I just got a not opened, so I guess a brand new Dillion Square Deal press for .45 ACP. The guy I got it from never opened it for the past 14 years he said. Trust me, I believe him. The box is all yellow and brown. But I've been reading that they are only good for handgun rounds, but I want to be able to reload rifle rounds also. Should I hold on to this press and get a single stage for rifle rounds or get rid of this press and get a Hornady Lock & Load AP Press? What's your folks take on this???

Reloading supplies are starting to get harder to find so I would suggest holding onto this for a while longer.  You could sell, but with supplies limited, not sure what is available to purchase. If you really want to get rid of it I would suggest trading it.

if you want to sell it let me know.....

it depends on what rifle round you're thinking of reloading, if its going to be for 223/556 or 308 coming out of a ar type rifle or some other semiauto, i would suggest a progressive press just because you can load them that much faster. if you're reloading something like a 30 06, 270 etc a single stage press works just fine, you can monitor your load that much better and fine tune for accuracy. what do you plan on reloading?

Thank for all the responses. I plan on reloading 223 and 308's. But I like the idea of punching out a lot of handgun rounds and then getting quality rifle rounds...

don't think its possible to load rifle cartridges on this machine, check dillons website, i think you'll still need another press for rifle cartridges. if accuracy and quality is a big concern find a single stage instead, don't need anything fancy but you will need a good scale...

I guess i'll keep the Dillon for handgun rounds and get a Hornady Classic for rifle rounds!! Mahalo's every one for your advice!!!!

The dies for the Square Deal are smaller than standard dies. The Square Deal is not designed for rifle.

I've been using Square Deals for about 20 yrs.
They are excellent for mass producing pistol ammo for ONE caliber.
Not so easy to change calibers.
Lots of plastic parts that wear out or break. The main operating handle occasionally breaks.
The original ball handle knob hurts my hand so I made a shovel handle grip that also increases
the leverage for easier operation. see pic.

If you have never loaded ammo before, I don't recommend using this press in "full auto" mode.
You can get into trouble REAL fast.

I've been using Square Deals for about 20 yrs.
They are excellent for mass producing pistol ammo for ONE caliber.
Not so easy to change calibers.
Lots of plastic parts that wear out or break. The main operating handle occasionally breaks.
The original ball handle knob hurts my hand so I made a shovel handle grip that also increases
the leverage for easier operation. see pic.

If you have never loaded ammo before, I don't recommend using this press in "full auto" mode.
You can get into trouble REAL fast.

Awesome handle, yes I'm new to reloading, but I got this press free!! I couldn't pass this up.... Trust me, I'll be on here more and more when I start to do my reloading..

Awesome handle, yes I'm new to reloading, but I got this press free!! I couldn't pass this up.... Trust me, I'll be on here more and more when I start to do my reloading..

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I suggest kissing up to a friend who already knows how to reload and start from there.
On-the-job training works real good when learning to reload.
It will save you much time and heartache.

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I suggest kissing up to a friend who already knows how to reload and start from there.
On-the-job training works real good when learning to reload.
It will save you much time and heartache.

When are you reloading? I'm off on wednesdays and thursdays. lol

When are you reloading? I'm off on wednesdays and thursdays. lol

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reloading lessons? LOL...maybe.
It will cost you something though.
Early morn is best cuz I have to work later.
Waipahu area

just watch the YouTube videos, it's free.... lol

just watch the YouTube videos, it's free.... lol

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I was kidding about the cost....well maybe a plate lunch would be appreciated since I won't have time to cook my dinner before work.
 

just watch the YouTube videos, it's free.... lol

I've been on youtube for about a month before I got my Dillion FREE
But a plate lunch to get hands on experience, now that's another great deal!!!!!!
Oldfart, let me know when it's a good day and time!!!! 

I've been on youtube for about a month before I got my Dillion FREE
But a plate lunch to get hands on experience, now that's another great deal!!!!!!
Oldfart, let me know when it's a good day and time!!!! 

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A free Square Deal is big catch. I hope you kokua your friend plenty. 

I don't mind having people drop by for a visit. But it has to be early morning, about 8 or 9am.
Allow about 2 hours because I can yak about gun stuff for hours.
I am off on Mon/Tue but any morning is ok. I am in Waipahu. Where are you?

If you are serious about loading for your 45 auto, start collecting these items:

Sturdy/heavy table or bench. There are both downward and upward forces
Analog or digital calipers
small tumbler+media+polish for nice shiny ammo
reusable ammo boxes are good to have
acetone based carb or brake cleaner (Johnsens non-chlorinated brake cleaner)
brass-powder-primers-heads obviously
primer pocket chamfering tool if using mil brass
Digital powder scale (these are cheap nowdays)
A mesh fishing/diving bag to separate the brass from the grit (unless your tumbler comes with a separator already)
plastic bucket to catch the grit

hey oldfart, how many students can enroll your class, any openings.....

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A free Square Deal is big catch. I hope you kokua your friend plenty. 

I don't mind having people drop by for a visit. But it has to be early morning, about 8 or 9am.
Allow about 2 hours because I can yak about gun stuff for hours.
I am off on Mon/Tue but any morning is ok. I am in Waipahu. Where are you?

If you are serious about loading for your 45 auto, start collecting these items:

Sturdy/heavy table or bench. There are both downward and upward forces
Analog or digital calipers
small tumbler+media+polish for nice shiny ammo
reusable ammo boxes are good to have
acetone based carb or brake cleaner (Johnsens non-chlorinated brake cleaner)
brass-powder-primers-heads obviously
primer pocket chamfering tool if using mil brass

I'm right up the road in Mililani and I have no problems coming over that early. I'm looking for some deals right now for the tumbler and all necessary equipment to get me going.

it depends on what rifle round you're thinking of reloading, if its going to be for 223/556 or 308 coming out of a ar type rifle or some other semiauto, i would suggest a progressive press just because you can load them that much faster. if you're reloading something like a 30 06, 270 etc a single stage press works just fine, you can monitor your load that much better and fine tune for accuracy. what do you plan on reloading?

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I don't think you really want to use a progressive for rifle unless you have a bunch of pre-sized and trimmed cases