Strongmount? Do I really need it?

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Digger

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Getting ready to pull the trigger on a Dillon RL 550B. I plan on getting the machine, extra tool heads, caliber conversions, roller handle, and powder dies. My question is-do I really need the Strongmount? The top of my bench is 42 1/2" from the floor. I currently have a Rockchucker mounted to the bench, but it wears me out if I am loading more than 100 rounds at a sitting. I've been wanting one of these for a long time, and now I'm in a position to get one. Any advise? Should I get the extra bullet trays and bins? Thanks in advance.
 
I don't have or need a strong mount. It depends on your set up and bench height. The strong mount is a good thing in a lot of cases but I designed my reloading bench for use without one. If your Dillon will bolt to the bench at a comfortable height, no need.
 
I have the strongmount and the extra bins (bullet tray and empty cartridge). I personally like the extra height with the strongmount and can crank out hundred of rounds with no fatigue.
 
RacingBob nailed it. I run two Dillon 550B's mounted directly on my bench top and both are comfortable to operate when sitting in a chair, which I prefer to do. Never felt that I needed Strong Mounts.
 
I didn't buy a Strong Mount until I got a new bench that was substantially lower. If you are building a bench, then build one about 36" high and forgo the Strong Mount.
 
I'm a tall guy (6'4") I reload standing up and have always used the strong mount with my Dillon presses. I had an extra strong mount after selling my Square Deal B presses. I now use it with my RCBS Rock Chucker.
 
The popularity of StrongMounts is a strong indication that a lot of people have benches that are too LOW!
 
I run my 550 seated and do not need the strong mount.

I have no trouble picking brass and bullets up out of boxes on the bench beside the machine. The bullet tray would be handy if you did use the strong mount because of a low bench or if you wanted to stand instead of sit. I stand at my 1050, AutoCHamp, and MEC loaders, sit at the 550 and Rockchucker.
 
I suspect the Dillon strong mount was a solution for a design problem unique to Dillon presses. The geometry of the handle makes the assembly linkage swing under the mounting points of the base....this makes it nearly impossible for the handle to achieve full movement without hitting the edge of the bench. Solution is to either raise the press or cantilever the press out over the edge of the bench....or hack out a relief in the bench.

While the Dillon strong mount solves one problem it creates another for those with low ceiling clearance.....especially if using a case feeder.

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I load standing up with the press located on a 36" high bench, and for me the Strong Mount was a significant factor in my decision to buy a Dillon. It also distributes the stresses of loading across a much larger surface than mounting to the edge of the bench.
 
Seems kind of evenly split here. I might get the press and order the mount later if I feel necessary. I thought I might try to save shipping, but I'm sure there will be something else I want!
 
ranger335V: "The popularity of StrongMounts is a strong indication that a lot of people have benches that are too LOW!"

There you go again with that darn logic. ;)
 
I don't have one. I simply glued and screwed together 2 decent sized pieces of a thick plywood to make a base attached to the edge of my bench with several inches of overhang. It's very stable. I would have ended up doing the plywood base either way, so the strong mount would have been extra for me.
 
I don't have a strong mount & don't "need" it.
Although I'd like to get one, it can wait.

I always find better uses for the money.
More powder, more primers, more bullets, another gun... LOL
 
I have had one that came with a used 650 I picked up. It allowed the press to wiggle around too much for me, so I sold it. If you think it really makes things "strong" ask them why they don't make one for the 1050. For the different presses I have, I stole a nice adjustable height office chair from my wife, to use in my reloading room.
 
Just my personal tastes, but I'd never be without one. :D:D

I reload seated, and I like to have my eyes at the level of the bottom of the toolhead, so I can visually inspect every phase of the reloading process as it progresses. :uhoh::uhoh:
 
I have a strong mount for my dillon 550. It is very stable, and the height of the machine is just right on my bench that is 38" high. I also like that it keeps the machine from hanging over the front of my bench.
 
I've got one on a 650 and a 550. My bench is 22" high. I set down when I load and like the height as I run the press. I like the fact that it does keep the linkage from having issues with the bench top and it allows me easier access to the shelving under my bench. I have three 300's and they do interfere with puling boxes etc off the shelving.

Greg
 
I don't. I'm 6' 1" and my bench is also at 36". My 650 is mounted directly to the bench, although I did need to use an oak 1x6" to space it out a little.
 
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