Fatso Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Hi gents. I'm in the process of configuring my two 550b presses (long story), and I'm wondering if the roller handle is worth the money over the stock handle? If so, why? Seems like a lot of money for an option. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dthomas1003 Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Absolutely worth it. There is no comparison in the ergonomics between the two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
36873687 Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 One of the best upgrades yes it's worth it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatso Posted August 27, 2016 Author Share Posted August 27, 2016 Good enough for me. Thanks!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhowell309 Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 Depends on your definition of necessary, but it would be my first addition if I did it over again. And IMO, the Inline Fabrication handle is nicer than the Dillion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superluckycat Posted August 27, 2016 Share Posted August 27, 2016 3 hours ago, rhowell309 said: Depends on your definition of necessary, but it would be my first addition if I did it over again. And IMO, the Inline Fabrication handle is nicer than the Dillion. I set my 650 right off the bat with an Inline Fab handle so I have nothing to compare it to but it is sweet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatland Shooter Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I used the Dillon ball for right at 30 years. Decided to treat myself to something nice and bought the Inline Fab handle. Should have done it sooner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirty Rod Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I have one of each on two presses. After 15k rounds or so on each, I actually prefer the factory ball handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glock021 Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I could take it or leave it. It isn't a bad upgrade, but for me it wasn't a "why didn't I do this sooner" deal either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan1985 Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 For large batch runs the roller handle is much more comfortable for me. In smaller batches, I can live with the ball handle, but to me it is well worth the upgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalmlyDeMented Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Interesting. I've been thinking about upgrading to a roller, but I don't dislike the regular handle. I rarely load more than 200 rounds at a time though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kro77 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 I bad a regular ball and upgraded with a roller handle. It allows my to get into a better rythem than the ball. For me it was worth the money.Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Mitch Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Necessary. Ball handle is acceptable if there is no other option. Roller handle makes ball handle obsolete garbage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21 shooter Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 I have the Dillon roller handle on all three presses. I'm also going to try the Inline Fabrication handle in the near future. I was loading a lot at one time and started having problems that were similar to arthritis. Switched to roller handles and no more problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stangs55 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Necessary. Ball handle is acceptable if there is no other option. Roller handle makes ball handle obsolete garbage. This Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlmiller1 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Used a ball for 13 years or so approx 140k rounds. Bought & resold a press that had the roller & I upgraded 1 of my 650s. I like it a lot! I will be upgrading my other 650 with one soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husker95 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 I never understood why if the roller handle is that great, Dillon just doesn't make it standard issue and adjust the price slightly. I love my 550 (12 years now) and still have the ball handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toolguy Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Before the roller handle, I used a cotton glove on the hand or the toe end of an old sock over the ball. That allows the ball to turn in your hand without friction. Then I made my own roller handles and prefer them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
one-gun Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 (edited) 6 hours ago, Toolguy said: Before the roller handle, I used a cotton glove on the hand or the toe end of an old sock over the ball. That allows the ball to turn in your hand without friction. +1 re: avoiding hand-on-ball friction. I used to put a glove on my handle hand as it made it more comfortable for long reloading sessions. Then I got the Dillon roller handle. I got the plastic handled one because at the time I think it had a different shaped handle than the aluminum model and after discussion with a friendly Dillon rep, I chose the plastic. I've been happy. It may have just been me but be aware that I think the roller handle allows you to more easily put leverage/power into the stroke because I wasn't being very careful once and crunched in a crooked primer and set it off. At little startling but no worse for wear. Edited August 29, 2016 by one-gun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fatso Posted September 13, 2016 Author Share Posted September 13, 2016 Yep. Friction bad.The sock on the ball idea is unique. I'll use that for now, and I'll plan to grab a couple of roller handles.Thanks all!Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
9x45 Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 The roller handle doesn't any slip, like the ball, plus because it longer, you get move leverage on the press. Got mine on ebay for $25. Works on 650, 550 and the SD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bamboo Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 Love the roller handle on my 650. For my 550...Meh. Been using baby socks on the ball handle for almost 30 years now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IHAVEGAS Posted September 20, 2016 Share Posted September 20, 2016 On August 27, 2016 at 10:51 PM, Dirty Rod said: I have one of each on two presses. After 15k rounds or so on each, I actually prefer the factory ball handle. +1 on my 550. The ball can just roll in my palm and does not dictate hand position, more comfortable for me, so I sold the roller. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrguar Posted September 22, 2016 Share Posted September 22, 2016 You will definitely appreciate the roller handle especially when doing those marathon loading sessions. I am not sure why Dillon doesn't just make it the standard handle eliminate the ball ? Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IHAVEGAS Posted September 22, 2016 Share Posted September 22, 2016 1 hour ago, jrguar said: You will definitely appreciate the roller handle especially when doing those marathon loading sessions. I am not sure why Dillon doesn't just make it the standard handle eliminate the ball ? I think the ball is actually ergonomically more sound. If you hold your arm with your hand in front of you your palm will naturally be facing down, and if you have your arms relaxed at your sides your palms will naturally be facing your body. With the roller you constrain the natural pivot of your arm and I think the end result is that you ask more from your shoulder joint (at least I wonder if that contributed to me getting 'frozen shoulder syndrome' (a build up of scar tissue at the shoulder ball socket joint) after thousands of rounds with the roller). Probably at the end of the day whatever feels best likely is best for you, and differences in how we are constructed and how we position ourselves when reloading (I stand) probably play a part in what works best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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