My buddy has been perusing the Dillon catalog and is considering a 550B similar to mine. He asked about the optional Strong Mount, and since my Dillon significantly predates it, I didn't have a clue. Any of you Dillon users have a Strong Mount -- what does it do, if anything, beyond elevating your loader?
Dillon Strong Mount...
- Thread starter zippy13
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Kevin Rohrer
New member
I just added one to my 550. The reason I did it was to eliminate the 'Dillon Dip', which is caused by the long handle and its long travel arc. I can now stand or sit on a high stool and operate the press w/o having to lean down.
excelerater
Moderator
depends on hieght of your bench
I dont use one but my bench is cheat high and I have no issues
IMO the more directly mounted your press is the better (less bench movement and flex)
I dont use one but my bench is cheat high and I have no issues
IMO the more directly mounted your press is the better (less bench movement and flex)
I used to mount my 550 on a 2x8 and then clamp it to the bench (kitchen counter-top height). This was mostly b/c I was operating with limited bench space and would swap machines around depending on what I was doing.
This is an older 550 (round-knob era) and there was a bit of the Dillon-dip cycling the press. Not very noticeable or particularly uncomfortable though. I'd load from a kitchen stool just fine. Plucked bullets and cases from unattached bins sitting on the bench-top.
Then I decided to try a Strong Mount. It is (as the name implies) a sturdy piece of hardware. Added the bullet tray but still pull brass from a free-standing bin. I sit a bit more upright while operating the press and there's no ducking and bobbing. I can load from a tall lab stool or standing.
I've been happy with the elevated mount, but it is not a quantum leap forward. I could invest in the brackets to mount the brass bin but haven't felt the need. I do like the bullet tray quite a bit though.
The area under the mount is kind of a "no man's land" and collects debris (spent primers that miss the cup, etc.).
It is actually a little harder to directly see what is going on with each cartridge as it rotates through the progression. I went through a period where my primer tube was doing a lousy job of dispensing a new primer into the punch each time. With the elevated mount, I'd miss the empty punch frequently which resulted in a loaded round with no primer and a trail of leaked powder (PIA). A phone call to Dillon resulted in a complete new primer feed assembly (no cost to me) and it has operated flawlessly ever since.
Since its a 550 there is no powder check other than visual and this is harder to do b/c of the angle. That might be a consideration when you're reloading in bulk. I know some folks have mounted lights directly to the press, but the area in the "O" is shadowed so visual inspection is already hindered a bit.
All in all, the pluses and the minuses balance out. I'm happy with the set up and the Dillon is my "go to" machine for volume pistol reloading. I also use it for loading volume 5.56 with the first (sizing) stage removed. I do the brass prep in advance and use the press to charge, seat, and crimp only.
This is an older 550 (round-knob era) and there was a bit of the Dillon-dip cycling the press. Not very noticeable or particularly uncomfortable though. I'd load from a kitchen stool just fine. Plucked bullets and cases from unattached bins sitting on the bench-top.
Then I decided to try a Strong Mount. It is (as the name implies) a sturdy piece of hardware. Added the bullet tray but still pull brass from a free-standing bin. I sit a bit more upright while operating the press and there's no ducking and bobbing. I can load from a tall lab stool or standing.
I've been happy with the elevated mount, but it is not a quantum leap forward. I could invest in the brackets to mount the brass bin but haven't felt the need. I do like the bullet tray quite a bit though.
The area under the mount is kind of a "no man's land" and collects debris (spent primers that miss the cup, etc.).
It is actually a little harder to directly see what is going on with each cartridge as it rotates through the progression. I went through a period where my primer tube was doing a lousy job of dispensing a new primer into the punch each time. With the elevated mount, I'd miss the empty punch frequently which resulted in a loaded round with no primer and a trail of leaked powder (PIA). A phone call to Dillon resulted in a complete new primer feed assembly (no cost to me) and it has operated flawlessly ever since.
Since its a 550 there is no powder check other than visual and this is harder to do b/c of the angle. That might be a consideration when you're reloading in bulk. I know some folks have mounted lights directly to the press, but the area in the "O" is shadowed so visual inspection is already hindered a bit.
All in all, the pluses and the minuses balance out. I'm happy with the set up and the Dillon is my "go to" machine for volume pistol reloading. I also use it for loading volume 5.56 with the first (sizing) stage removed. I do the brass prep in advance and use the press to charge, seat, and crimp only.
Edward429451
Moderator
I have strong mounts on both of my 550s. Like Kevin said, it's nice to be able to sit or stand while reloading.
Kevin Rohrer
New member
I added a Strong Mount and my Dillon Dip problem went away. Now I can sit on my stool or stand and cycle the press w/o having to lean down.
This could be a consideration if you are FL resizing large cases, but anything =<.223 should not be consideration. I am only loading pistol rounds and the press does not move. The Strong Mount is made of thick, heavy sheet steel and the 1/4" nuts and bolts they include are plenty big. Interestingly enough, the instructions say to drill 5/16" holes, but 1/4" holes work fine.
You are right about all this, and it is a problem that I am concerned about; it's why I considered moving to a Star or a PW. A powder check station would have been nice. I wish I could get a 650 w/ manual cycling. The light you see goes a long way to solve the problem, but as you say, with the design of the press, the 'O' gets in the way of visually inspecting powdered cases. One solution would be to move the crimp die to another press and replace it with the bullet seating die, then add a powder check die to the normal bullet seating station.
This could be a consideration if you are FL resizing large cases, but anything =<.223 should not be consideration. I am only loading pistol rounds and the press does not move. The Strong Mount is made of thick, heavy sheet steel and the 1/4" nuts and bolts they include are plenty big. Interestingly enough, the instructions say to drill 5/16" holes, but 1/4" holes work fine.
You are right about all this, and it is a problem that I am concerned about; it's why I considered moving to a Star or a PW. A powder check station would have been nice. I wish I could get a 650 w/ manual cycling. The light you see goes a long way to solve the problem, but as you say, with the design of the press, the 'O' gets in the way of visually inspecting powdered cases. One solution would be to move the crimp die to another press and replace it with the bullet seating die, then add a powder check die to the normal bullet seating station.
I have a "home-made" strong mount for my 550B. I made it when I was a metal shop high school teacher. Looks quite a bit like a "real" one, finished with black crinkle paint. If one has the resources, one can copy.
I find that the strong mount for a 550B is almost essential. However, the roller handle and bullet container are either not needed or can be alternatives.
I find that the strong mount for a 550B is almost essential. However, the roller handle and bullet container are either not needed or can be alternatives.
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I have strong mounts on both of my Dillon SDB presses and it is the only way I would go. I can sit on a stool in front of my bench and load comfortably. I found a little flex stem light at TSC and clipped it to the primer tube on the press. I flexed the light so it shines in the number 3 spot so I can check powder level in every round as it goes through the process.
l98ster said:
Not really accurate, while it does elevate the press, case feeder and other accessories can be used without one. Problem with a strong mount when used with a case feeder is ceiling clearance height....for those with basement man caves in older homes this can be an issue.
The strong mount is a solution for what I'd call a Dillon design flaw. The linkage geometry is such that to get full stroke it swings under the press mounting base.....if you don't elevate the press your options are to notch out the edge of the bench for clearance or cantilever the mount.
This one is a 650XL but you get the idea.
Kevin Rohrer
New member
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Kevin Rohrer
New member
Absolutely, although I wouldn't call it a 'flaw'. Dillon made a conscious decision to make the 550/650 as versatile as possible while economizing on the design. When it was designed, all presses hung down below the bench and Dillon gave their presses a long stroke to accommodate both pistol and rifle cartridges. Dillon does not make low-quality, poorly designed junk, like some other manufacturers we can name.
Having written that, after having spent years bumping against my Rockchucker, when I expanded my bench to it's present appearance, I made a conscious decision not to have anything hanging down and getting in my way. The Strong Mount solves that complaint I have w/ my 550.
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Yes, I have a "Stong Mount" on my 650 and I like it / think its a good value.
It elevates the loader to a level / where I can sit on a stool and reload comfortably - it also allows for proper clearance over the bench top and the loader handle bottoms out.
You can make a homemade stand - but it needs to be good and stiff.
It elevates the loader to a level / where I can sit on a stool and reload comfortably - it also allows for proper clearance over the bench top and the loader handle bottoms out.
You can make a homemade stand - but it needs to be good and stiff.
CPTMurdoc30
New member
I got the strong mount and I would tell anyone who is looking to get a dillon to buy it. For $40 it is a great piece of hardware.
Strong Mount "It's in the name"
The name answers your question. Adding the Strong Mount expands the presses mounting base area. A larger footprint for mounting creates a more stable press.
I have them on my 550 and 650 and never sit to reload. Too much going on to sit even when loading 1,000 rounds. That said, I stand on a thick rug with a thick rubber (spongie) mat under the rug. Comfortable shoes or boots are also a must. I mounted a desk light, the kind with the zig-zag spring loaded arms so I can point it just where I need it.
I store rags in that dead area under the mount!
The name answers your question. Adding the Strong Mount expands the presses mounting base area. A larger footprint for mounting creates a more stable press.
I have them on my 550 and 650 and never sit to reload. Too much going on to sit even when loading 1,000 rounds. That said, I stand on a thick rug with a thick rubber (spongie) mat under the rug. Comfortable shoes or boots are also a must. I mounted a desk light, the kind with the zig-zag spring loaded arms so I can point it just where I need it.
I store rags in that dead area under the mount!