0'colck position to remove the sharpness of that barrel .. and now it feeds great 100 % just got back from the range.. Going to move all rounds to 1.133 to 1.135 range for .40 cal S&W. to help lower the pressures anyway. Like that idea. Thanks for the response. Check out Kel Tek sub 2000 , on youtube Another Awesome Kel Tec Sub 2000 Upgrade: Red Lion Indexing Rail .on youtube

[@margaritaweeber9234]

19:29 Tool Head

[@LightningGB93]

10,000 primers

[@RonGunner065]

Yea I heard... Maybe in the future we can get together and I would love to shoot a match with you at some point... I am shocked that you shoot 5 to 7,000 a year... I am average of 3 to 5,000 a month... COMBO... 9mm, 40, 45, 327, 223, 12ga...

[@trumpeteer211]

dude, it's 12 thousandths of an inch. That will do nothing for pressure or reliability

[@L3001USPSA]

I'm sure you are correct, but there's no reason to not be precise in reloading. COL specs for .40 are frequently at 1.125" so these rounds would've been OK. I would imagine a lot of the views are by folks that are wanting to learn about reloading. Don't want to teach bad habits.