Dillon 550B set-up question

[maxxpower]

I'm slowly setting up my 550B and have a question. The best place for me to mount the press is on top of an existing cabinet in a workroom. Because the lip of the cabinet top is not wide enough for the Fender Washer on the Strong mounts I've had to push the mounting holes back to 3 5/8" from the edge in order to clear the wood underneath. This means that the handle is stopped by the edge of the cabinet top when I pull it down just at the end of its' travel. It stops when the Index Sprocket is about 1/4" from reaching the bottom of the toolhead.

My question is: does the handle actually need all of that travel to reach the bottom of the toolhead? I'd like to keep it mounted where it is if I can but, obviously, I'd figure out something else if this is going to present any issue now... or down the road.

 

[sar4937]

Yes, it needs all that travel.

 

[David Sinko]

The 550 does not auto index so my guess is that you might be able to get away with it. One potential problem is that the dies would have to be adjusted that much lower. I use mostly RCBS dies and some of the sizing dies are adjusted down so far already that I might not have even 1/4" of adjustment to spare. I solved my mounting problems by bolting a steel plate to the top of my bench and then mounting the press to the plate. That should give you more latitude in adjustment. And I'd suggest that you mount it so you can load while standing and not sitting. I have found standing to be much more comfortable.

Dave Sinko

 

[maxxpower]

Yes, it needs all that travel.

Pretty much figured that. Thanks.

 

[ENH]

+1 on the yes it needs all the travel. I have my old 550 mounted with just screws to allow it closer to the front of the bench. No need to use the bolts, washers and nuts.

 

[maxxpower]

I chiseled out a little slot under the counter top on the wood it's mounted to so the washers fit right in there. The press is now mounted correctly.

Thanks for the input.

 

[SWBigBang]

I am sure you could make adjustments to work with it in that configuration but would NOT recommend doing so for a number of reasons and the most being safety.

 

[Dan Cash]

I'm slowly setting up my 550B and have a question. The best place for me to mount the press is on top of an existing cabinet in a workroom. Because the lip of the cabinet top is not wide enough for the Fender Washer on the Strong mounts I've had to push the mounting holes back to 3 5/8" from the edge in order to clear the wood underneath. This means that the handle is stopped by the edge of the cabinet top when I pull it down just at the end of its' travel. It stops when the Index Sprocket is about 1/4" from reaching the bottom of the toolhead.

My question is: does the handle actually need all of that travel to reach the bottom of the toolhead? I'd like to keep it mounted where it is if I can but, obviously, I'd figure out something else if this is going to present any issue now... or down the road.

Yes, you must have all the travel. If the handle does not go all the way down, the ram will not come down far enough to prime the cartridge.

 

[walnutred]

Dan, my mind is getting fuzzy but I think my Dillon primes on the upstroke of the lever, not the down stroke.

 

[Amici]

Dan, my mind is getting fuzzy but I think my Dillon primes on the upstroke of the lever, not the down stroke.

It does on the 550. A short DOWNstroke will cause problems with sizing, powder charge, seating and crimping - which is to say, all other operations of the press.

 

[magnum12pm]

There is another option, such as the one I have called the Dillion Strong mount, shown below. Its the black part on the bottom of the press, which sets it up above the work bench, clearing the handle from the bench surface.

 

[Amici]

There is another option, such as the one I have called the Dillion [sic] Strong mount, shown below. Its the black part on the bottom of the press, which sets it up above the work bench, clearing the handle from the bench surface.

I have two 550's; one with the Strong Mount, the other without. If you get the Strong Mount, get a tall chair or plan to load standing up.

Note that the latter is what Dillon recommends. It is easier to look into the case to check powder levels, as well as providing good leverage. Can be a tad tough on the feet after 250 rounds or so, however.

 

[magnum12pm]

I have two 550's; one with the Strong Mount, the other without. If you get the Strong Mount, get a tall chair or plan to load standing up.

Note that the latter is what Dillon recommends. It is easier to look into the case to check powder levels, as well as providing good leverage. Can be a tad tough on the feet after 250 rounds or so, however.

I'm sitting on the chair I use, its quite comfortable.

 

[maxxpower]

There is another option, such as the one I have called the Dillion Strong mount, shown below. Its the black part on the bottom of the press, which sets it up above the work bench, clearing the handle from the bench surface.

I have the strong mount. In fact, before I just moved it it was just about the same distance yours is from the edge. Isn't your handle hitting your bench edge?

 

[SWBigBang]

Dan, my mind is getting fuzzy but I think my Dillon primes on the upstroke of the lever, not the down stroke.

Yes it does, but remember, on the down stroke it catches/fetches a new primer then on the up stroke it inserts the primer.

So, if the down stroke isn't far enough it may not fetch a new primer.

 

[magnum12pm]

I have the strong mount. In fact, before I just moved it it was just about the same distance yours is from the edge. Isn't your handle hitting your bench edge?

No, it runs smooth as can be, I have loaded 10 of thousands on it, never a problem. The handle bottoms out before touching the bench. If I lean forward a little I can see the powder in the case.

 

[Amici]

I'm sitting on the chair I use, its quite comfortable.

It's also level with the table, thus qualifying as a "tall chair." Chairs normally go UNDER a table.

Bet it beats standing, though!

 

[Mr. O]

I bought a pack of the rubber interlocking square floor mats from Costco, and have two stacked in front of the 550B. I can stand in comfort all day; so long in fact that boredom, not fatigue is the problem.

+1 for the strong mount and all the extras; bullet tray and brass tray holders. Really minimized shoulder and arm fatigue.

Mr. O

 

[Amici]

I bought a pack of the rubber interlocking square floor mats from Costco, and have two stacked in front of the 550B. I can stand in comfort all day; so long in fact that boredom, not fatigue is the problem.

My wife uses them for her exercise. I'll have to borrow them.

 

[sonny]

Yes, it needs all that travel.

Yep, it does.