Strong Mounts

Reloading without a mount between the table and the press is something I did for at least a dozen years. I figured the double layer plywood top combined with the mount's base were quite strong. And they were. But strong and rock solid are two different things.

Where the flex shows up

My reloading bench is constructed of 2x4's framed out at 12" on center and has a double 3/4" plywood top with the bottom layer set 90° offset from the top for additional strength. For most reloading, I noticed little to no flex in the table top.

• .380 ACP, 9mm, .357 Magnum. No signs of flex at all.
• 5.56. Not too much flex, but it was there.
• .270 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor. More flex than I liked.

I didn't immediately run out and get a mount, but when I did, things were much tighter.

Mounts plus T-track

When I did finally break down and purchase mounts for all my presses, I also bought "T" track for my bench. The "T" track allows me to easily change out which press I am using, and the mounts make it a very secure and rigid reloading process while I work.

The footprint math

The Dillon Strong Mount used on a Dillon 650 XL changes the bolted footprint from roughly 4.25" x 4.75" to roughly 10" x 10".

The length of each side is roughly doubled, but the surface area is increased by a factor of five. That can only provide more strength and stability.

The part nobody mentions

What I didn't realize is how much more ergonomic reloading is when you raise the press up a reasonable amount above the bench. Having the press lifted up 6" makes a huge difference with the length of the lever stroke and puts the work much closer to eye level. This greatly reduces bending and stooping when working while standing. It also reduces the amount of up and down when reloading seated, although I did change out for a taller seat.

Sort of like buying a progressive loader, the mounts are something I should have done a lot earlier.