Dillon 550c

As most people take their hand off the handle on every stroke for the 550, a roller handle doesn’t make as much sense as say the 650 or 1050. I actually found it to be slightly inconvenient on the 550 and highly prefer the ball handle. (My preferences, yours may vary.)

The strong mount is give-or-take. @jmorris is spot on with his comments about them being two pieces of sheet metal. I bought my 550s second hand, and they came with them, so I’ve continued to use them. Otherwise, I definitely wouldn’t pay the $60 they are asking for them. Bolt directly to the bench, or to a plate on T-track.

I suppose one alternative reason is using a bench that wasn’t built at the necessary height and wanting to get the press higher for visual purposes.

My 550 is mounted to the bench on an Inline QD plate, no riser. I load seated; the riser or Strong mount would put it up to where I would have to stand at the press. So it is not a casual choice, it makes a big difference in operator position.
I stand at the 1050 and MEC, sit at 550 and Rockchucker.

Since we are talking about mounts, I use the inline quick change flush mount for the bench and the storage dock they make for the wall. I have 3 presses and a Dillon swaging tool mounted on these quick change mounts and only need one flush mount on the bench.Once I am done with the press, I move it to the storage dock mounted on the wall the the press doesn't permanently take up room on my reloading bench.

https://inlinefabrication.com/collections/quick-change-press-mounting-system

9mmepiphany said:

If you want the better visual advantage of a raised mount, as well as the better force distribution of the wider footprint, you'd be much better off getting the Ultramount from Inline Fabrication...it isn't sheet metal and there is a cross brace.

With a 550, since you need to take you hand off the handle after each stroke, I dont think you gain anything with the roller handle

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I like the roller handle...feels better than the std ball handle and is easier to grip and not rotate my hand in an odd manner. I really realized this when using the Rock Chucker I recently bought.

The Dillon "strong Mount" is pretty lame...I don't regret having it as it makes my 550 the perfect height for me to loading standing there, but the Inline looks to be a much nicer unit for an extra $20. That said though, the Dillon mount is perfectly fine, I have no complaints. It is also easy to bold up the added 22214 bullet tray and 11185 bin kit I bought as the Dillon mount is pre drilled and install is super easy.

Both my 550's are mounted to the bench directly so I can sit and load, I had the roller handle and returned it as it aggravated my tendinitis in my elbow for some reason, but the ball doesn't, go figure.
JW

mine has the dillon mount , roller handle, the bullet try and bins that attach to the mount works very well for me

JamieC said:

What are opinions on the standard ball handle versus the roller?

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What the Roller Handle does is spread the operating force over a larger area of the hand. It's very handy to have to reduce or prevent hand and shoulder pain. If you are of the age where back and shoulder pain is a consideration it can be a very nice option to have. I purchased the less-expensive plastic version years ago and have really enjoyed it. But it's an option you can add in a year or five.

JamieC said:

Is the Strong Mount necessary? Why not bolt directly to the bench?

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Without the Strong Mount, the 550 will need to mount on the very front edge of your work bench. This is typically the weakest and least supported area of a workbench. The 550 will over-hang the front edge of the bench, which will only increase the amount of flexing you experience as you operate the press. (Envision a diving board !!) Realize that the press does NOT flex by itself; it's all done strictly because of your muscular effort.

What the Strong Mount does is move the press to a much more stable location on the workbench. The stronger location means the press moves much less with each operation. That in turn means your body is supplying much less effort in order to do the same amount of work. Which of course means you won't be as tired, and won't have as much muscle pain.

The Strong Mount also makes possible the mounting of other options, such as the Bullet Tray, which can be extremely useful.

Hope this helps.

That’s a valid point. I did make a mount off the side of the strong mount I had to hold another akro bin for bullets.

With the presses mounted directly to the bench I just set the box next to the press.

The Strong Mount also elevates the press. If you don't want it higher than the bench, get the Inline flat plate to reinforce the edge of the bench.

Bolted my BL 550 directly to my table, makes for a good height for sitting.
I prefer to sit while loading, I think I'm more patient that way.

Was going to get the roller handle, but the ball handle works well and feels fine to my arthritic hands.

Didn't buy any bins or brackets, with the press low, my regular containers on the table work fine.

The 550 is a very good press for the money, but Dillon accessories aren't cheap.

i got two 550's and both are on strong mounts now. back when i got them in the mid 80's i had them mounted on the bench. later i made a wood home made strong mount to rase them up. then i got the dillon strong mounts when i made a new reloading bench. the strong mount to me is the best thing going. i got the roller handle and have tried it several different times. but it does not fit me, for some unknown reason it just don't work for me.

On occasion I use various machines, Lyman TMag, RCBS Lube sizer, Mec 650 and the Dillon 550. I have this bench I built as a retirement wood working project and it doesn’t have the room for all the presses. The solution for me was to to build oak platforms for the presses with a three point permanent attachment system built into the bench. Changing a press I simply remove three machine screws and set the press aside.

These days it’s pretty much the Dillon 550. The bench was built using NRA guide lines so for me is the right height

I decap and wet tumble 45C black powder brass frequently so the turret press stays c clamped to the end of the bench a lot.

Due to physical issues I can't stand up for any length of time.
The strong mount would be uncomfortable for me.

I have 2 550s, 1 has the ball handle & 1 has a roller handle
I really don't notice a difference.
So personally I wouldn't spend the extra $50
But YMMV

Like you, I have some Lee presses, but really wanted to try a Dillon. Less lever pulls was what I really wanted. I paid $300 for my 550 used with both 9mm and 45acp conversion kits, dies, Two tool heads and all the other factory stuff. The warranty is still the same. Look around , you may find a deal.
David

rfwobbly said:

Without the Strong Mount, the 550 will need to mount on the very front edge of your work bench. This is typically the weakest and least supported area of a workbench. The 550 will over-hang the front edge of the bench, which will only increase the amount of flexing you experience as you operate the press. (Envision a diving board !!) Realize that the press does NOT flex by itself; it's all done strictly because of your muscular effort.

What the Strong Mount does is move the press to a much more stable location on the workbench. The stronger location means the press moves much less with each operation. That in turn means your body is supplying much less effort in order to do the same amount of work. Which of course means you won't be as tired, and won't have as much muscle pain.

The Strong Mount also makes possible the mounting of other options, such as the Bullet Tray, which can be extremely useful.

Hope this helps.

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Agreed, the Strong Mounts provide some mounting options and accessory options that improve the reloading experience. They are a good option when using commercially available work benches and tables.

But, with a properly designed reloading bench that takes into account the forces generated by the press, flexing is not an issue.

I've designed and built stiff free standing press stands for all my presses, progressive and single stage. It gives me some flexibility in moving my presses around and storing those not in use.

jmorris has a fantastic metal reloading bench with trusses to stiffen the bench. You can see a portion of the bench in his post #35.

Whether to get a strong mount or not depends on the height of your work bench.
Mine is just right without any added height.

Also, I have 2 550s, 1with a roller handle and 1 with the ball.
I don't notice any preference.
So if I got a 3rd one I wouldn't bother with the added expense of another roller.

Just my 2cents worth. YMMV