Understanding the Dillon Square Deal B
Overview
The satisfying thwack of a 9mm round impacting a target. The exhilaration of a crisp trigger pull and a perfectly placed shot. For many shooting enthusiasts, that experience is a passion, a hobby, and for some, a lifestyle. But that passion can quickly become a costly endeavor. Ammunition prices fluctuate, and the cost of feeding a firearms habit can be substantial. This is where the art and science of reloading enters the picture. Reloading allows you to manufacture your own ammunition, tailoring it to your specific firearm, shooting style, and budget. And when it comes to reloading pistol cartridges, particularly the ubiquitous 9mm Luger, the Dillon Square Deal B press has earned a reputation as a top contender.
Dillon Precision is a name synonymous with quality, durability, and customer service in the reloading world. For decades, they’ve been crafting precision reloading equipment, revered by both competitive shooters and recreational enthusiasts. Their presses are built to last, designed with a focus on ease of use, and supported by a legendary customer service team. Among their impressive product line, the Dillon Square Deal B stands out as a popular choice for dedicated pistol cartridge reloading.
This article will dive deep into the Dillon Square Deal B, specifically focusing on its application for 9mm reloading. We’ll explore its features, benefits, and any potential drawbacks, providing you with the information you need to determine if this press is the right choice for your reloading needs.
Key Features
The Dillon Square Deal B is a progressive reloading press, meaning it performs multiple operations simultaneously with each pull of the handle. This design dramatically increases efficiency compared to single-stage presses, allowing for high-volume reloading. The Square Deal B is specifically engineered for smaller and medium-sized pistol cartridges, making it an excellent fit for 9mm.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the Square Deal B is its streamlined design. It boasts four stations, a configuration optimized for the essential reloading steps: resizing, priming, powder charging, and bullet seating/crimping. This compact layout, combined with an integrated case feed system and auto-indexing, simplifies the reloading process and significantly speeds up production.
The press itself is built with robust construction and features a well-thought-out design. The components are made from high-quality materials, ensuring longevity and reliability. Dillon’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of the press, from its smooth operation to its precision engineering. This is an investment that will likely outlast your firearms.
A notable aspect of the Square Deal B is its specificity. It is primarily designed for reloading pistol cartridges and, as such, is not ideally suited for larger rifle rounds. However, this focused design is what allows it to excel at reloading cartridges like the 9mm.
Advantages of Using the Square Deal B for 9mm
Speed and Efficiency
The benefits of choosing the Dillon Square Deal B for 9mm reloading are numerous, offering a compelling combination of speed, quality, and safety.
Speed and Efficiency are key attributes of a progressive press, and the Square Deal B excels in this area. The progressive nature of the press allows you to reload rounds quickly. Reloading rates can vary depending on the shooter’s experience and the complexity of the reloading process, but it’s not uncommon for experienced users to reload hundreds of rounds per hour. The integrated case feed automatically delivers cases to the resizing station, while the auto-indexing system advances the shell plate smoothly and reliably. These features minimize downtime and maximize production, making it a perfect choice for shooters who go through a high volume of 9mm ammunition.
Quality and Consistency
Quality and Consistency are paramount when reloading ammunition. The Square Deal B delivers superior results thanks to its precision powder dispensing and consistent bullet seating and crimping. The powder measure is designed to deliver accurate powder charges, while the seating die and crimping die ensure that bullets are seated and crimped to the proper specifications. These features contribute to consistent performance and accuracy, leading to more enjoyable and successful shooting sessions. Loading consistently reliable ammunition also translates to peace of mind knowing your ammunition will function properly and safely.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority with any reloading equipment, and the Dillon Square Deal B incorporates several important safety features. The primer feed system is designed to safely handle and feed primers, minimizing the risk of accidental detonations. While a powder check system is an optional addition, its integration is an excellent safety net. It allows you to visually or electronically verify that a powder charge is present in each case before the bullet is seated. Proper loading procedures and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial, and the press is designed to help you follow those.
Dillon’s Customer Support and Warranty
Dillon’s Customer Support and Warranty are legendary within the reloading community. The company stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If you ever encounter a problem with your Square Deal B, you can be confident that Dillon’s customer service team will be there to assist you. Their knowledgeable and responsive support staff are known for providing prompt and helpful solutions, ensuring that you can quickly get back to reloading. This level of support provides invaluable peace of mind. The availability of spare parts is also readily accessible, ensuring the longevity of the equipment.
Disadvantages and Considerations for 9mm Reloading
Cartridge Limitations
While the Dillon Square Deal B offers many advantages, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks and other important considerations before making a purchase.
Cartridge Limitations is a significant consideration. The Square Deal B is designed specifically for smaller pistol cartridges. It is not suitable for reloading larger rifle rounds. This specialization means if you plan to reload both pistol and rifle cartridges, you would need another press designed for rifle cases.
Cost of Entry
Cost of Entry can be a barrier for some. The initial investment in the Square Deal B, along with the necessary dies, components, and accessories, can be substantial. The cost of the press itself is typically higher than the cost of a single-stage press. However, the long-term cost savings of reloading, combined with the increased production volume, can often offset the initial investment over time. You also have to account for all the accessories necessary to load 9mm which adds to the initial investment.
Learning Curve
The Learning Curve is another factor. While the Dillon Square Deal B is known for its ease of use, there is a learning curve involved in mastering any reloading press. It takes time to understand the press’s operation, properly set up the dies, and troubleshoot any malfunctions. Beginners will need to familiarize themselves with the reloading process, learn about safe powder handling practices, and follow the instructions carefully. However, Dillon’s comprehensive user manuals and online resources can help streamline the learning process.
Case Head Size and Brand Consistency
Case Head Size and Brand Consistency: Dillon’s dies are designed to work with a certain range of case head sizes. It’s important to ensure that the 9mm cases you use are within the manufacturer’s specifications. Also, cases from different manufacturers can have small variations that can impact the accuracy and performance of the reloaded round. Careful selection and sorting of cases can help minimize this variability.
Dillon’s Dedicated Dies
Dillon’s Dedicated Dies: The Square Deal B uses Dillon-specific dies. While these dies are designed to work seamlessly with the press and deliver excellent results, they limit you to the Dillon brand when choosing dies.
Steps in Reloading 9mm on the Dillon Square Deal B
The reloading process on the Dillon Square Deal B is relatively straightforward, especially once you have become familiar with it.
The first step involves prepping the cases. This may involve cleaning the cases. Then, cases are fed into the case feeder. The case is then picked up by the shell plate and moved to the first station.
At the first station, the cases undergo resizing and depriming. The resizing die is sized to bring the cases to the correct dimensions. The depriming pin knocks out the spent primer.
Next, the shell plate indexes to the second station, where priming occurs. The press automatically feeds a new primer into the case.
At the third station, the powder charge is dispensed. The powder measure, pre-set with the correct amount of powder, fills the case. A powder check system, whether visual or electronic, can be used to confirm that the charge is correct.
Finally, the loaded case indexes to the fourth station, where the bullet is seated and crimped. The seating die seats the bullet to the desired depth, and the crimping die applies the correct amount of crimp. The completed round is then ejected. Safety must be observed at all times.
Accessories and Upgrades
Several accessories and upgrades can enhance the functionality and convenience of the Dillon Square Deal B.
Optional bullet feeders are available to streamline the reloading process and speed up production. A powder check system is also an excellent addition, providing an extra layer of safety by verifying the presence of powder in each case. Case collators can further automate the process by orienting and feeding cases to the case feeder. A variety of other tools, such as case trimmers, scales, and calipers, are also essential for a complete reloading setup.
Real-World Performance and Experiences
Many reloaders who use the Dillon Square Deal B for 9mm praise its performance and reliability. User testimonials often highlight the press’s speed, accuracy, and ease of use. Reloaders appreciate the consistent quality of the ammunition produced with the press. Accuracy results will vary based on the specific components and reloading techniques used. However, when combined with careful attention to detail, the Square Deal B can produce extremely accurate 9mm ammunition. Reliability and long-term performance are hallmarks of Dillon equipment, and the Square Deal B is no exception.
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the Dillon Square Deal B to other progressive presses designed for pistol reloading, such as those from Hornady, RCBS, and Lee, several factors come into play. The Dillon Square Deal B stands out for its dedicated focus on pistol cartridges, its integrated case feed system, and its exceptional customer service. While other presses may offer similar features, the Square Deal B often provides a more streamlined and efficient reloading experience, particularly for 9mm.
Hornady’s presses, for example, often provide great flexibility. RCBS presses are known for their robust construction. Lee presses offer a more affordable entry point, and can be an inexpensive option. The Square Deal B, while it comes at a higher initial cost, offers a dedicated platform for pistol reloading with high-volume efficiency.
Conclusion
The Dillon Square Deal B presents a compelling solution for shooters looking to reload 9mm cartridges. It offers a combination of speed, quality, and safety, making it a popular choice among both casual and competitive shooters. While the initial investment can be significant, the long-term cost savings and the enhanced reloading experience often make it a worthwhile purchase.
The Dillon Square Deal B is ideally suited for those who shoot a high volume of 9mm ammunition, value efficiency and reliability, and are willing to invest in a high-quality reloading setup.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase a Dillon Square Deal B for 9mm reloading depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, if you are seeking a high-performance, reliable, and user-friendly reloading press, the Dillon Square Deal B is an excellent choice.
The Dillon Square Deal B is an investment in your shooting hobby. If you want to enjoy your hobby and have a press that is easy to use, the Dillon Square Deal B is worth it.
Consider your shooting volume, your budget, and your reloading goals. Carefully consider the capabilities of the press and the features that align with your needs. Take the time to research and weigh the pros and cons.
Ultimately, the Dillon Square Deal B can be a gateway to a more fulfilling and economical shooting experience.
