The backbone of my .40 S&W hand loading process is the Dillon Square Deal B (SDB).  Its automatic indexing feature is the key reason I selected it.  The draw back to the SDB is its use of proprietary dies and the involved process for converting to different calibers.  However, if you're going to be loading primarily one caliber and/or large quantities (10k rds/yr) of one caliber I think the SDB is one of the most cost efficient solutions on the market.  The 550 is more versatile, but lacks the automatic index feature.  To get the auto indexing capability with the same versatility as the 550 machine would require the 650 model.  I have a 550 too, that I use primarily for .223 and .308, but I also occasionally load 30-06, .44 Rem Magnum and .38 Special on it too.

I pretty much followed the instructions.  I did not however, use the optional strong mount Dillon.  I did this primarily to save cost and work surface space.  Instead I used the block of wood shown to the right.  Using the c-clamps allows

me to reposition the machine as required.  This picture shows the bolts coming up from the bottom of the wood block.  I counter-bored for the bolt heads so they would be flush with the table.

Here's a close-up of how the machine looks with the wooden block and mounting bolts and a few more shots of different views.  I have since these pictures were taken relocated the machine onto a heavier-duty dedicated  wood working bench.  At the time of these photos the SDB was the only machine I owned.

The brass bin sitting on top of the finished rounds bin makes pick-up and placement  really nice and quick from a motion economy consideration.

This photo shows the completed setup with hand loading in process.  The lamp is probably worth noting because good light is a must-have to get a good visual on the powder charge before seating the bullet.  

Back to top

Home Page