G+16 Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I have a square deal in 45 acp, and will be adding 40 this fall. I have been offered another s.d. in 40 cal for $275, would it be better to have two presses or a conversion kit with powder and just switch back and forth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoofy Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 The thought of 2 presses on my table would be nice. Definitely worth it if you shoot both large and small primers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
- J - Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 Really, how hard is it to switch calibers? I'd buy another toolhead and powder dispenser and switch back and forth, even if it means that I have to spend six hundred seconds (aka: 5 minutes) converting every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerJoe Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I would sell the square deal press and add the $275 that you were going to spend to the mix and get me a 550. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UW Mitch Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 A dedicated press set up for each caliber would be nice if cost and space were no issue. For myself, I have very limited space and cash resources, so I would go with a caliber conversion over another SDB. I'm "living the dream" right now, with a 650XL set up for 9mm and 40S&W and my old SDB set up to do large primer 45acp and 10mm (I still only have space to have one mounted to my bench at a time). Good luck on deciding what's gonna work out for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flexmoney Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I started out with an SDB in 40. I liked it. When I considered another caliber...I started looking for an extra SDB in the other caliber. Extra tool head, dies, powder measure... It would be ready to go with no adjustments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nik Habicht Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I started with one SDB in 9mm, then added a second to load .45 ACP, so I wouldn't have to mess with the priming systems. I like that plan, unless you're already hankering for a 650, or 1050..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-JQ- Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I started out with an SDB in 40. I liked it. When I considered another caliber...I started looking for an extra SDB in the other caliber. Extra tool head, dies, powder measure... It would be ready to go with no adjustments. I bought a SDB last week for 45 for these reasons...and I liked the price. This will sit next to my 550 set up for .40 Like Flex said, I figured once I get it all set-up I won't have to worry with resetting...I need all those extra seconds to remember where I put my glasses... ymmv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adweisbe Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I love the SDB. It is a great deal when you take into account the fact that you are getting a whole press with powder measure, priming system, shell plate, and dies. I have a 650 set up for the caliber I am shooting competitively and an SDB set up for whatever I am justing messing around with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cavediver Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 For the money, a conversion kit plus powder and tool head runs $165. A whole second press for $275? If you've got the space and budget, and you like loading on the SDB, get the second press. I've switched tool heads and powder a few times for my 9 & .40. If I were in your shoes (shooting enough .40 to justify it) I'd get a second press. If I were only making the change once a month or less, I'd stay with one press. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 This is an easy question MORE is always better get the second press Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z40acp Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 A couple of years ago I added a 650 and only load .40 in it. My other press is a 550 and load all other calibers. I really like this arrangement. Sometimes getting the powder measure just right can take more time than switching conversions. Two presses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D. Manley Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 My present SDB has setups for 9MM, .45 ACP, .38/.357 and soon to add .40 S&W. The thought of having separate setups for different calibers (or even, large & small primers) makes me drool but unfortuantely, the work space is just gone. If you have the room, the choice for me would be a no-brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aircooled6racer Posted June 11, 2008 Share Posted June 11, 2008 Hello: Buy the other SDB. The only thing better than having 2 presses is 3 presses! I had a square deal b that I loaded 9mm,40 and 45acp on. The change over time was not bad but having another press or 2 would have been better. I have 2 presses now and love it. One is for 45acp and the other is setup for 40 right now. I have all the pieces to reload 9mm as well so I could change either press over to 9mm. Now go buy that other SDB! Thanks, Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+16 Posted June 11, 2008 Author Share Posted June 11, 2008 Thanks for the great input, I think you're right 2 press is better than one. I have a 6 foot loading bench, holding off on sq.deal till monday though, gun auction saturday, and they said they had either a 550 or a 1050 dillon press (they were'nt sure on the number) I let ya know what happens Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+16 Posted June 16, 2008 Author Share Posted June 16, 2008 morning all, the press a the auction endup being a 450 dillion, by the time it was done the press when for 300 for some reason, by the time I would have added the upgrades for a 550 would cost more than a 550 brand new , so since all I load are pistol brass, I'm going with the other square deal and set up for 40s&w, price is good, thanks for all the imput from everyone, happy shooting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingman Posted June 16, 2008 Share Posted June 16, 2008 I have multiple dillons. I use on SDB for 9mm, another for .40, and have a 550 set up for .45 with a quick change now for .223 Having the 550 is really only handy for the rifle calibers. I really like the auto index of the SDB and the fact that it has a smaller foot print. I can put multiple presses on the same bench and still have room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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