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.
My reloading bench is constructed of 2×4’s framed out at 12” on center and has a double ¾” 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. Calibers like .380 ACP, 9mm and .357 Magnum showed no signs at all. Moving up into bottle neck rifle rounds was a different story. Running a press producing 5.56 didn’t generate too much flex, but it was there. Assembling 270 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor created more flex than I liked. I didn’t immediately run out and get a mount; but when I did, things were much tighter.
When I did finally break down and purchase mounts for all my presses, I also bought “T” track for my bench. Now, 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 Dillon Strong mount used on a Dillon 650 XL changes the bolted footprint from +/- 4.25”x 4.75” to +/- 10” x 10”. The length of each side is roughly doubled, but the surface area is increase by a factor of five. That can only provide more strength and stability.
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 putting the work much closer to eye level. This greatly reduces my bending and stooping when I am working while standing. It also reduces the amount of up and down when I reload 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.
