The dowel is to steady the press. You don't want that press moving at all.
I went to load some 10mm rounds and couldn't find the dies. None were on a labeled turret like they should be. Didn't even have the original box they came in. It appears I sold them off at some point. That's what happens when you load up a couple thousand for your Uncle and didn't have a firearm in that cartridge until recently. I proceeded to go to Cabela's and buy a new set of dies. Should be ready to load after my son goes to sleep for the night.