The truth about the Dillon Warranty

MtnBiker · 06-11-2011, 19:53

I’ve had my Dillon Square Deal B (SDB) for over 20 years, maybe 23. If it was an automobile; I’d have long ago called it “fully depreciated”.
I’m not a heavy hitter reloader. I’d estimate more than 20 k but less than 40 k reloads have gone through the SDB.
Several days ago, I was knocking out some .45 ACP reloads and the press lurched. Upon examination, I realized the frame had actually cracked where the last bolt in the back strap was anchored to my reloading bench. It no longer held the press stationary as it was used.
I took 3 pictures of it with my cell phone and sent an email to Dillon Precision asking “What’s my next move?”.
That was Saturday. On Monday I got an email with an RMA # and the address to send it to. No questions about had I mistreated my SDB? How long had I owned it? Just “Send it back”.
I boxed it up and shipped it out. A couple of weeks later (yesterday) the press was returned to me. I had sent back the frame and main components, no tool head or dies. The unit I got back is either entirely new or comprised of new and refurbished parts. The part that broke is entirely new and judging by the improved engineering of that part of the frame, unlikely to break again. Oh, no charge by the way.
So in this economy, the USD may not be worth as much; jobs and pensions may be doubtful. Even so, the Dillon Warranty is still no B.S. and in full force. Count on it!

PCJim · 06-11-2011, 20:29

A friend had the exact same thing happen on his SBD frame two weeks ago. His is at Dillon now for "corrections". He informed me that the SBD carries a unique warranty over the other Dillon presses. I believe he said free shipping (your RMA return), as well as free servicing (as opposed to the $48 they want to service my 550b).

You can't beat Dillon's service, Period.

Colorado4Wheel · 06-11-2011, 20:45

Rebuilding a non-broken press will cost you. Rebuilding a broken press is free.

jmorris · 06-11-2011, 20:46

if you have owned them that long, my two used to be SD's, at least until they sent them back as SDB's.

As a business owner, I have to say hats off to what they can and will do.

AA#5 · 06-11-2011, 20:57

That's nice of Dillon.

I also have to compliment RCBS. A few years ago, I phoned RCBS & told them my 25 year old Rockchucker had some side-to-side play. They sent me a new ram & all hardware along with the more-comfortable ball handle. Also no questions about age.

ursoboostd · 06-12-2011, 14:14

Nice to hear as I have dropped some coin on my Dillon equipment. -Wade-

Frost · 06-13-2011, 09:39

A few years ago I bought a basket case 650 from an old woman. Her husband had died and when she was cleaning out his junk she put the press and all the associated things in a box in the garage. Several years go by and a coworker told me she had all it just sitting. I mentioned it to her a time or two but she said she didn't want to dig out the boxes.
Then the day came her car was in the shop and she needed money so out the boxes came. I paid her the amount of the bill on her car which honestly was more than the equipment was worth but hey sometimes we need to pay forward right?
Well long story short I packed it all up and sent it off to Dillon.
Being honest I told them I was not the original owner but they really did right by me.
They refurbed the entire thing and sent it back.

I expected to have more in it than a new one after getting it rebuilt but all it cost me was the shipping.
Now that's customer service!

cole · 06-13-2011, 11:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

Rebuilding a non-broken press will cost you. Rebuilding a broken press is free.

This is correct.

MY SBD frame cracked as well. And, it's cracked a handle, shell plate and link arm, plus a few more small parts. All replaced no B.S. The "truth" about the no B.S. warranty is there is no fine print and it's no B.S. Pretty simple. It's sad we've become so accustomed to fine print negating "sales pitch" large print. Dillon rocks!

kostnerave · 06-22-2011, 22:38

I also have two twenty year old Sd's and over the years have managed to break a handle or two and a few small parts and they have never ask how it broke or why. Just said the parts will be in the mail tonight. NO BS good folks to do business with.

fourrobert13 · 06-22-2011, 23:42

I've had nothing but good experiences with Dillon. My SDB took a dump in February, and Dillon sent me the replacement parts no questions asked. I bought the press used, so that was even better and it didn't cost me a thing.

Jim Watson · 06-23-2011, 06:50

My SDB cracked the frame at the rear bolt flange. The SECOND time, it came back with a reinforced frame there. They also said to mount it to a hard surface, not soft wood. I put it down on a piece of hard laminate, if I still had one, it would go on metal.

I even got an upgrade advance lever for my Super 1050 but I had to ask for the right guy who had advised me on Benos. The first clerk/tech wanted to charge me $71 for it but my www contact sent it out at no charge.

SigFTW · 06-23-2011, 08:31

Second owner on my 550B and has some minor items brake. Dillion sent all the parts for free.

Dillon is an expensive press and the accessories are also costly however, the warranty makes it worth the money. You have confidence that your press and the accessories will be with you for a long time.

Poverty Wagon · 06-23-2011, 13:13

I had a similar story to the OP. I had an original SD (not the SDB) from some 25 years ago. I pulled it out of the attic so I could get back into reloading. I live in Phoenix so I stopped by Dillon's shop with the press in a box and asked them to rebuild the plastic parts and anything else that needed replacing. Got it back 2 weeks later and they replaced almost the entire thing because they found a frame crack. All under warranty. I try to support them with my business whenever I can.