[Hydraulicman]

just got the aluminum handle today. it's pretty nice. Though you have to tighten that sucker down so it wont turn when you load. So far so good

 

[danattherock]

Sounds like a great upgrade. Sent a few PM's but posting here in case others have an opinion. Wife and I are heading to LGS now to pick up the roller handle. Before mounting might adjust the angle. Read where some folks bend the arm. Curious to what degree and how it effects performance. I plan to sit on a barstool, using strong mount, and I am 6'6". Guess some trial and error will be required, but being new to reloading, I was curious what the basic goal is with bending the arm. Any pics? How do you suggest bending it? Thanks for any ideas.


Dan

 

[IndyGunFreak]

Huh? The Dillon Roller Handle is already bent... or are you talking about something else? I'm not sure why anyone would want to bend it further.. It's quite comfortable how it is.. not to mention it could compromise the strength of the handle.

I'd get the roller handle, then build your bench to where you can comfortable stand and load.. I used to load while sitting and thought it was fine.. until I started standing while loading.

 

[unclebob]

Yes I have and use it. Make sure you get the Aluminum handle one. I see no need in bending the handle. I do have mine where the end of the handle is more facing back then straight or 90 degrees. More about 95,100. I load standing and stand to the left of the centerline of the press.

 

[Colorado4Wheel]

I had to lift the back half of a 6700lb truck nearly off the ground using my floor jack and sticking the handle in the 2"receiver JUST TO GET a small bend in the straight handle that comes with the press. The roller looks like it is made out of the same material and would be even harder to bend because of the odd shape. I can't imagine trying to bend it again in a controlled fashion.

 

[WeeWilly]

... I plan to sit on a barstool, using strong mount, and I am 6'6". Guess some trial and error will be required, but being new to reloading, I was curious what the basic goal is with bending the arm. Any pics? How do you suggest bending it? Thanks for any ideas.


Dan

I wouldn't spend any time worrying about roller arm bend at this point.

I am 6'1", use a strong mount, my bench top is 34" off the floor. My 550B is too low with this setup to comfortably sit on a bar stool. I have to load standing up as full range of motion on the roller arm has me shrugging over a little.

If I was your height, I probably would want quite a bit more height on the bench top (or spacing for the strong mount).

I would experiment with press height in your setup, higher is usually better (except for loading the case feed hopper, if you have one).


Have fun.

 

[cajun_chooter]

I love the primer alarm....Im glad it came with it

+1 for me.. : )

 

[danattherock]

Bench is higher than most, mounted it on 8" caster wheels. Will just mount roller handle and see how it goes. Turned out to be a pricey trip. Bought a Rock island 1911 tactical in 10 mm that is identical to a 9 mm I bought last week. Incredible shooter. $569, couldn't resist. Will put the roller handle on and crank out some ammo after dinner. Hope I like it as much as others.



Dan

 

[danattherock]

I totally misunderstood what I read earlier in this thread. Once I mounted the roller handle to my 550 tonight I realized it. The angle and 'bending' I read about was referring to the angle one sets the roller handle to. I thought folks were physically bending the arm, rather than simply just adjusting the angle of the roller handle. Just got my 550 running this past week. Limited insights obviously. After switching out the handles, I loaded some 10 mm. Love the roller and set it about 6-8 degrees inward, felt very natural from my slightly left of center barstool position.

Dan

 

[wlkjr]

I bought the OP's reloading setup and it was just the ticket. He had upgraded to an XL650 with case feeder and the whole nine yards. He sold it lock stock and barrel and there was a lot of extras with it. I'm especially glad it had the roller handle.
Thanks Ron, where ever you. I'm enjoying it immensely.:wavey:

 

[Steve Koski]

I had a roller handle. Didn't like it. Sold it. Adam's balls are better.

 

[GWG19]

The Roller handle is way to go. I love mine.
The Redding Die is awesome also. I load two different length OAL 38 Special for competition and it makes life easy.

 

[danattherock]

Would never have thought the roller handle would make that much difference. Put it on and loaded about 300 10 mm. Amazed at the difference. Should come standard on the 550B.



Dan