Caliber conversions easy on SDB?

Jorah Lavin · August 23, 2001, 09:07 PM

Hi, All

I've been reloading for my .45acp since Christmas, and having fun (when I can afford to order lead).

I've got an old model 10 .38spl that is a lot of fun to shoot, and I'd love to get some use out of all the brass I've collected...

The caliber conversion kits for the Dillon Square Deal B go for under $64.00 or so... how hard is it, really, to do the change-over? I'd probably reload .45 one weekend (500 rounds or so) then .38 the next weekend, then take a month off, so I wouldn't be swapping out every 10 minutes or anything like that.

Your opinions?

JohnK · August 24, 2001, 12:26 AM

I've got the 550 but a close friend has been loading on the SDB for years. Once the dies are adjusted in the initial setup converting from one caliber to another is just a couple minutes work. Switching from a caliber that uses small primers to large adds another minute or two to the switch. Worst case it's not an ordeal.

You could always buy another SDB and save the trouble of converting.

blades67 · August 24, 2001, 12:51 AM

The first time you swap the conversion in it may take about an hour. After that it will probably take about 25 minutes with a primer size change.

August 23, 2001, 09:07 PM	#1
Jorah Lavin Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 1999 Location: Indian Land, SC USA Posts: 593	Caliber conversions easy on SDB? Hi, All I've been reloading for my .45acp since Christmas, and having fun (when I can afford to order lead). I've got an old model 10 .38spl that is a lot of fun to shoot, and I'd love to get some use out of all the brass I've collected... The caliber conversion kits for the Dillon Square Deal B go for under $64.00 or so... how hard is it, really, to do the change-over? I'd probably reload .45 one weekend (500 rounds or so) then .38 the next weekend, then take a month off, so I wouldn't be swapping out every 10 minutes or anything like that. Your opinions? __________________ I say we take off and nuke the site from orbit... it's the only way to be sure.

August 24, 2001, 12:26 AM	#2
JohnK Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2001 Location: Duvall, Wa Posts: 552	I've got the 550 but a close friend has been loading on the SDB for years. Once the dies are adjusted in the initial setup converting from one caliber to another is just a couple minutes work. Switching from a caliber that uses small primers to large adds another minute or two to the switch. Worst case it's not an ordeal. You could always buy another SDB and save the trouble of converting. __________________ John http://www.handloads.com Molan Labe!

August 24, 2001, 12:51 AM	#3
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	The first time you swap the conversion in it may take about an hour. After that it will probably take about 25 minutes with a primer size change. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.