Square Deal “B” Reloading System Assembly

and
User Instructions
Dillon Precision, Inc.

Copyright © 2020 by Dillon Precision, Inc.--All rights reserved. This publication is for personal use only. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, for commercial use without the prior written permission of Dillon Precision.

Square Deal™ and Dillon Square Deal B Reloading System™ are trademarks of Dillon Precision Inc.

Rev. 2 Dec. 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. THE BASIC RISK OF RELOADING---Page 4
2. MANDATORY SQUARE DEAL “B” USER SAFETY MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS—Page 4
3. SQUARE DEAL LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY—Page 5
4. SQUARE DEAL SHIPPING CONTENTS—Page 5-6
5. SQUARE DEAL ASSEMBLY GUIDE—Pages 6-11
6. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SQUARE DEAL—Page 12
7. THE DILLON SQUARE DEAL RELOADING STATIONS AND CONFIGURATIONS—Pages 13-15
8. SETUP PROCEDURES FOR THE SQUARE DEAL—Pages 16-30
8.1. Description of Square Deal Die Assemblies
8.2. Square Deal Friction Plate
8.3. Station 1--Sizing and Depriming
8.4. Station 2a--Primer Feeding and Seating
8.5. Station 2b—Powder Measure Setup and Case Mouth Belling
8.6. Station 3--Bullet Seating
8.7. Station 4--Bullet Crimping

9. CONVERSION LIST AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES—Pages 30-39

9.1. Caliber Conversion List
9.2. Shellplate Caliber and Primer Size Conversion
9.3. Die Caliber Conversion
9.4. Powder Measure Bar Conversion
9.5. Depriming Pin Replacement
9.6. Primer Early Warning Battery Replacement

10. ADJUSTMENT AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES—Pagers 40-43

10.1. Shellplate Indexing Adjustment
10.2. Adjusting Primer Feeding/Alignment

11. TROUBLESHOOTING THE SQUARE-DEAL—Pages 44-46

12. CLEANING AND LUBRICATING THE SQUARE DEAL—Pages 47-49
13. SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND PARTS IDENTIFIER—Pages 50-56
13.1. Main Assembly
13.2. Frame and Lower Assembly
13.3. Automatic Primer Assembly
13.4. Primer Early Warning Assembly
13.5. Primer Slide Assemblies
13.6. Primer Early Warning System
13.7. Automatic Powder System

14. RELOADING BASICS--Pages 57-59

15. NOTES--Page 60

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DILLON PRECISION DISCLAIMER, EXPLANATION OF SAFETY WARNINGS, DILLON CONTACT INFORMATION

DISCLAIMER
The material in this manual is for informational purposes only. The products it describes are subject to change without prior notice.
Dillon Precision Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to this manual.
Dillon Precision Inc. shall not be liable for any damages, losses, costs or expenses, direct, indirect or incidental, consequential or
special, arising out of, or related to the use of or the inability to use the products described herein. Read this manual before using
this product. Failure to follow the instructions and safety precautions in this manual can result in serious injury or death. Keep this
manual in a safe location for future reference.

EXPLANATION OF SAFETY WARNINGS

DANGER!
Danger! indicates a hazard with a high level of risk that if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING!
Warning! indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk that if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION!
Caution! indicates a hazard with a low level of risk that if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Dillon Contact Information

Dillon Precision Inc.
8009 E. Dillon’s Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-948-8009 1-800-223-4570
FAX 480-998-2786
Website: www.dillonprecision.com
E-mail: [email protected]

Sales, Technical Support and Customer Service

800-223-4570

Document Revisions
Date Version Number Document Changes

4-29-2021 0 Initial Release Updated Manual

7-28-2022 1 Format update

12-6-22 2 Spelling update

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 MANDATORY SAFETY PRECAUTIONS—MUST BE READ
1. The Basic Risk of Reloading, and Overall Square Deal Design Usage Safety:
1. DANGER! The reloading of ammunition and the handling of reloading components used in the reloading process is inherently
dangerous. Accidents and mistakes in loading can and do occur, sometimes with disastrous results resulting in, but not limited
to loss of hearing, vision, limbs or life. These accidents can occur with the novice and experienced reloader.
2. Dillon Precision Inc. has designed the Square Deal “B” with user safety in mind, doing everything Dillon Precision Inc. knows to
make the use of the Square Deal “B” as safe as possible.
2. Mandatory Square Deal User Safety Minimum Requirements:
1. Dillon Precision Inc. cannot guarantee the complete safety of the reloader/user of the Square Deal “B”. To minimize the user’s
risk, use common sense when reloading and follow these basic safety rules at a minimum.
2. KNOWLEDGE: Study and learn the basics, processes and specifications used in the reloading of ammunition from reputable
sources and publications by prominent bullet and powder manufacturers such as Sierra, Hornady, Speer, Western Powders and
Alliant Powders; including reloading manuals such as the Lyman Reloading Manual and the Western Powder Reloading Guide.
3. EYE AND EAR PROTECTION: Never operate the Square Deal without eye and ear protection.
4. PAY ATTENTION: Give your full attention to the reloading process. Do not watch television, the internet or converse with
anyone while loading. It is a full-time operation.
5. INTERRUPTIONS: If you are interrupted in any manner, always inspect the cases at every station and know exactly what has
been done to ensure that proper process steps have or have not been completed.
6. SMOKING/IMPAIRMENT: Do not smoke or allow anyone to smoke in the reloading area. Do not allow open flames. Do not
load if you have been drinking alcohol or are impaired in any way.
7. SAFETY: Do not remove any safety device(s) from the reloader or modify the reloader in any way. Keep components and
ammunition out of the reach of children.
8. LEAD--CAUTION! Almost all bullets have a lead component, which may or may not be exposed. Be sure to have proper
ventilation while handling bullets or when shooting. Lead causes birth defects, reproductive harm and cancer. Wash your
hands thoroughly after handling lead components or shooting.
9. POWDERS--DANGER! There are many kinds of powders (propellants) used in the reloading process and are in general specified
as rifle, pistol or shotgun powders. Powder selection is specific to the bullet caliber, weight and type of bullet being reloaded.
There is no way to overstate the care and selection of a powder to be used in the reloading process. Again, refer to
established bullet and powder manufacturers. Using the wrong powder or amount of powder or mixing powders can result in
serious injury or death. Never mix powders. Always store the powder in its original container. Never have more than one
type of powder in the reloading area at one time—preferably store powders in a separate room. Observe all maximum load
warnings.
10. PRIMERS—DANGER! Primers contain a small amount of a shock-sensitive chemical that explodes when struck by a firing pin
or hammer or accidentally crushed. Never force primers. If they get stuck in the operation of the loader, carefully disassemble
the reloader and gently remove the obstruction. Never attempt to clear primers that are stuck in either the primer pickup tube
or the primer magazine tube. Never, under any circumstance, insert any type of rod into these tubes to attempt to push out
stuck primers—PRIMERS CAN “CHAIN DETONATE.” If a primer(s) gets stuck in the magazine or pickup tubes flood the tube
with penetrating oil/WD-40, throw it away and call Dillon for a free replacement. Never attempt to deprime a cartridge case
with a live primer. Depriming a live primer is one of the most dangerous things you can do in reloading and can cause serious
injury or death. Never attempt to further seat primers on a loaded cartridge. Use only the primer for the specific application
for which you are loading.
11. BLACK POWDER--DANGER! Do not use black powder or black powder substitutes in any Dillon Powder Measure. Doing so can
result in severe injury or death.
12. LOAD AND LOADED LENGTH—WARNING! Use only recommended load specifications from manuals and information supplied
by established, known component manufacturers. Avoid maximum loads listed in loading manuals. Be extremely careful to
avoid a double charge. Dillon has no control over the components and specifications used when reloading with the Dillon
equipment. No responsibility is implied or assumed for results obtained through the use of or inability to use any such
components or reloading specifications.
13. QUALITY CHECKS--At a minimum, perform periodic quality checks every 50-100 reloads-ESPECIALLY the powder charge.
14. PROPERLY LABEL RELOADED AMMUNITION: Label the reloaded cartridge with the overall length, bullet manufacturer, type
and weight-- primer manufacturer and type--powder manufacturer, type and powder charge and date loaded.
15. RELOADING AREA-- The reloading area should be well-lit, dry and comfortable without breezes.
16. BE PATIENT and OBSERVANT— Users should have no trouble achieving published loading rates that are conservative. Be
smooth and steady. The reloading process is not a process to hurry--- If something does not LOOK RIGHT, SOUND RIGHT, OR
FEEL RIGHT —STOP, LOOK and THINK! If the problem is not obvious—CALL Dillon Technical Support (800) 223-4570 or visit the
troubleshooting section at www.dillonprecision.com.

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3. SQUARE DEAL “B” LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Dillon Precision Inc. warrants the Square Deal “B” for the life of the system against defects in material and
workmanship. Dillon Precision Inc. will either repair or replace any part(s) that prove defective. Dillon
Precision Inc. will provide repaired or replacement parts at Dillon’s choice on an exchange basis. This limited
warranty does not cover any damage to the product that results from improper installation, accident, abuse,
misuse, natural disaster, abnormal mechanical or environmental conditions, or any unauthorized disassembly,
repair or modification. This limited warranty shall not apply if: (i) the product was not used in accordance with
any accompanying instructions, (ii) the product was not used for its intended function or (iii) the addition of
any non-authorized equipment.

4. SQUARE DEAL “B” SHIPPING CONTENTS

4.1.Remove the following items from the top protective foam layer of the Square Deal “B” shipping box:

• Primer Early Warning System,

Follower Rod, Battery and
Tube Pack

• Square Deal “B” System

Manual

• Square Deal Chute and Bin

Bracket

4.2. Remove the following items from the second layer of protective foam

• Square Deal “B” Conversion Box

• Dillon Powder Measure

• Square Deal Press

• Bin and Accessory Bag

5
 4.3. Contents of Square Deal “B” Shipment 1. Primer Early Warning System and
Primer Follower Rod
2. Caliber Conversion Box—Parts
installed
3. Tube Pack accessory parts bag—
Primer Pickup and Magazine
Tubes, and Spare Tips—Large
Tube Pack PN22016
Small Tube Pack PN22017
4. Powder Measure
5. Completed Cartridge Bin
6. Square Deal “B” with Caliber
Specific Dies Installed
7. Used primer cup and Powder
Measure Return Bracket
8. Ejected Cartridge Chute and
Completed Cartridge Bin Bracket
9. Large Powder Bar (Small Bar
installed in Powder Measure)
10. Included Allen Wrenches
11. Square Deal “B” Instruction
Manual

5. SQUARE DEAL “B” ASSEMBLY GUIDE

5.1 To mount the Square Deal “B,” select a clear area on your reloading bench. Your bench must be strong enough
to support the weight and the force required to operate the Square Deal “B”. If possible, attach your bench to
the wall. Remove the Square Deal “B” Reloader from the packaging and place it on your selected area. You will
need 7/16” wrenches, a drill motor and a 9/32” drill bit and the included Allen wrenches.
5.2 Locate the provided Ejected Cartridge Chute/Bracket and two ¼-20 x 3/8” Socket Head Mounting Screws and
fasten the Bracket to the side of the Square Deal “B” as shown:

Mount
Ejected
Cartridge
Chute
Cartridge Bracket
Chute/Bracket
and Mounting
Screws

5.3 Locate the provided Spent Primer Bracket and two 8-32 x 3/8” Button Head Mounting Screws and attach the
Spent Primer Cup Bracket securely to the bottom of the Square Deal “B” as shown below:

Mount
Spent
Spent Primer Primer
Cup Bracket Cup
and Screws Bracket

6
 5.4 The Square Deal “B” can be mounted directly to your bench (If you are using the Dillon Strong Mount proceed
to 5.4.4 below). The preferred method of operating the Square Deal “B” is standing up. This gives you the
leverage for the force needed to properly seat primers.
5.4.1 For mounting directly to a bench, bring the Square Deal “B” to the forward edge of your bench as shown below.
The Square Deal “B” requires ¾” clearance under the front edge of the bench. See below.
5.4.2 Mark the three mounting holes using the Square Deal “B” as a template. Remove the machine and drill three
9/32” holes through the bench. Bolt the Square Deal “B” securely to the bench with ¼” Grade 5 hardware or
available Dillon Mounting Hardware Kit P/N14355. Use small-diameter washers on the top and large-diameter
washers on the bottom, especially if using a wooden bench.

Mount Square Deal “B” with Base Mounting

Flange tight against the bench making sure there
is clearance below for the Crank, Operating
Handle and the Spent Primer Cup

5.4.3 Slide the Spent Primer Cup into the mounting slots on the Bracket.

.
Slide Cup on
Bracket

5.4.4 There are three other optional methods for mounting the Square Deal “B” to your bench.
• The first option is to use the available Billet Dillon Mounting Plate PN62005 by fastening the Plate to your
bench and then mounting the Square Deal “B” to the Plate and as shown below:

Square Deal “B”

Dillon Billet Mounting mounted directly to
Plate fastened to your Dillon Mounting Plate
bench with two ¼”-20 x 3/4”
Screws and one ¼”-20 1
¼ “Screw

7
 • The second method is to install the Square Deal “B” on the Dillon optional Strong Mount using The Dillon
Strong Mount Kit PN62395 and then mount the Strong Mount to the bench. Installation instructions are
included with the Strong Mount. The Dillon Strong Mount improves the stability of the system by
distributing the loading forces over a larger area of the bench and provides mounting locations for an
optional Empty Case Bin and the provided Completed Cartridge Bin.

Dillon Square Deal Fasten Strong

“B” Strong Mount Mount directly to
Kit with Empty the bench in each of
Case Bin and the 4 corners
Mounting
Hardware
PN62395

• The Third method is to fasten the Strong Mount with the Square Deal “B” to the optional Dillon Billet
Mounting Plate PN62006 and then fasten the Billet Mounting Plate to the Bench as shown below.

Completed Cartridge Bin

Bracket

Empty Case Bin Bracket

Dillon Billet Mounting Fasten Strong Mount to Billet

Plate fastened to the Mounting—4 places
bench—4 places

5.4.5 Install the completed Cartridge Bin on the Chute/Bin Bracket of the Strong Mount by sliding the lip on the bin
over the bracket and the lip of the Empty Case Bin over the other bracket as shown below.

Completed
Cartridge Bin
Empty Case Bin
Square Deal “B” with Strong
Mount PN62395 and Dillon
Billet Mounting Plate
PN62006

5.4.6 Install the optional Dillon Bullet Tray PN22214 on the left side of the Strong Mount in the two holes as shown
below with the hardware provided with the Bullet Tray Kit.

Mount Bullet Tray PN22214

with provided Screws,
Washers and Nuts

8
 5.4.7 Install the optional Dillon Tool Holder with Wrench Set PN19441 as shown below. Remove the two 7/16” Hex
Mounting Screws and nuts underneath for the Square Deal” B” and install the Tool Holder using the same two
screws and nuts and tighten them securely. Insert the Allen wrenches and Bench Wrench in their appropriate
labeled positions in the Tool Holder.

Mount Tool Holder

with Wrench Set
PN169441 using the
two existing Square
Deal Mounting
Screws, Washers
and Nuts

5.5 Install the Powder Measure

5.5.1 Remove the Blue shipping Cap from the Powder Die. Retrieve the Powder Measure from the shipment and
remove the Powder Measure Clamp Screw and Clamp using the provided Allen wrench. Note--The Powder
Funnel for the cartridge specified for the Square Deal purchased ships in the Powder Die.

Remove the Blue Cap The Powder Funnel is shipped/installed Remove the Powder
from the Powder Die inside the Powder Die Measure Screw and Clamp

5.5.2 Slide the Square Deal “B” Powder Measure down over the Powder Die and install the Clamp and lightly tighten
the Clamp Screw. Further adjustment of the Powder Die is required later.

Place Powder
Measure down
over the top of Install Powder
the Powder Die Measure oriented
as shown and
lightly tighten the
Clamp Screw with
the provided Allen
wrench

9
 5.5.3 Locate the Failsafe Powder Measure Return Rod in the shipment and remove the top Spring Clip and the lower
Blue Wing Nut, Spring and Bushing. Rotate the Powder Measure, aligning the Failsafe Rod vertically with the
Failsafe Rod Bracket as shown below. Install the bottom threaded section of the Rod down through the hole in
the Failsafe Bracket on the bottom of the Square Deal and slide the top hook through the hole and slot in the
Lock-link Assembly of the Powder Measure. Reinstall the Spring Clip as shown below. Reinstall the White
Bushing, Spring and Wing Nut on the Bottom of the Rod. Cycle the Operating Handel of the Square Deal “B” all
the way down compressing the Failsafe Rod Spring. Adjust the Blue Wing Nut up leaving .030” of clearance (two
credit card thicknesses) between coils when fully compressed. Re-adjustment may be necessary after setting the
case mouth belling discussed later.

Insert Failsafe Slide the Failsafe Reinstall the White Cycle the Operating
Return Rod Return Rod Hook Bushing, Spring Handle down and
Assembly down through the slot and and Wing Nut on adjust the Wing Nut
through hole in hole in the Lock-link the Bottom of the to leave .030”
Failsafe Bracket Assembly and threaded Rod clearance between
reinstall the Spring the coils of the Spring
Clip when compressed
Failsafe Return Rod
Assembly –Remove
Spring Clip and Blue
Wing Nut, Spring
and Bushing

5.6 A plastic bag is secured to the top of the Primer Magazine Shield Tube and contains four (one spare) numbered
Brass Locator Buttons for the caliber ordered, a spare Depriming Pin, an alternate Seating Stem (Two for
.38/.357’s), a sample case with a primer and a sample reloaded cartridge showing how the press was
configured. Take three of the Brass Locator Buttons and install them in the Square Deal as shown below.

Sample
primed case
and cartridge
Spare
Depriming Pin
Alternate
Seating Stem

Bag Fastened to
Primer Mag Brass Locator Buttons--Caliber specific—Install
Shield—Contents 3 in Square Deal “B” as shown (1 spare)

10
5.7 Note: The Square Deal ships with the Primer System size installed for the cartridge ordered. The alternate
small or large Primer Assembly is shipped in the Accessory box. Refer to Section 8.3 on the Primer Conversion
Procedures for changing primer size.
5.8 Install the Primer Early Warning System
5.8.1 The Primer Early Warning system emits a “beeping” sound when the Primer Magazine is down to the last three or
four primers.
5.8.2 Simply push the Primer Early Warning System down over the Primer Magazine Shield Knurled Cap until it stops.
5.8.3 WARNING! Do not put primers in the Magazine Tube until you have read this entire manual.

Press EWS down over the Knurled Nut

5.8.4 Install the Primer Magazine Follower Rod as shown below. You can store the plastic Primer Follower Rod in the
Magazine Tube when there are no primers in the Magazine Tube by putting it under the Operating Lever to stop
the alarm from sounding when it is not being used.

Install Follower Store Rod as

Rod shown to
disable the
audio alert
when no
primers are
present

5.9 Your assembly is complete. Cycle the Operating Handle making a full stroke down and up again and push fully
to the rear to the priming position. The Shellplate should index clockwise. The Primer Slide should move back
and forth, and the Primer Punch will project up through the hole in the Shellplate.

11
6. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SQUARE DEAL “B”:

• Square Deal Strong Mount and Case Bin: PN22051

• Tool Holder with Wrenches: PN19441
• Low Powder Warning Sensor: PN16306
• Square Deal “B” Toolhead Assy: PN20113
• Deluxe Quick Change & Stand: PN62265
• Spare Parts Kit: PN97015
• Bullet Tray: PN22214

Note-- Conversion Kit

Shellplate and Dies sold
separately

12
7. THE DILLON SQUARE DEAL “B” HAS FOUR RELOADING STATIONS AND USES UNIQUE DIES AND A POWDER-
MEASURE ASSEMBLY. The Toolhead and Shellplate are specific to the Square Deal” B” and are not
compatible with any other dies or reloading system—see the description of the four stations and the
operations below:

Station 3- Station 4-Crimp Bullet

Seat Bullet and Eject Cartridge

Station 1-Size Square Deal Powder Toolhead Assembly Square Deal Powder Measure
Station 2-Prime and
Dispense Powder and Deprime Die and Clamp with Blue Friction Plate and Clamp Assembly

• STATION 1—DEPRIME AND SIZE CASE--(Number 1 engraved in the Toolhead)

• STATION 2--SEAT PRIMER, BELL CASE MOUTH AND DISPENSE POWDER (Number 2 in the Toolhead)
• STATION 3--SEAT BULLET--(Number 3 in the Toolhead)
• STATION 4--CRIMP BULLET AND EJECT COMPLETED CARTRIDGE--(Number 4 in the Toolhead)
Note--cases are automatically indexed from station to station every time the Operating Handle is cycled down and up.

Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Station 1 Station 2 Station 3

Station 1 Station 4

Each Station is numbered on the

Toolhead 1 thru 4 as are the Size
Die #1, the Seat Die #3 and the
Crimp Die #4

13
 7.1. Station 1— Case is Deprimed and Sized
• The user inserts a case into the Shellplate
• Cases are de-primed and sized on the downstroke of the Operating Handle
• On the upstroke, the case is indexed to Station 2 and a Primer is picked up by the Primer Slide and fed into Station 2

Case not shown

in Station 2 for
clarity

Station 1--Case manually Station 1--Case entering Depriming/Sizing Station 1—On the upstroke the case is indexed to
inserted into Shellplate Die as the Operating Handle is lowered station 2 and a primer is picked up and presented to
raising the Shaft/Shellplate Station 2

Station 1—Case Deprimed and Sized

7.2. Station 2—Primers Are Automatically Fed and Seated, The Case Is Flared (Belled) and the Powder Dispensed
• Primers are seated on the “full-push stroke” of the Operating Handle from the “at-rest” position of the Operating
Handle
• On the downstroke, the case mouth is belled (flared) and powder is dispensed into the case
• On the upstroke, the case is automatically indexed to Station 3

Neutral
“at-rest”
Position

Primer
seating
position

Station2--Primer seated push stroke of the Operating Handle Station2--Case mouth flared, and powder dispensed
from the at rest position on the down stroke of the Operating Handle

Station 2—Case being pushed over

the nose of the Powder funnel
belling the case mouth and dropping Station 2— Typical
powder into the case Belling Feature of
Dillon Powder Funnel—
Powder Funnel
fits inside the Powder
Die
Station 2—Primer Seated, Case Flared, Powder Dispensed

14
7.3. Station 3—Bullet Placed and Seated
• The user places a bullet on the case in Station 3
• On the downstroke, the bullet is seated
• On the upstroke, the case is automatically indexed to Station 4

Station 3--Bullet Placed

and Seated

Station 3—Bullet Seating

7.4. Station 4—Bullet Crimped and Completed Cartridge Ejected.

• The Bullet is crimped on the downstroke
• The Cartridge is ejected on the upstroke

Station 4 (Crimp) Station 4 (Eject)

Ejector Wire Ejects Cartridge

into Cartridge Chute/Bin

15
8. SET UP PROCEDURES FOR SQUARE DEAL “B”—WARNING! Due to variations in components, check all
stations for proper adjustments for the cartridge you are loading. You must read the following instructions.
If there is something you do not understand, call (800) 223-4570 for technical assistance.
8.1. The Dies and Toolhead are unique to the Square Deal.
8.3.1 The Dies are numbered #1-Size Die, #3-Seat Die and #4-Crimp Die. They drop into the Square Deal Frame Station #1,
#3 and #4 respectively as shown below.

Station #1--Size Station #3--Seat Station #4--Crimp

8.2. Another unique part of the Square Deal Toolhead Assembly is the Blue Friction Plate which is sandwiched
between the Frame below and the Numbered Toolhead above. The Friction Plate keeps the threaded parts of
the dies from easily turning. The remaining parts are assembled as described below:

Friction Plate Numbered Toolhead Positions

Square Deal “B” Toolhead Assembly

16
8.3. Station 1—Sizing and Depriming
8.3.1 There is no adjustment required for Station 1--The Size Die with its Carbide insert drops into Station 1 and is secured
by the Toolhead. The Depriming Assembly threads flush into the Toolhead. The Deprime and Size Components are
shown below. The case is sized and Deprimed in Station #1 on the downstroke of the Operating Handle. (Note—a
Primer is picked up by the Primer Slide in Station #2 during the downstroke of the Operating Handle during the
Sizing/Depriming Operation in Station #1).

Size Die drops

into the
Square Deal

Depriming Assembly threads

down against the Tool head

8.4 Station 2a--Primer Feeding, Seating, Case Belling and Powder Dispensing--The First Operation of Station 2 is (a) to
seat a primer on the full push stroke of the Operating Handle. The Second Operation of Station 2 is to (b) expand
the case mouth and dispense powder on the downstroke of the Operating Handle.
8.4.1 The Square Deal “B” incorporates an Automatic Linear Primer Feed System utilizing standard Large or Small Primer
Magazine Tubes and interchangeable Large and Small Primer Slides. The Square Deal “B” comes with the primer size
specific to the cartridge ordered. The alternate-size Primer Slide is shipped separately. A Large Powder Bar for the
Powder Measure is also included. These components are in the “Tube Pack” --see shipping contents.
8.4.2 A Primer Early Warning System (EWS)/Low Primer Alarm system is provided. The Primer Follower Rod is the Actuator
for the Primer Early Warning System.

Primer Follower Rod and Primer Follower Rod

Assembly and Primer Early showing there are
Warning System Primers left in magazine
Tube

8.4.3 A primer is automatically picked up by the Primer Slide and Primer Cup Assembly from the Primer Magazine. It is
then positioned under the hole in the Shellplate in Station 2 as the case is indexed from Station 1 during the upstroke
of the Operating Handle. The Primer is then seated with a complete push stroke of the Operating Handle.
Large Primer
Slide Assembly -
-Silver Cup Primer pushed up by Primer
Punch ready to be installed
if a case was present

17
 Primer Primer Slide in primer
Adjustable Assembly pickup position—Rear
Set Screw Mounting Travel Adjustable Set
Stop-Primer Screws Screw Stop
pickup
position

Primer
Magazine
Blue Tip

Primer Slide
Forward
Travel Set
Primer Slide in primer Primer Slide
Screw Stop—
pickup position— return Spring
Primer
Operating Handle Down
seating
position

8.4.4 The Operation of The Automatic Primer System

• The Square Deal “B” comes set up in the primer size for the cartridge ordered. The alternate-size Primer
Slide Assembly ships separately.
• Primers are seated by pushing the Operating Handle fully to the rear, from the Operating Handle’s “at rest
position” at the top of the Square Deal’s stroke.

Operating Push Handle fully

Handle to the rear to seat
“at-rest a primer
position

• CAUTION!
• Learning to feel the correct force to seat a primer is a critical method in the reloading process.
• The Prime will not be seated to the proper depth if the Handle is not pushed firmly and fully to the
rear primer seating position.

18
 • If the primer takes too much force to be seated and the Handle cannot be pushed fully to
the rear—STOP and inspect the case. The primer pocket may be damaged or could have a
crimped primer pocket or the Primer Cup may not be aligned properly with the Shellplate.
• Low resistance to seating a primer can indicate an enlarged primer pocket that may not
retain the primer. Discard this case.

• Verify that the system feeds primers as follows:

• Remove the plastic Follower Rod and unscrew the Magazine Cap.
• Remove and verify the Magazine Tube is of the correct size/color--The blue tip for small
primers and the red tip for large primers. Note: Any primers left in the Magazine Tube will
fall out in the Magazine Shield Tube.

Red Large Tip and Magazine Tube

Blue Small Tip and Magazine Tube

• Install the Magazine Tube in the Magazine Shield. The tab on the plastic Magazine Tip, red
or blue, must be gently aligned with the slot down in the Primer Feed Body Housing and
then should slide down about a 1/4” more. Tighten the knurled Magazine Cap just snug.
Magazine Cap fits over Tighten knurled
end of Magazine Tube Magazine Cap
just snug

Magazine Tip Alignment Tab

• With the Operating Handle up in its at-rest position, manually take one primer that you will
be using and drop it anvil side up in the hole in the Magazine Cap as below:

Drop one primer in

Magazine Shield/Cap

• Cycle the handle smoothly down and back up to the top of the stroke to the “at rest position.”
• The primer should present itself in the Priming Station on top of the Primer Punch as shown below—repeat this
step 3 times--if successful proceed to the next step, if not, proceed to Primer Drop Alignment Section 10.2.

Correct presentation
of primer—Single
primer drop test—
Primer ready to be
seated Station 2

19
 8.4.5 Verify Primer Seating Depth
• With a primer in the cup as above and the Operating Handle in its up-at-rest position, put a de-primed
case in Station 2. Push the Operating Handle fully to the rear seating the primer. Remove the case and
verify the primer is seated flush or slightly below flush.
• The primer seating depth is an important parameter to control when reloading and can be a safety issue.
The ideal seating depth is .002” to .006” (.008” Max) below the case head. WARNING! “High” or
protruding primers can lead to slam fires in semi-autos or firing out of battery and can stop the cylinder
from rotating in revolvers. Seating the primer too deep can cause damage to the primer, causing misfires
and or inconsistent ignition. Refer to Section 14 on Primer Basics.

Primer on right is
seated properly--
the one on the
left is high

Courtesy of Western Powders

8.4.6 Filling the Primer Magazine-- Dillon offers two choices for filling the primer magazine:
• Manually as below with an optional Dillon Primer Flip Tray and Dillon Primer Pickup Tubes. Pickup Tubes
are included with the Square Deal “B.”
• The Primer Pick-Up Tubes have different colored tips. They have been color-coded to identify size easily.
The color code is as follows:
Primer Pickup Size Pickup Tip Color Dispense Tip Color
Small Yellow Blue
Large Green Clear

• WARNING! Put on safety glasses!

• Place primers on the half of the Flip Tray with the ribs. Oscillate the tray and primers around until all the
primers are flat. Pick up all the primers that are shiny side up by placing the Plastic Pickup Tip—yellow or
green, over the shiny side up primers in the Primer Flip Tray and gently pressing down. Put the other half of
the Flip Tray on the ribbed half with the primers that are anvil side up. Hold the two halves together and
turn the two halves over. Remove the top half of the tray and pick up the remaining primers that are now
shiny side up.

20
• Pivot the Primer Alarm Lever away from the Early Warning System Housing and invert the Pickup Tube
over the Primer Shield Cap. Pull the Retaining Clip and allow the primers to drop into the Magazine—
verify no primers remain in the Pickup Tube.

Invert Pickup Tube

over Primer Shield
Cap opening—remove
Retaining Clip allowing
primers to drop into
Magazine Tube

Primer
Alarm Lever
pivoted back

• Pivot the Switch Lever back over the hole and gently slide the Follower Rod down through the Switch
Lever and into the Primer Magazine Tube. The Black Plastic Follower Rod will activate the Primer Early
Warning Alarm when there are zero to three primers left.

Primer Alarm
Slide switch activated
Follower Rod by Rod and Lever
Through
Lever into
Magazine
Tube

21
 • The second method of filling the Primer Magazine is to use the Dillon RF100 Automatic Primer Filler that
automatically loads primers in a Primer Filler/Tube Housing—see below:

Dillon RF 100 Automatic Primer Filler

Dillon's RF 100 Automatic Primer Filler™ eliminates the task of
manually filling primer pick up tubes. Pour your primers from
their box into the top of the RF100. Press the blue button. In
about two minutes the primers are inside the primer tube that is
Protective
inside a protective metal housing. The RF100 comes in either a
Housing and
small or large primer version. Size Conversion Kits are also
Dispensing
available.
Assembly—
Holds 100
RF100 Voltages Small Primer Part No. Large Primer Part No.
primers
120 VAC 97111 97077
220 VAC 97113 97112

8.5 Station 2b--Powder Measure Setup--Case Mouth Expanding and Powder Dispensing (Second Operation of Station 2—During
the Downstroke of the Operating Handle)

Station 2—
powder
dispensing
and case
mouth
expanding

8.5.1 The Dillon Powder Measure System is a Volumetric Powder System that is activated only when there is a case present in
Station #2. There are different size Powder Bars. (See below) Each Powder Bar is adjustable to control the volume of
powder dispensed.

Adjustable Volumetric Adjusting

Powder Cavity-- Large Screw
Bar Shown

22
8.5.2 The Square Deal “B” is shipped with a Small and a Large Powder Charge Bar. The Small Bar is installed in the Powder
Measure. The Dillon Powder Measure uses Charge Bars that are specific to the range of powder dispensed as shown
below.
Store Spacer ④ Spacer Bar Plug PN13921 and ③Spacer Bar
Bar Plug in PN13664 only used with Small and Extra Small
hole here Bars
when not in
use

⑮-Extra
Small Bar ⑩-Small
PN20780 Bar
⑯-Large
PN20062
Bar
PN20063

Note: The Powder Measure is only activated by a cartridge case pushing up on the Powder Funnel.

Ball Powder

Flake Powder

8.5.3 There are 3 adjustments required for the Automatic Powder Measure System:
• 1--Full horizontal travel of the Powder Bar--The Powder Charge Bar must be adjusted to achieve full
horizontal travel. Failure to do so will result in inconsistent powder charges.
• 2--Case mouth belling adjustment
• 3--Powder charge weight adjustment

8.5.4 Place an empty-sized case in Station 2 with no powder in the Powder Measure. Loosen the 10-24 Powder Measure
Clamp Socket Head Screw with a 5/32” Allen wrench and the Powder Measure Clamp Button Socket Head Screw with
a 1/8” Allen Wrench (see below). Cycle the Operating Handle fully down. Proper adjustment is achieved with the
Powder Bar reaching the end of its travel at the same time the Operating Handle reaches the bottom of its stroke, as

23
 indicated by the Bellcrank Arm just touching the Powder Body as shown below. If the Bell Crank Arm has not
traveled its full distance or tries to overtravel, cycle the Operating Handle up and down slightly (from the bottom of
the stroke) while threading the Powder Die up/down with your fingers while holding the Powder Measure from
rotating. Lightly tighten the Powder Die Clamp Screw—further adjustment is required for case belling which is
discussed below.

Adjusting the Powder

Measure travel requires
loosening the Powder Die
Powder
Lock Screw the Powder
Die Clamp
Measure Clamp Screw with
Screw
a 5/32” and an 1/8” Allen
wrench

Rotate Powder Die Up or “Bellcrank Arm” must

down with your fingers to touch the Powder
achieve full travel of “Bell Body here without
Crank Arm” while gently over travel as the
cycling the Operating Operating Handle
Handle up and down at reaches the bottom
the bottom of the stroke of its stroke
with a sized case in this
station

8.5.5 Belling (flaring) the case mouth--With the empty case from the previous step in Station 2, cycle the Operating Handle
down and back up. Remove and inspect the case for proper belling—see below. Adjust-thread the Powder Die
up/down a small amount (~⅛ turn) at a time with your fingers while keeping the Powder Measure from rotating.
Place the case back in Station 2 and repeat the test until the proper amount of belling is attained. The desired
amount of bell/flare is just enough to allow the bullet to sit on the case's mouth without falling off/over and to keep
the case from shaving bullet material, especially with lead bullets. On handgun cartridges, a sized belled (flared) case
mouth diameter should measure approximately .010" larger than a sized case. Note-over flaring can be corrected by
gently resizing the case in the Size Die in Station #1.

Typical Dillon Measuring

Pistol Powder Belling
Funnel

sBelling taper of
Powder Funnel

Powder Funnel
Belling Case

No Belling Adequate Belling Excessive Belling

Bell case mouth just enough

to allow the bullet to sit on
the case mouth without
falling off/over and to keep
the case from shaving bullet
material

24
8.5.6 Powder Charge Weight Adjustment
• A scale that weighs in grains is required for this step. A Digital Electronic Scale is available from Dillon--
PN10483.

• Select a powder that is specific to the bullet caliber, weight and type of bullet being reloaded. Refer to
established bullet and powder manufacturers for reloading data such as Sierra, Hornady, Western
Powders, or Alliant Powders and reloading manuals such as the Hodgdon or Lyman Reloading Manuals.
• Verify that the correct Powder Bar is installed in the Powder Measure for the range of powders to be
dispensed.
• Select the powder charge weight in grains from the appropriate established reloading document and write
it down.
• WARNING! Put on safety glasses!
• Remove the Powder Measure Hopper Lid and fill the Hopper with the prescribed powder and replace the
Hopper Lid. Label the Hopper with tape or a sticky note as to what powder is in the Hopper.

Remove Hopper
Lid and fill
Hopper with
Powder

• Place a primed case in station 2 and cycle the Handle fully down. Remove the case and dump the powder
back in the Hopper. Do this at least 5 times to stabilize the Power Measure. Now, remove the case and
dump the powder in the pan on the scale. If the amount is incorrect, adjust the powder bar adjusting bolt
as required--Clockwise to increase the amount and Counterclockwise to decrease the amount using a 7/16”
wrench—see below. Measure the powder dispensed 3-4 times verifying that the dispensed amount is
stable.
25
 DANGER! WARNING!
• POWDER BURN RATES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT BETWEEN POWDERS FOR RIFLES AND PISTOLS.
• USING THE WRONG POWDER (PISTOL POWDER) IN A RIFLE FOR EXAMPLE) OR AMOUNT OF POWDER OR
MIXING POWDERS CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
• ALWAYS STORE POWDER IN ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
• NEVER MIX POWDERS.
• NEVER HAVE MORE THAN ONE TYPE OF POWDER IN THE RELOADING AREA AT ONE TIME.
• OBSERVE ALL MAXIMUM LOAD WARNINGS. (MAXIMUM LOADS MAY NOT BE SAFE IN YOUR FIREARM.)
• NEVER LEAVE POWDER IN THE POWDER MEASURE

• Typical Powder Shapes:

Flake and perforated disk Ball and flattened ball powders

8.6 Station 3--Bullet Seating Setup Cartridge Overall Length (COAL)

8.6.1 The Seating Die pushes the bullet into the case. How far the bullet is pushed into the case will determine the
cartridge's overall length--COAL. The maximum cartridge overall length depends on the following factors:
• Most loading manuals provide the COAL based on SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’
Institute) standards.
• The cartridge overall length specified in the reloading manuals for a cartridge is usually the minimum
length for that bullet/powder charge combination. WARNING! Avoid loading shorter than the minimum
specified length. This will seat the bullet deeper into the case which decreases the case volume and
increases the pressure. This may cause an overpressure condition, especially in pistol cartridges.
• The bullet must be seated deep enough into the case to provide enough “hold/grip” on the bullet.

26
 • The bullet should not contact the rifling/lands in the barrel when the cartridge is chambered. WARNING! --
seating bullets into the lands can cause an overpressure condition!
• The cartridge must fit the firearm’s chamber or magazine (if it has one).
• The bullet may have a cannelure(s) or a crimping groove that may be used to determine the proper COAL.

8.6.2 Installation of the Seating Die

• The Square Deal Seating Assembly consists of a Die Body that drops into the frame and an adjustable
Seating Stem that threads into the Shellplate. The Square Deal is shipped with one Seating Stem installed
and the other shipped separately. There is a third stem included for .38/.357 “wadcutter” bullets.

Wad Cutter
Seat Stem Flat Nose Round Nose
(.38/.357 only) Seat Stem Seat Stem

Adjustable Seating Stem Seat Die Body #3 installed in the

threads into Toolhead Frame below Toolhead

• Select the Seating Stem that matches the nose of the bullet being seated.
• Thread the Stem into Station #3 on the Toolhead using the Bench Wrench or a 9/16” Wrench. Start with
the Stem 5 turns down. At this point, the Die will not be down far enough to begin seating the bullet.

Select the Stem that best fits Thread Stem into Station #3 using the Bench
the nose of the bullet Wrench or a 9/16” Wrench 5 turns down—further
adjustment is required

8.6.3 Adjustment of the Seating Die

• Determine the overall cartridge length (COAL) required in your reloading manual.
• Place a belled case into Station 3. Place a bullet on the belled case mouth and lower the Handle. Then, raise
the Handle just enough to remove the cartridge. Use a dial caliper to measure the cartridge's overall length
(COAL). If the bullet is not seated deep enough, screw the Seating Die down 1/2 turn at a time which is about
.025”. As a guide, one full turn changes the seating depth about .050”, about the thickness of a dime.
Replace the cartridge in Station 3 and repeat these steps until the COAL is achieved.

Measuring
COAL

27
8.7 Station 4--Bullet Crimping
8.7.1 Crimping is the final operation in the reloading process in Station 4. Crimping removes the belling of the case mouth
from the previous neck expanding or belling step. Crimping provides added friction for “holding” the bullet by the
case.
8.7.2 There are two types of crimping--the roll crimp and the taper crimp. In general, taper crimping is used for semi-autos
with rimless cartridges and roll crimping for revolvers with rimmed cartridges. Excessive crimping can “buckle” the
cartridge case as shown below.

Roll Crimp

Taper
Crimp

Buckled case--over crimped

8.7.3 Roll Crimping—Generally for revolver cartridges

• The edge of the case mouth is rolled inward into the bullet during roll crimping, leaving a slight radius at the top
of the case mouth. Cast lead bullets or jacketed bullets may or may not have a crimp groove or a cannelure that
accepts the roll crimp. If there is no groove or cannelure, take care not to over-crimp the bullet. Over crimping
can damage the bullet and reduce the “hold” on the bullet due to the bullet being deformed and the brass case
springing back away from the deformed bullet. Crimping a bullet without a crimp groove should only reduce the
diameter of the brass case mouth/outer diameter .001-.003” maximum. A reduction of case mouth diameter
greater than .003” may cause bullet deformation and a loose bullet. It is not necessary to use the cannelure if
your COAL is not compatible with the location of the cannelure.
Bullet with cannelure Bullets with crimp
Bullet without cannelure grooves and filled
or crimp groove lube gooves

• Roll crimping a revolver bullet provides the extra hold between the bullet and the case to prevent the bullet from
being “pulled” out of the case during recoil. This can cause the revolver’s cylinder to lock up after a few shots if
a bullet is “pulled” far enough out of the case to contact the frame.

8.7.4 Taper Crimping—Generally for semi-auto cartridges

• A taper crimp flattens out the belling of straight wall semi-auto pistol cases from the previous step. Rimless
straight-walled or tapered cases such as the 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP cartridges headspace on the case mouth
and roll crimping and excessive crimping can shorten the cartridge case causing improper head spacing in the
chamber. Taper crimping is also used on bullets without a cannelure or a crimp groove.
• The gradual taper in the top of the taper Crimp Die should only reduce the diameter of the top edge of the case
mouth .001-003”.

28
8.7.5 Installation of the Square Deal Pistol Crimp Die
• The Crimp Die consists of a Crimp Die Body that drops into the Frame and a hollow Universal Crimp Adjuster Plug
that threads into the Toolhead that adjusts the Crimp Die body up and down varying the amount of crimp.
Thread the Crimp Plug in four turns as a starting point.

Insert Crimp Die Install Universal Crimp Thread Crimp Plug in 4

Body #3 here Adjuster Plug in Station #4 turns as a starting point

8.7.6 Adjustment of the Square Deal Pistol Crimp Die

• Place the cartridge from the seating step in Station #4 and cycle the Operating Handle down and raise it just
enough to remove the crimped cartridge. Measure the amount of crimp and repeat until the desired amount of
crimp is achieved

• Pistol cartridge caliber-specific case gauges are available from Dillon and replicates the SAAMI chamber
specification. They provide a quick check of the cartridge's crimp, diameter and case length. If the reload fits in
the case gauge, it usually fits in the gun’s chamber.

Dillon Pistol Case Gauge

29
9. CONVERSION AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES
9.1. Dillon has conversion kits for various calibers as noted in the table below:

P/N Caliber Shellplate Buttons Powder Funnel SDB Crimp Die SDB Seat Stem SDB Seater Die SDB Sizer Die
16774 32 S&W Long, H&R Mag D (12507) 3 (14060) S (12845), SW (13171) 32 S&W (16544) 32 S&W WC (16775), 32 S&W RN (16824) 32 S&W (16543) 32 S&W (22222)
20246 380 ACP 3 (12906) 3 (14060) F (13806) 380 Auto (11870) 9mm SWC (11302), 9mm RN (12313) 380 Auto (12198) 380 Auto (22207)
20240 38 Special / 357 Magnum 2 (13635) 2 (14062) D (13599) 38/357 (12279) 38/357 SWC (12158), 38/357 WC (11647), 38/357 RN (11429) 38/357 (12673) 38/357 (22201)
20229 38 Super (only) 5 (13440) 3 (14060) F (13806) 38 Super (12473) 9mm SWC (11302), 9mm RN (12313) 38 Super (12345) 38 Super (22208)
20275 38 Super Comp 3 (12906) 4 (14060) F (13806) 39 Super (12473) 9mm SWC (11302), 9mm RN (12313) 39 Super (12345) 39 Super (22208)
20241 9mm Parabellum 5 (13440) 3 (14060) F (13806) 9mm Parabellum (12497) 9mm SWC (11302), 9mm RN (12313) 9mm Parabellum (11525) 9mm Parabellum (22206)
20469 .40 S&W/10mm W (13523) 2 (14062) W (13600) 40/10mm (11801) 40/10mm TRUN (11048), 40/10mm SWC (12124) 40/10mm (12776) 11534 Body/ 15047 Carbide
20247 41 Magnum 6 (13284) 1 (13930) H (13240) 41 Magnum (11799) 41 Magnum SWC (12067) 41 Magnum (11794) 41 Magnum (22202)
20242 44 Special 4 (13504) 4 (14047) G (13427) 44 Spl / 44 Magnum (13036) 44 Magnum SWC (11880), 44 Magnum RN (12571) 44 Spl / 44 Magnum (11863) 44 Spl / 44 Magnum (22203)
21035 44-40 Winchester N (13095) 4 (14047) 4 (13474) 44-40 Winchester (10847) 44 Magnum SWC (11880) 44-40 Winchester (10722) 44-40 Winchester (10853)
20123 45 ACP / 45 GAP 1 (13653) 1 (13930) E (13782) 45 ACP / 45 GAP (11734) 45 ACP SWC (11303), 45 ACP RN (12476) 45 ACP / 45 GAP (11628) 45 ACP / 45 GAP (22204)
20248 45 COLT C (13112) 4 (14047) E (13782) 45LC (12588) 44 RN (12571), 45 COLT SWC (12619) 45 LC (11733) 11733 BODY/15054 Carbide
20417 45 S&W Schofield C (13112) 4 (14047) E (13782) 45 Schofield (11253) 45 Schofield RN (11210) 45 Colt (12306) 45 Colt (22205)

9.2. Caliber Conversion Procedure

9.2.1 Obtain a Caliber Conversion Kit from the above list. The contents of a typical Square Deal “B” Caliber Conversion Kit
are shown below.

Seat Die #3
Size Die #1
Crimp Die #4
Flat Nose Seating Stem
Round Nose Seating Stem
Shellplate
Powder Funnel
Spare Depriming Pin
3 Locator Buttons
Spare Locator Button
Conversion Storage Box

Square Deal Conversion Kit

30
 9.2.2 Shellplate Conversion Procedure
• Replace the Shellplate by first removing the three Brass Locator Buttons. Gently pull up on the Cartridge Ejector
Wire and rotate it out of the way of the Shellplate. Loosen and remove the Shellplate Shoulder Screws with a
1/8” Allen wrench. Remove the Shellplate. Check the area under the Shellplate and the Index Ball and Spring for
debris and clean as necessary.

Brass Locator Buttons and Gently pry up and rotate Remove Shellplate Bolt Clean the area under
store in Blue Conversion the Ejector Wire to the side and Shellplate and store in the Shellplate and the
Box as shown the Conversion Box Index Ball and Spring

• Replace the Shellplate making sure the Index Spring and Ball are still in place. Tighten the Shellplate Bolt down
snugly. Reposition the Ejector Wire. Make sure the Ejector Wire is not dragging on the Shellplate and the
Shellplate turns freely.

Reinstall Injector Wire

Install new Shellplate Tighten Shellplate Install new Brass Locator Buttons
Bolt just snug with an Allen Wrench from the Conversion Kit

9.2.3 Primer Size Conversion

 The Square Deal “B” comes with both Small and Large Priming Components. The size of the Primer Slide specific
for the cartridge order is installed and the alternate size is shipped separately.

 The Magazine Tube Assembly uses color-coded plastic Primer Magazine Feed Tips. The Large Prime Magazine Tip
is red and Small Primer Magazine Tip is blue. The Aluminum Magazine Small and Large Tubes have different
inside diameters. A Conversion Kit for the alternate size primer is included in the “Tube Pack.”

Large Primer Pickup

Tube—Green Tip (Yellow Small Primer Magazine--Blue Tip
Tip is Small)

Large Primer Magazine

Tube/Orifice Tip—Red
Tip (Blue Tip is Small)
(Exploded View 4)
Small Primer Slide with
Gold Cup PN20125
Large Primer Magazine--Red Tip
Small Primer Cup with
Silver Cup—PN20124
31
  Remove the Primer Assembly by lowering the Operating Handle down, and removing the three 10-24 Socket
head Screws with a 5/32” Allen Wrench that fastens the Primer Assembly to the frame.

3 Primer Assembly
Mounting Screws—
Note— the top
screw is longer
than the other two

 Remove the Rod and “pour out” any primers left in the Magazine Tube. WARNING!-any primers left in the
Magazine Tube will fall out inside the Magazine Shield when you pull the Primer Magazine tube out.
 Remove the knurled Primer Shield Cap from the Primer Magazine Assembly and, pull the Magazine Tube
assembly straight up out of the Magazine Shield.

Remove Shield Cap and pull

Magazine tube out of the
Magazine Shield Tube

 Insert the alternate Magazine Tube Assembly of the appropriate size--Red or Blue Tip into the Magazine Shield
and gently rotate the Magazine Tube until the tab on the Plastic Tip engages the slot down in the Primer Feed
Body, allowing the Magazine Tube Assembly to drop into place. Replace the Primer Shield Cap, making sure the
top of the Magazine Tube goes into the bore inside the Cap. Tighten the Cap just snug. Do not over-tighten.

Slot in Feed
Body for
Magazine Tip

32
  Retrieve the alternate Primer Slide Assembly. Disconnect the Primer Slide return Spring by rotating the Primer
Slide Assembly clockwise to disengage it from the Primer Slide Body

Remove the Primer Slide

Assembly by rotating it
clockwise
Disconnect the
Return Spring

 Install the replacement Primer Slide Assembly by rotating it into place as shown below. Re-attach the return
spring and remount the Primer Assembly to the Square Deal with the 3 Screws previously removed.

Re-connect the
Return Spring

Install the replacement Primer Re-attach the Primer Assembly with the 3
Slide Assembly by rotating it into Mounting Screws—Note— the top screw is
position as shown longer than the bottom two

 Gently cycle the Operating Handle to the priming position—full push stroke to the rear, to make sure there is no
binding of the Priming Cup in the Shellplate and the Shellplate indexes properly.

9.3. Die Caliber Conversion Procedure

 Remove the Powder Measure by removing the Spring Clip from the Fail-Safe Rod and disconnecting the Rod from
the Powder Measure. Put the Spring Clip back in the Rod-end for safekeeping.

Remove the Spring Clip and

33
disconnect the Failsafe Rod from
  Remove the Powder Measure Clamp Screw, Clamp and lift the Powder Measure up and off the Powder Die.
Empty the Powder in the Powder Measure into the original container cycling the Powder Measure right side up
and upside down.

Remove the Powder Slide the Powder Measure up off

Measure Clamp the Powder Die

 Remove all four of the 10-24 Socket Head Toolhead Mounting Screws and remove the complete Toolhead
Assembly exposing the Dies.

Remove all four Toolhead attachment

screws with a 5/32” Allen wrench Remove the Toolhead
Assembly exposing the dies

 Remove the Size, Seat and Crimp Die by pushing each one from the bottom with your finger.

Remove the Size Remove the Seat Remove the Crimp Die
Die from Station #1 Die from Station #3 from Station #4
34
 All Die Bodies removed

 Replace the Size, Seat and Crimp Dies--The Dies are numbered #1-Size Die, #3-Seat Die and #4-Crimp Die. They
drop into the Square Deal Frame in Stations #1, #3 and #4 as shown below.

Insert Size Die in Station #1 Insert Seat Die in Station #3 Insert Crimp Die in Station #4

 The following parts are universal and used with every caliber conversion. The Blue Friction Plate is sandwiched
between the Frame below and the Toolhead above. The Friction Plate keeps the treaded adjusting parts of the
dies from turning easily.
Deprime Assembly
Toolhead
Powder Screws
Die
Friction
Plate

Toolhead
Place the Friction Plate on the Frame and
Crimp then the Toolhead on the Friction Plate
Powder Adjustment Plug
Die Clamp
 Tighten the Toolhead to the Frame with three of the Toolhead Screws with a 5/32” Allen Wrench. Thread the
Depriming Assembly into Station #1 and tighten it against the Toolhead.

Install three
10-24 SHCS
Toolhead
Screws

35
 Thread the Depriming Assembly flush against the Toolhead using
the Square Deal Bench Wrench or a 9/16” Wrench

 Insert the Powder Die into the Powder Die Clamp and thread the Powder Die into Station #2 on the Toolhead
leaving approximately nine threads above the Clamp. Tighten the Clamp down to the Toolhead with the last
Toolhead Screw. It may be necessary to spread the clamp with a flat screwdriver to thread the Powder Die into
the Toolhead.

Thread Powder Die Tighten Clamp down

into the Toolhead to the Toolhead

Screwdriver blade Thread Powder Die into

spreading Clamp if Toolhead—leave nine
necessary threads above the Put Powder Funnel
Clamp as a starting point into Powder Die

 Each Conversion Kit includes a Seating Stem for Round Nose and Flat Nose Bullets. A few Conversion Kits will
also include a Seat Stem for a Wad Cutter. Select the Seat Stem that best fits the nose of the bullet being used.
Install the adjustable Seat Stem by threading it into Station 3 of the Toolhead five turns down as a starting point.
Wad Cutter Flat Nose Round Nose
Seat Stem- Seat Stem Seat Stem
(.38 Special)

Select the Stem that best fits Thread Stem into Station #3 using the Bench Wrench or a
the nose of the bullet 9/16” Wrench five turns down as a starting point
 Thread the Crimp Adjustment Plug into Station #4 of the Toolhead four turns down as a starting point.

Thread the Crimp Adjustment Plug into Station #4 using

the Bench Wrench or a 3/4”36Wrench four turns down as a
starting point—further adjustment is required
  Reinstall the Powder Measure by sliding the Powder Measure down over the Powder Die and securing it with the
Powder Measure Clamp/Screw. Secure the Failsafe Rod to the Lock Link Assembly with Spring Clip.

Slide the Powder Measure down Reconnect the Failsafe Rod to

over the Powder Die and secure the Powder Measure and secure
it with the Powder Measure it with the Spring Clip
Clamp-Screw

 Install three numbered Locator Pins from the Conversion Kit

Install three
numbered Locator
Pins

9.4. Powder Measure Conversion Procedure—Small to Large Bar—the Square Deal “B” ships with a small bar
 First, loosen the Powder Measure Clamp, remove the Clip from the Failsafe Rod and pull the Rod out of the Lock
Link Assembly hole and slot. Lift the Powder measure up and off the Powder die and dump all the powder out of
the Powder Hopper, cycling the Powder Measure right side up and upside down.
Remove the Powder
Measures Screw and
Clamp and lift the
Powder Measure up
off the Powder Die

Remove the Powder Measure

Failsafe Rod Spring Clip and
Failsafe Rod

37
  Loosen the Pivot Screw and Self-Locking Locknut that attaches the Lock Link Assembly to the Powder Measure
just enough to disengage the Drive Pin from White Plastic Bell Crank “Cube” in the Powder Bar slot.

Powder Bar
Drive Slot

Bell Crank White

Cube

Drive Pin

Bell Crank

Self-locking Loosen the Pivot Screw and Self- Gently disengage the Drive Pin in the Bell
Locknut on Locking Locknut on the back using Crank and White Plastic “Cube” from the
back of a 7/16” wrench and a 5/32” Allen slot in the Powder Bar
Pivot Screw wrench.

 Remove the Spacer Bar Retainer Plug and slide the Spacer Bar and Powder Bar and Spacer out of the Powder
Measure.

Remove the Retainer Plug and Slide Slide Powder Bar out of the
the Powder Bar Spacer out Powder Measure

 Slide the replacement Powder Bar into the Powder Body by pushing out on the Drive Pin and White Cube with
your finger to engage the drive slot in the Powder Bar.

Push out on the Drive Pin and “Cube”

while pushing the Powder Bar into the
Powder Measure to engage the Powder
Bar Drive Slot

Re-tighten the Pivot SHCS and the Self-

Locking Nut—do38 not over tighten—
check that the Lock Link Assembly
  Verify that the Powder Funnel is still inside the Powder Die. Slide the Powder Measure down over the Powder
Die and tighten the Clamp. Re-connect the Failsafe Rod and Spring Clip.

Gently slide the

Powder Measure
down over the
Powder Die and
secure it with the
Powder Measure
Clamp and Screw

Re-install the
Failsafe Rod and
the Spring Clip
9.5. Replacing the Depriming pin in the Depriming Assembly
 The Depriming Pin can be broken by foreign objects inside the case such as rocks, smaller cases or Berdan cases.
The Pin is easy to replace.
 Remove the Deprime Assembly from the Toolhead. Hold the 9/16” hex with a Square Deal Bench wrench or a
9/16” wrench and unscrew the Knurled Nut holding the Priming Pin in place with a pair of pliers or Vice Grips.
Replace the Pin (spares available from Dillon) or use the spare in the Conversion Kit Box and retighten the
Knurled N with the pliers.
Nut for
.32 ACP

Use the Square Deal Bench Wrench or 9/16” Replace the Depriming Pin and Depriming Assembly
end wrench and a pair of pliers to unscrew retighten the Knurled Nut

9.6. To Replacing the Battery In The Primer Early Warning System.

• Slide the Black Cover down and replace the AAA battery inside and slide the Black Sliding Cover back up into
position.

• Slide cover down

• Replace the AAA
Battery
• Slide cover back up

39
10. ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES
10.1. Shellplate to Primer Feed/Toolhead Alignment and Indexing
• CAUTION! The Base Disc (13690) and the two Base Disc Mounting Screws (13860 shown below) are factory aligned
and should not require service nor should be loosened or removed from the Square Deal Frame. Doing so may
require that the Square Deal be returned to Dillon for re-alignment.

Shellplate Bolt

DO NOT LOOSEN
OR REMOVE

Index Limit
Setscrew

• Before doing any adjustments to the Indexing or Priming System, verify that the Shellplate bolt 13328 above, is
securely tight and the Primer Slide is assembled correctly and to the proper height as shown below:

1.404±.005”

• Verify the Primer Cup to Shellplate alignment by Cycling the Operating Handle up and pushing it fully to the rear.
The Primer Cup (Silver or Gold) should rise into the Shellplate without interference (“catching—indicated by a
snapping sound”). The cup should be concentric with the hole in the Shellplate as shown below. Evaluate all four
positions in the Shellplate.

The Cup should not

drag or catch on the
Shellplate --check all
four pockets

40
 • If necessary, the first adjustment is to verify the Forward Position Primer Slide Stop Set Screw for the Primer Slide
Assembly. If the Primer Cup is too far forward and interfering/ “catching” on the front edge of the hole in the
Shellplate, back the set screw up until the cup is centered. If the Primer Cup is too far back and “catching” on the
back edge of the Primer Cup and the back edge of the hole in the Shellplate, adjust the set screw in until it is
centered and not “catching.” Note that the Shellplate alignment with the Handle in the at-rest position is controlled
by the Index Ball and Spring under the Shellplate and is factory-set and not adjustable.

Primer Cup slides

smoothly into
Shellplate without
“catching” in the
Front Back
hole in the four
Shellplate

Front to Back Front Edge Back edge Forward Position Primer Slide
Position Stop Set Screw
• If the Primer Cup is catching on the right edge of the Cup in any of the 4 Shellplate pockets as the Handle is cycled
fully up, the Shellplate is over-indexing. Adjust the Index Set screw in a ¼ of a turn and check all four Shellplate
positions again. Repeat until there is no interference between the Cup and the Shellplate. Make small adjustments
only. Again, the Shellplate alignment with the Handle in the at-rest position is controlled by the Index Ball and
Spring under the Shellplate.

Right Primer Cup

catching on right
edge of Shellplate
is over indexing—
Left turn screw in ¼
Index Limit
turn
Setscrew—turn in
to shorten
indexing--
clockwise

• If the Primer Cup is catching on the left edge of the Cup as the Handle is cycled fully up, the Shellplate is under-
indexing. Adjust the Index Set screw out ¼ of a turn and check all four Shellplate positions again. Repeat until there
is no interference between the Cup and the Shellplate.

Primer Cup catching

on left edge of
Right Shellplate—under
indexing—turn
Index Limit Set
screw out ¼ turn
screw—turn out to
lengthen
Left
indexing—
counterclockwise

41
10.2. Adjusting the Primer Drop Alignment in the Primer Feed Assembly
• Remove the 3 Mounting Screws and the Primer Feed Assembly from the Square Deal. Remove the Follower Rod and
dump out any primers in the Primer Magazine Tube. Remove the Magazine Shield Cap and the Primer Magazine
Tube. Remove the Magazine Tube. Compress the Primer Slide Assembly fully back against the Primer Slide Set
Screw Stop with your finger while shining a small flashlight in the opening as shown below. Look down the Shield
Tube and verify the Primer Hole in the Primer Slide is centered (concentric) under the opening in the Primer Feed
body as shown below. If not, adjust the Primer Slide Stop Set Screw on the back of the Square Deal “B” in or out no
more than 1/8 of a turn at a time to fine-tune the position of the Primer Slide. See the graphical depiction below

Remove the 3 Primer

Slide Assembly
Mounting Screws
and the Primer
Assembly

Primer Drop Cup Remove Magazine Shield Cap and slide Magazine
Position Set Screw Stop Tube up out of Magazine Shield

Push the Primer Slide WARNING! -Wear

Assembly firmly Safety Glasses
against the Set Screw
Stop with your finger

Shine a Flashlight here

and look down Primer
Shield Tube while
adjusting the Set
Screw in/out with an
Allen Wrench to
center the Cup in the
Primer Feed Body
Tube holding the all Correct
the way back with View down
your finger inside
Primer
Shield
Tube

End of Primer Cup Set

Flashlight Primer Cup Set Screw Stop— Primer Cup Centered in
Screw Stop
42 adjustment side Primer Feed Body
 • Reinstall the Primer Feed Assembly on the Square Deal with the Three Mounting Screws. Drop one primer in the
Primer Magazine. Push the Operating Handle fully to the rear, the primer seating position. Verify the primer is now
sitting on top of the Primer Punch as shown below. A small amount of over-travel to the rear for primer pickup is
acceptable.

Drop one Proper primer

primer in presentation
Magazine

11. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Square Deal “B”

No. Category Issue Corrective Action
1 Cleanliness The reloading process is inherently 1.Compressed air or a “can of air" and a 1” paintbrush are the reloader's “best
"dirty" because of residue from friends.” At the end of a reloading session, blow out the Primer Slide and
used primers, leftover corn cob Shellplate areas. A small paintbrush can be used for cleaning spilled powder.
from tumbling and spilled powder. 2.Periodically clean out the Size, Seat and Crimp Die with alcohol and swabs. They
The general reloading process of will get dirty over time.
sizing and seating bullets and
primers can also generate metal
particles. Live primer residue
along with leftover Case Lube are
other contaminants that need to
be cleaned up.

Brass residue can also build up on 1.Polishing the end of the Powder Funnel may also be necessary if the Funnel
the end of Pistol Powder Funnels in starts sticking inside pistol cases.
the flaring process.

2 Indexing Difficult Indexing 1.Make sure the Shellplate Bolt is tight.

2.Wrong size Locator Buttons.
3.Sticky gunk or debris under the Shellplate. --Remove the Shellplate and clean it
with alcohol.
4.Make sure the Ejector wire is not dragging on the Shellplate. --Adjust the Ejector
Wire height to clear Shellplate.
Shellplate over-traveling or 1.Index Ball and Spring are stuck down with gunk or debris. --Remove the
“jumping backward” after indexing Shellplate and clean the bottom of the Shellplate, Index Ball, Spring and
Spring/Ball Pocket.

Handle movement difficult 1.Powder or other debris causes jamming of moving parts.
2.Link Arm and/or Pins are worn or galled. —Clean and Relube.
3.Main Shaft or Wave Bearings are worn, sticky or dirty. --Clean and lubricate with
30 wt. oil. Do not use spray lubes like WD-40.
4.Priming System is not aligned with the Platform/Shellplate. —Realign.

3 Depriming Bending or breaking Depriming 1.Berdan case.

Pins 2.Smaller case inside the larger case.
3.Debris in cases.
4 Sizing Scratched Cases 1.Brass residue will build up in the Size Die (even carbide) over extended periods
especially if the brass cases are not cleaned well. This very hard brass residue
will leave vertical scratches on the case. Remove any hardened brass buildup in
the size die with Red 3M Scotch Brite wrapped around a wood mandrel. Chuck

43
 the mandrel in a drill motor and run it gently back and forth inside the size die to
remove hardened brass buildup. You can also use Sweets 7.62 Solvent. Remove
all Sweets residue afterward.
2.Dirty Brass.
3.New Brass has burrs.
Case stuck or sticking in Size Die 1.Insufficient Lube on the case.
2.Overpressure or” blown-out” case—Case is out of spec/oversize.
3.Alcohol from Dillon Case Lube is not given time to evaporate.

5 Priming Primers not feeding properly. 1.Stuck Primer in the tube. Discard Tube.
2.Damaged Magazine Tip or Tube. Replace Tip or discard the Tube.
3.Debris preventing Primer Slide from traveling far enough into the Primer Feed
body. --Remove and clean the Slide and Feed body, or clear with compressed
air.
4. Primer Cup on Primer Slide is not aligned properly with Magazine Tip.
Primers may stick on the end of the 1.Polish the end tip of the Depriming Pin, so the taper is gone. This gives a wider
Depriming Pin and be “pulled back tip, and the primer is less likely to get jammed onto it. Also, you can polish the
up” into the primer pocket tip of the pin, so it is less likely to get stuck in the primer anvil.
2.Make sure there are no “burrs” on the end of the Depriming Pin. Polish if
necessary and make sure that the Spring-Loaded Depriming Assembly is intact,
especially the “E” clip on top of the Depriming Bolt Assembly.
The Priming Cup is not picking up 1. Remove the Primer Magazine from the Magazine Shield. Caution! Any primers
primers reliably under the Primer left in the Primer Magazine will fall out. Push a small cloth patch, 3/8" x 3/8",
Magazine. Primers are being wet with alcohol, through the Magazine Tube several times to clean the interior.
caught in Dispensing Tip Verify the Dispensing Tip (Red or Blue) is not damaged--Replace if visibly
damaged—see below. Verify that the Primer Slide is assembled properly and to
the proper height as shown below:

"Fingers" 1.404±.005

Alignment Tab

2.To replace the tip, remove the old tip and gently start the new tip on the
aluminum Magazine tube. Make sure it is the correct size/color for the primers
used—Blue for Small Primers and Red for Large Primers. Put the Magazine Tube
in the Magazine Shield Tube and orient the tip in the mating slot inside the
primer feed body. Screw the magazine Cap on and gently use this to push the
magazine tip on the rest of the way—do not over-tighten.

Primer Slide is not moving 1.The Primer Roller or White Slide Bearing is dirty or worn. Disassemble and clean
smoothly back and forth the Roller and both sides of the Primer Slide Bearing with Alcohol and reinstall
using no lube! If worn call Dillon for a new Bearing.

Primer Slide Punch, Cup and or 1.Disassemble Punch (6), Cup (7), and Spring (8) by loosening Set Screw (9), clean
Spring are Dirty or have come apart with alcohol, and dry.
2.Re-assemble by fully compressing the Punch, Cup and Spring until they stop
moving and firmly re-tightening the Set Screw (9)—Compressing the
Spring requires some force—do not damage the top of the cup when doing this.
The installed height should be as shown below—1.404±.005”

1.404±.005

44
 Primer is not “Dropping" through 1.Perform a single primer drop test with the Magazine Tube out of the system.
the Magazine Tube Hold the Mag Tube vertically with the tip resting on a flat surface. Drop one
primer into the top of the tube, shiny side down. Gently pick up the tube. The
Primer should be sitting on the flat surface. If not, check the tip for damage and
or burrs on the semicircular "fingers." If no damage and the primer is caught in
the “fingers”, gently and very lightly open the two "fingers." Try the test again.
If still unsuccessful, replace the Tip and perform the test until successful.
Drop primer into top of
Mag Tube Held vertically
on a flat surface--Primer
should fall freely through
tip on to flat surface
1. "Fingers"

Crushed primers 1. Dirt or debris in Shellplate pockets. Remove with a pick or similar tool.
2. Crimped primer military brass. Military primer pockets must be chamfered or
swaged before priming.
3. “Ringed” primer pocket. A remnant of the primer cup remains in the primer
pocket after being de-primed.
4.The Primer Punch is not assembled correctly in the Primer Slide.
5.Wrong size/type primer for that caliber.
6.Abrupt or jerky movement of the Operating Handle. Cycle the machine using a
smooth motion. Slow down during the primer-seating step; be ready to stop if
the primer is not seating smoothly or there is excessive seating resistance.
A Primer is stuck in the Pickup or 1.Throw the tube away—Call Dillon for a new one at no charge! DANGER!!-Do not
Magazine Tube try to remove the primer!

High Primers—Primers are not 1.Shellplate loose. Tighten the Shellplate bolt down until it is snug.
seated flush or below flush with 2.Insufficient force/rearward travel of the Operating Handle during the Primer
the bottom of the case. seating cycle.
3.The Primer Punch is not assembled properly in the Primer Slide.
4.Square Deal is not fastened firmly to the reloading bench.

Unusual indentation in face of the 2.There are powder granules on the top of the Primer Punch Face imprinting into
seated primer the Primer—clean off/blow out spilled powder granules.

Crushed powder
granule imprinted into
primer

Used primers backed up in 1.The used primer track collects burned powder and primer residue—remove the
Shellplate—not dropping into Used Track Cover and clean the track under the plastic track cover on the right side of
Primer Cup on the bottom of the the Shaft.
Square Deal
White Plastic Primer Track
Cover removed
Primer Track

6 Case Flaring Erratic flaring (too much or too 1.Variation in case length. Measure cases, trim or discard cases out of spec.
-Belling little). 2.Handle not moving all the way down on each cycle.
3. Wrong Powder Funnel for that caliber.
4. Improper Powder Die adjustment.
5.Powder Measure loose on Powder Die.

7 Powder Brass residue can build up on the 1. Polish the end removing any brass buildup and lightly lube with Case Lube.
Funnel end of Pistol Powder Funnels in the
sticking in flaring process.
case

45
 8 Powder Inconsistent Powder Charges 1.Be sure that the Failsafe Return Rod Blue Wing Nut is tight enough to fully
Measure retract the Powder Bar. With the handle fully down, tighten the Blue Wing Nut
until two business cards just slip between the coils of the spring. Adjust Powder
Die height to obtain full Powder Bar travel.
2.Powder not settled in Hopper. --Cycle more powder charges until stable.
3.Wrong size Powder Bar for requirements. --Replace Powder Bar.
4.Powder Measure loose on Powder Die. --Tighten Clamping Screws.
5.Slow down cycling,
6.Small Powder Bar Spacer Plug missing. —Replace it.
Powder bar not moving smoothly 1.Dirty or gummy--Clean with isopropyl alcohol or acetone. Do not lubricate. Do
not use sandpaper, file or anything abrasive.
2.The Powder Bar, Small Bar Spacer or Powder Measure Body is galled or worn.
Return to Dillon for repair or replacement.
3.Failsafe Rod Assembly missing or disconnected.
4. Very fine-grained spherical powder like Win 296, H110 and some Accurate Arms
powders can get between the Powder Bar, Spacer and/or the Powder Measure
Body and bind movement.
5. Powder Bar Adjustment Bolt adjusted fully open against the stop. This can bind
the Powder Bar insert causing the Powder Bar to drag.
10 Bullet The case neck is crumpling when 1.On straight wall and tapered cases, flare the case mouth to at least .010" larger,
Seating the bullet is seated and up to .020" larger than a sized, unflared case.

Bullet falling through case mouth 1. The case was not sized.
or cartridge neck 2. The bullet diameter is incorrect. -- Check bullet.
11 Bullet The case is bulged, and the case 1. Raise the Crimp Die reducing the amount of crimp.
Crimping will not fit in the Case Gauge

12. CLEANING AND LUBRICATING THE SQUARE DEAL “B”--Operating circumstances will dictate the frequency of
required lubrication. Clean and lube the Square Deal every 10,000 cycles of operation. Use a high-grade,
conventional wheel bearing grease--do not use oil except as indicated below. The lubricants to be used are
chassis lube such as Schaeffer High-Performance Grease NLGI#229 High Moly Content (or equivalent) and
Supreme 7000 Synthetic Plus 30W Motor Oil or equivalent.
12.1. Dillon offers a Square Deal “B” Series Machine Maintenance Kit (PN22211) that helps maintain the Square
Deal “B”:
• Square Deal Spare Parts Kit--PN90715
• Compressed Air
• Pipe Cleaners
• Lubricating Grease Syringe
• Nylon Brush

46
12.2. Remove, Clean and Lubricate the Link arm bearings on each side of the press, the 4 Corner Wave Bearings,
the Mainshaft Pivot Pin and the Used Primer Track every 10,000 cycles.
• Remove the 4 BHCS (13896) that retain the Link Arms (13822) to the Frame and Operating Handle and the Link Arms.
The Mainshaft with the Handle attached will slide down out the bottom of the Frame.
• Clean and lightly Oil four corner edges of the Mainshaft and associated Plastic Wave Bearings with 30W Oil. Wipe off
any excess.

Use only 30 weight motor oil on

all four corners

DO NOT use a penetrating

lubricant such as WD-40,
BreakFree, etc.

• Loosen the Pivot Pin retaining Set Screw in the Operating Handle (13718) with an Allen Wrench and slide the Pivot Pin
(13622) out of the Mainshaft. Clean, apply grease and reinstall.

Remove Clean and

Grease Pivot Pin

• With the Mainshaft out of the Frame, carefully pry the white plastic spent Primer Track Cover from the right side of
the Square Deal Mainshaft and clean the primer and powder residue out of the Track. Reinstall the Track Cover.

Primer Track
Cover

Clean out Primer

Track Cover and
replace Cover

47
 • Clean and lightly grease each one of the 4 Brass Bearings (18077).
• Reinstall the Mainshaft in the Frame and reinstall the four Link Arms Brass Bearings, the two Link Arms in the correct
orientation (Dillon to the outside and right side up), Washers and re-tighten the Retaining Screws

Clean and apply

grease to inside and
outside surfaces of
all 4 Brass Link Arm
Bearings

12.3. General Cleanliness

• The reloading process is inherently "dirty" because of residue from used primers, leftover corn cob from
tumbling and spilled powder. The reloading process of sizing, seating bullets and primers can generate metal
particles. Carefully blow the system out frequently and remove any debris.

48
13. DILLON PRECISION Square Deal “B” EXPLODED VIEWS AND PARTS IDENTIFIER
13.1. Main Assembly

49
13.2. Frame and Lower Assembly

Index Assembly

Index Assembly
installed in Frame

Index
Pawl ⑭

50
13.3. Typical Toolhead Assembly (45ACP Shown)

51
13.4. Automatic Primer Assembly

52
 13.5. Primer Slide Assemblies—Large Primers--20124 Small Primers--20125

1.404±.005

1.404±.005

Small Primer
Slide

Large Primer
Slide

53
13.6. Primer Early Warning System

54
13.7. Automatic Powder System

55
14. RELOADING BASICS
14.1. Clean Brass Is Required Before Reloading
• There are many methods for cleaning fired brass, but the tried-and-true method is tumbling brass in a Dillon Vibratory
Tumbler with ground corncob or walnut shell media with 2-3 “caps-full” of Dillon Case Polish. Putting a "clothes dryer
sheet" in with the media helps control dust.

Dillon PN13804
Dillon PN20439

14.2. Lubricating Brass

• Pistol Brass—pistol brass should be lightly lubricated before sizing even if you are using a carbide size die. The most
effective lubricant for cases is lanolin/isopropyl alcohol-based, as in the Dillon Case Lube PN13733.
• Lubricate your clean cases by laying the brass flat on their sides in a shallow box or “cookie tray.” Pump three or four
sprays on the cases and shake the box so the cases tumble and roll. Repeat this process one more time making sure that
the lubricant is distributed over the cases. Let the cases dry for about 3-4 minutes before using them.

Dillon PN13733

14.3. Head Space—Case Sizing

• Headspace is an important reloading parameter. Cartridge headspace is the distance from the case head to the part of
the case on which the cartridge stops moving forward in the chamber. Chamber headspace is the distance from the
breech face to the part of the chamber that stops the case from moving forward. Headspace in its common usage (head
clearance) is the difference between the chamber headspace length and the cartridge headspace length or the amount of
clearance front to back the cartridge has in the chamber. If the cartridge headspace length is too long for the chamber,
the action will not close, and the firearm will not go into battery. If the cartridge headspace length is too short for the

56
 chamber (too much front-to-back clearance), the primer may not go off, you may get poor accuracy, stretched brass, short
brass life, flattened primers or case head separation.

• Cartridge types head space differently. Rimless auto pistol cases headspace on the mouth of the case. Rimmed cases
headspace on the rim.

• When a straight wall cartridge is fired, the case expands in diameter to take up all the available space in the chamber and
seals in the propellant gases. After being fired the cartridge case “springs back” so the case can be extracted from the
chamber. The case does not return to its original unfired dimensions. Therefore, the case must be sized. Sizing of the
straight-walled rimmed or rimless case swages the case back to its original diameter so that it will fit in any firearm and
hold a bullet. A bullet will fall through the mouth/neck of an un-sized case.

14.4. Documentation
• It is important to keep records of the important parameters that were used in reloading the cartridge in a record book
and labeling the cartridge storage container. A quantity of 100” stick-on” labels with loading parameters is available from
Dillion PN10446—see below. Recording additional data such as the Date and the Powder Lot number is also
recommended.

Reloading Stick-On
Label PN10446

15. PRIMER BASICS

• DANGER! Primers contain a small amount of a shock-sensitive chemical that explodes when struck by a firing pin or
hammer which then sets off the powder/propellant and provides an initial pressure to assist the propellant to reach a
self-sustaining burn. It is also part of the propellant gas sealing system. Primer elements are shown below. Primers
must be installed/seated to a recommended .002” to .006” (.008” Max.) below flush so that the Anvil contacts the
bottom of the primer pocket to provide reliable ignition.

57
• DANGER! Primers can also detonate if accidentally crushed. Never force primers or subject them to excessive heat. If
primers become stuck in the operation of the reloader, carefully disassemble the reloader and gently remove the
obstruction. Never attempt to clear primers that are stuck in either the primer pickup tube or the primer magazine tube.
Never, under any circumstance, insert any type of Rod into these tubes to push out stuck primers—PRIMERS CAN “CHAIN
DETONATE.” If a primer(s) is stuck in the magazine or pickup tubes flood the tube with penetrating oil/WD40, throw it
away and call Dillon for a free replacement. Never attempt to deprime a cartridge case with a live primer. Depriming a
live primer is dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.
• CAUTION!--Primers can leave a residue of primer “dust” behind especially if using a vibratory auto primer loader. An
accumulation of dust is a fire and an explosion hazard. Keep the loading area and equipment free of any accumulated
primer “dust.” Use alcohol and paper towels to remove this residue.
• WARNING!--Using the right primer is a critical issue in the reloading process. Use the primer recommended in your
reloading manual for that specific load.
• There are two basic types of cartridge cases and associated primers--Boxer and Berdan. The Boxer brass cartridge case
and Boxer primers are what is reloadable and discussed here. WARNING! --Do not use Berdan cases. Berdan cases will
destroy the depriming pin. Boxer primers will not seat properly in a Berdan primer pocket.

Boxer Case-
1 Flash hole Berdan Case-2
Flash Holes—not Courtesy of
Western Powders
reloadable

• There are two sizes of Pistol primers for Boxer Centerfire Cartridges:
• Small Pistol
• Large Pistol
• There are also magnum pistol primer varieties
• WARNING!--Reloading manuals specifically define the primer used for the cartridge and the bullet being
reloaded! Primers can dramatically affect the pressure, velocity and accuracy of the reloaded cartridge.
• SAAMI Standard Dimensions for Primers:

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 Dillon Precision Inc.
8009 E. Dillon’s Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-948-8009 1-800-223-4570
FAX 480-998-2786
Website: www.dillonprecision.com
E-mail: [email protected]

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