beginner question

what, another gun? · April 13, 2002, 11:17 PM

I'm considering reloading and am looking at equipment. I've found a Dillon Square Deal nib about $200 with .45 dies.
Is this a good set for a beginner, or what would you recommend. Also, I'd like to know the good and bad of the square deal from those who have one. I don't think its made any more, but why I don't know.
Thanks, Tom

dick w. holliday · April 14, 2002, 07:36 AM

The square deal is alive and well--you can buy a new one about 255+- i guess plus shipping.....hopefully if you don't have scales they'll throw a set in with it because you'll darn sure need some....Dick

stellarpod · April 14, 2002, 07:59 AM

The only detraction I can think of for the SD is the fact that it uses proprietary dies - i.e. you can't use normal RCBS, Lee, Redding, etc. - you have to buy dies from Dillon. But, that may be o.k. too since virtually everything I've bought from Dillon thus far has been top notch quality.

I agree that you HAVE to have a scale. Don't worry with the high-end electronic versions. I nice beam scale from RCBS or Dillon will work just fine for a lot less $$$.

Waitone · April 14, 2002, 09:32 AM

Scales are as much safety equipment as are safety glasses. Don't skip either one!

**Mal H** · April 14, 2002, 10:49 AM

Very good point, Waitone. I've never thought about it that way, but the lack of a good accurate scale can conceivably leave you or your gun in pretty bad shape.

clown714 · April 14, 2002, 11:02 AM

i like mine.mine was a pre"B"model.
upgraded to "B".currentlly i load for .357,44 and .45acp
it compliments my xl650,quite well.
go to auction arms or gun broker,they usually have them pretty cheap.eguns.com is also pretty good.they usually save you shipping.hope this helps.
clown

pahrumpcaveman · April 15, 2002, 07:50 PM

If you are going to get into reloading then do it right from the onset . Spend a little more and get the 550 or 650 as they will take any die . You will find yourself money ahead if you spend a little more on equipment now instead of having to upgrade later and ending up with two of everything . And upgrade you will ,It's inevitable . Good luck and have fun

April 13, 2002, 11:17 PM	#1
what, another gun? Member Join Date: April 12, 2002 Location: Plano, Texas Posts: 47	beginner question I'm considering reloading and am looking at equipment. I've found a Dillon Square Deal nib about $200 with .45 dies. Is this a good set for a beginner, or what would you recommend. Also, I'd like to know the good and bad of the square deal from those who have one. I don't think its made any more, but why I don't know. Thanks, Tom __________________ "I wish to be an inspector of <canyons>, I want to study cloud formations and memorize the wind and learn by heart the habits of the Ponderosa Pine." "Earth Apples", Edward Abbey

April 14, 2002, 07:59 AM	#3
stellarpod Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2001 Location: OKC,OK Posts: 263	The only detraction I can think of for the SD is the fact that it uses proprietary dies - i.e. you can't use normal RCBS, Lee, Redding, etc. - you have to buy dies from Dillon. But, that may be o.k. too since virtually everything I've bought from Dillon thus far has been top notch quality. I agree that you HAVE to have a scale. Don't worry with the high-end electronic versions. I nice beam scale from RCBS or Dillon will work just fine for a lot less $$$. __________________ Things are a lot more like they used to be than they are now

April 14, 2002, 09:32 AM	#4
Waitone Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2000 Posts: 2,904	Scales are as much safety equipment as are safety glasses. Don't skip either one! __________________ "Given a choice between good intentions and human nature, I'll go with human nature every time."--Me, 2002.

April 15, 2002, 07:50 PM	#7
pahrumpcaveman Member Join Date: December 1, 2000 Location: pahrump,nevada Posts: 65	If you are going to get into reloading then do it right from the onset . Spend a little more and get the 550 or 650 as they will take any die . You will find yourself money ahead if you spend a little more on equipment now instead of having to upgrade later and ending up with two of everything . And upgrade you will ,It's inevitable . Good luck and have fun Last edited by pahrumpcaveman; April 15, 2002 at 11:12 PM.

April 14, 2002, 07:36 AM	#2
dick w. holliday Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2001 Location: NC Posts: 589	The square deal is alive and well--you can buy a new one about 255+- i guess plus shipping.....hopefully if you don't have scales they'll throw a set in with it because you'll darn sure need some....Dick

April 14, 2002, 10:49 AM	#5
Mal H Staff Join Date: March 20, 1999 Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia Posts: 16,948	Very good point, Waitone. I've never thought about it that way, but the lack of a good accurate scale can conceivably leave you or your gun in pretty bad shape.

April 14, 2002, 11:02 AM	#6
clown714 Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 2001 Location: ga Posts: 395	i like mine.mine was a pre"B"model. upgraded to "B".currentlly i load for .357,44 and .45acp it compliments my xl650,quite well. go to auction arms or gun broker,they usually have them pretty cheap.eguns.com is also pretty good.they usually save you shipping.hope this helps. clown