NoSteel Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 Well, after over a year of running with the aluminum roller handle that came on my 550B I purchased used I decided to give the standard stick shift and ball a try. What a difference!!!! I find it MUCH easier to operate the press and find it less tiring. Anyone else decided to do the same? I've only run a couple of hundred rounds thru it this way but found it a lot easier on the arm especially when seating the primers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Smith Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 Well, after over a year of running with the aluminum roller handle that came on my 550B I purchased used I decided to give the standard stick shift and ball a try. What a difference!!!! I find it MUCH easier to operate the press and find it less tiring. Anyone else decided to do the same? I've only run a couple of hundred rounds thru it this way but found it a lot easier on the arm especially when seating the primers. I have mixed feelings. I like the pull stroke using the roller and the push stroker (primer) with the ball. But overall, I prefer the roller. I guess that there's just no pleasing some people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
98sr20ve Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 I prefer the roller. Especially now that I load standing and have a little more movement in my body. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nik Habicht Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 On a 650 and 1050, and I suppose on a 550 with casefeeder, I strongly prefer the roller handle..... That flips though if we're talking about the SDB or a casefeeder-less 550 -- then I actually prefer the ball... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steel1212 Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 On a 650 and 1050, and I suppose on a 550 with casefeeder, I strongly prefer the roller handle..... That flips though if we're talking about the SDB or a casefeeder-less 550 -- then I actually prefer the ball... I have a 550 with out casefeeder and I love the roller handle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benos Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 The Roller Handle Poll has been steadily between 85-90% in favor of the roller since I started it 2004. be Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JThompson Posted April 14, 2010 Share Posted April 14, 2010 (edited) I have a bad wrist the the roller is the absolute worst for that wrist. I like the ball because I can use different parts of the hand and wrist. Plus it reminds me of my old Ventura with the Hurst in it! Sometimes I make shifting noises along with the requisite Waaaaa Ahaaaaaaa Ahaaaaaa! Edited April 14, 2010 by JThompson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HotIce Posted April 17, 2010 Share Posted April 17, 2010 I switched back to the stock one, after some use of the roller handle. The roller handle definitely looks better, but I find it a lot easier to operate the stock one. It gives me a more positive feedback while seating primers, and I can more easily transfer power to the press. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunslingerDK Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 I have a 650 and use an alu roller handle. When I first got the machine´, fatigue started occuring after about 300-400 rounds!With the ball handle I change my grip 4 times for every loaded round. So I got the roller handle af haven't looked back since. I just love it, I can easily load 1000 rounds without getting sore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob DuBois Posted May 6, 2010 Share Posted May 6, 2010 Really like the roller, a lot easier on the hand and wrist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gohuskers Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 Roller handle is a must - aluminum not plastic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 I tried the same test as the OP. I switched to the ball after 10k rounds or so just to make sure I was not missing anything. After a few hundred rounds I went right back to the Aluminum roller. 550B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickJ Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 I tried the same test as the OP. I switched to the ball after 10k rounds or so just to make sure I was not missing anything. After a few hundred rounds I went right back to the Aluminum roller. 550B I use the stick shift. I've left the nut loose on the bottom, so the handle is free to rotate without the ball rotating in my hand. Last night I realized the nut had fallen off my small primer one- no clue when, it didn't matter. The handle stays in without it. The roller handle looks like it would give me tendonitis... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raaze07 Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 I just purchased my second RL550B after being out of reloading for 16 years. I used the ball handle on my original and now I'm using the aluminum roller handle - and I love it. I'm reloading standing up so maybe that makes a difference? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Warrior Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 I like the roller handle. I don't like the ball handle, it hurts my palm after a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twodownzero Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Ball handle only for me! My buddy has the roller handle, and I see no advantage nor comfort increase using it. I only drive manual transmissions, too. Go figure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Matzka Posted June 22, 2010 Share Posted June 22, 2010 Ball handle only for me! My buddy has the roller handle, and I see no advantage nor comfort increase using it. I only drive manual transmissions, too. Go figure! I went to the roller handle (aluminium) shortly after it came out in the 90's. Haven't looked back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freakshow10mm Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 Have the roller handle on the 550 but I took off the plastic part, turned it on a lathe, and slipped a foam bicycle grip over it. Much more comfy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foilhat Posted June 23, 2010 Share Posted June 23, 2010 ball handle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert King Posted July 30, 2010 Share Posted July 30, 2010 I have reloaded five or six times on someone elses 650 with the roller handle. I just got a 550 for myself and kept the cost down and only purchased what was required to load. So, I am using the ball on the 550 and it does not seem to make a difference to me. I have to remove my hand so often to add brass, bullet and index. I think I like the ball for the price. I also kept the bolt at the bottom loose and it is more comfortable that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigGabe Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 I'm going to have to go with the roller too. Been useing it for years, but hey what ever works I always say. Gabe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliez Posted September 9, 2010 Share Posted September 9, 2010 Is there an aluminum roller handle for the 1050? I might be missing it in the store, or can the 650 aluminum roller be used on the 1050? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigEdJr Posted September 9, 2010 Share Posted September 9, 2010 If anyone wants to sell me their roller handle cheap, I'll take it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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