[SSN Vet]

going through the thread with reloading bench pictures posted again and noticed that most seem to use a higher bench, meant for standing.

I'm currently reloading at an old desk, while seated in an office chair.

This is a relaxing posture for me, and reloading is a relaxing hobby/liesure activity for me.

However, if I'm "pulling the lever" for more than an hour or so, I will get a crick in my neck.

What are the pros and cons of your set up?

[rcmodel]

I load standing up and my bench is the right height for it.

I just can't get proper leverage on the handle while setting down at a lower bench.

I do have a 36"? high metal stool that I use sometimes. That allows me to sorta set, but still be standing enough to run the press handle.
And I only use it when loading pistol that doesn't require a lot of power to FL size.

rcmodel

[Wedge]

I sit in a regular chair and set my bench up accordingly. I used an old office desk before and found it to be about 3" too low. My latest setup is just right for me.

[K3]

I alternate between sitting and standing.

[MMCSRET]

Mine is set up the same way RCModel has his. Different operations, different techniques. But I do have one press mounted on the Midway portable stand so I can move it around and one lubrisizer is mounted on a small low table that is portable, the other lubrisizer is stationary.

[amlevin]

I stand while loading with my Dillon 650 and sit when using the single stage.

On the 650 I am busy adding brass to the casefeeder, powder to the measure and transferring finished cartridges to storage containers. Also, the stroke of the lever is such that I do it best while standing.

For those rounds I carefully craft by hand I use my old RCBS RC-II and it works just fine while I am sitting on a stool.

[Jim Watson]

I am a lot like Amlevin.

I sit at my single stage because I am likely to be there a while loading target rifle ammo,

I sit at my 550 because I put it on the sitting height bench with the Rockchucker.

I stand at the 1050, MEC, and AutoCHamp so I can lean into the handle on those progressives.

[WayneConrad]

Stool, medium bench. I custom built my bench to a height between that of a desk and a high bench. A low bench would force me to stoop if I were standing; a high bench would be difficult to work at if I were sitting, since I am short.

The stool provides my back some relief when I am at the bench for a while.

[bensdad]

I mostly sit. Depends though. I actually sit on the floor with my back against a big wooden chest to do primers. I stand for powder. Sit for the rest of the process (resize, expand, seat/crimp).

[chbrow10]

I use a powder dispenser and I stand so that I can visually inspect that I have the right amount of powder in the case in my turret press. The press is mounted on a high workbench.

[brentwal]

Standing, I drive a service truck about 150-200 miles most days.

[freakshow10mm]

I load on a Dillon 550 on a strong mount sitting on a 35" tall bench. My son (2yo) sits in my chair and watches me load, so I have to stand.

[lordgroom]

Leverage, comfort, and the height of my bench= standing

[philbo]

My progressive presses are set to be used while standing. It gives me better leverage and if I'm too tired to stand then I'm probably too tired to maintain proper attention to all the details going on to be reloading... so if I get tired standing, that's when I know it's time to take a break.

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I get set up for the job at hand and sort of lean back against a high stool while working. alternate standing some. reason - I have lower back problems, bad.

[wingman]

High bench and chair however I do stand at times due to back problems.

[snuffy]

If I had to stand to load, I wouldn't load! All operations are performed sitting. My 650 is easy to operate from the sitting position.

I'm on my feet, moving parts in my assembly job at work. The chance to sit and load is a relief, very relaxing. That said, I don't load if I'm tired, never right after work.

To each, his own I guess!

[jim147]

I used to sit at a low bench but moved my setup to a high bench in a/c for the summer. Now I like to stand so I can see the powder drop in every case instead of pulling some out to check here and there. I am tinking about getting a bar stool so I can sit part of the time.

[jim147]

edit

[Walkalong]

I built my reloading bench out of scraps from an entertainment center someone threw away. I had to add a couple of pieces of new wood. The top is 37 inches from the floor.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Ergonomically, what you want to do, regardless of sitting or standing, is to keep your head, neck and spine vertical as possible to minimize strain on your muscles. This can be accomplished sitting or standing, but generally, for the home reloading operation, this is more easily accomplished (from a build standpoint) using a tall bench with a simple "bar" type stool that keeps one in a standing position, but supported by the stool.

Regards,

Dave

[Skpotamus]

My bench is high enough that with the stool I have, I can reload standing or sitting. I've found I prefer reloading while I'm standing though.

[jfh]

I have a high bench and a low stool. Actually, the stool is adjustable, but with aging eyes, a I like to be down lower near the case for vision, and the higher reach to the operating handle is preferable.

Jim H.

[cpttango30]

Depends on what I am reloading. If I'm loading 45acp then it is standing as if you sit down you can't reach the handle on my 550b. I sit for loading rifle as the press is lower and i like the scale at eye level.

[elkhuntingfool]

I really depends on my mood and how many I'm reloading. If I'm experimenting with seating - then I stand- don't know why - just do. Probably because I seat, put the cartridge in the rifle and eject it to make sure it fits correctly. Once I've found the correct seating, then I sit down and crank them out - on a single stage :)

I also reload shotgun so my 9 year old and I will sit and crank those out as well. She'll drop the powder and the shot while I move the hull around. Daddy/daughter time.

[Der Verge]

I use a computer chair, all the way up, and a relatively tall table. It puts the work right in front of me. If I have to bend forward, even a little, it makes my back hurt.

[res45]

My old Lyman Orange Crusher is bolted down to my long work bench,I mostly stand for short load sessions but for prolonged loading sessions I use a high stool to take a load off my feet for some less critical parts of the reloading process.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j1/rhsikes/test002-1.jpg

[RustyFN]

I built my bench so I can load standing if I want. I have a stool so I can also sit. I find that I end up loading more sitting down.
Rusty

[D. Manley]

My vote went to "standing" since most volume is done on a (Strong-Mounted) Dillon atop an already fairly tall bench. On the progressive, I would have a hard time trying to run it sitting. With that out of the way, all other stuff...turret press, single-stage, etc. I do sitting, on adjustable stool.

[Bush Pilot]

Standing for 90% of my loading. My Dillons are on strong mounts and I get better leverage and can check for powder when standing. I do keep a "bar stool" next to my bench for those times when my lower back starts to remind me who's in charge. For load development, I sit using a single stage press.

[lgbloader]

I have a bench that is 42" high. My 650's are on strong mounts and I like to stand but I do have a very tall stool that allows me to sit or even half stand / half sit while I use these machines. But I usually do stand.

I usually always sit when using my 550B about 95% of the time since it is not mounted on a strong mount. the other 5% of time is for caliber changes...

When loading rifle, I use my T7 and single stage presses back and forth so 50/50 on that, usually sit while processing brass and priming but when it comes to assembly, I prefer to stand. I usually will only assemble a 50 ct box of rifle at one sitting before taking a break or clean up, though, Unless I am developing (Chasing the dragon) something.

*I have also been known to load while sitting, standing, laying on the bench, hanging upside-down from the rafters of my garage, levitating, and even riding a unicycle while juggling bowling pins and singing Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash tunes...

Just Kidding. I don't get drunk until the loading session has ended!!!

Cheers...:cool:

[DavidVanVorous]

Leverage, comfort, and the height of my bench= standing

Same thoughts here, plus when using a 24" drop tube on my .45-70 BPCR loads, sitting doesn't work.
D.

[345 DeSoto]

1.) Sitting...
2.) I'm old...

[campbell]

I use a powder dispenser and I stand so that I can visually inspect that I have the right amount of powder in the case in my turret press. The press is mounted on a high workbench.

Same here. I mounted a little flexible LED light that shines downwards so it's easier to see into the case on that downstroke.

[possum]

sitting at a high bench 9 times out of ten, if not then i am standing but that is rare. why? i don't know i liek to be comfortable and get off my feet.

[docgary]

DaveInFloweryBranchGA ...Ergonomically, what you want to do, regardless of sitting or standing, is to keep your head, neck and spine vertical as possible to minimize strain on your muscles. This can be accomplished sitting or standing, but generally, for the home reloading operation, this is more easily accomplished (from a build standpoint) using a tall bench with a simple "bar" type stool that keeps one in a standing position, but supported by the stool.

+1

My high chair is simliar to a bar stool - I can fully sit but occasionally
balance against the chair, especially if loading off a quick run.

However, I do need the seat when my neck and back problems arise.

docgary

[NotSoFast]

Sitting because I have my bench clamped to my desk. Even if I had a bench, I would be sitting and not standing. I figure that bench would be in teh garage on concrete and I don't care for sore feet after a couple hours standing on it. I can sit and reload for hours but I would be quitting much sooner if I was standing.

[Mike Kerr]

I stand for most operations invloving volume like 45ACP; 9MM : 38/357; because it affords me better visibility of the whole process. I use a 550 for progressive/volume work and it seems to flow better utilizing the Dillon Strong Mount.

I deprime, size and prime several rifle calibers on the 550 when the calibers and my shellplates match up like 30-06; .243; 7X57; 6.5X55 (100 at a time) - store the cases - then move over to a turret (standing) and load 20 to 40 at per session as needed.

I do sit for small scale work on a Loadmaster which I use at less than full progressive capacity. Its pretty versatile and I can utilize it as a single stage or progressive minus priming - or a self advance turret. I use it for load development or any small scale work. Several years ago I utilized it for volume work (standing) - but long sessions hurt my back.

I have an adjustable stool and an extra old affice chair that I sit on frequently to keep my back and legs from getting tired. Its all about reloading comfort which promotes better QC and safety while allowing reloading to remain a hobby. Methinks.

Regards,

:):):)

[762 shooter]

Yes.

[moooose102]

my bench is rather high, and i use a bar stool. the reason is it is more comfortable for me. i cant think of a better reason.

[Bitswap]

It depends on what I'm doing.

With my progressive high volume, it's standing.

For match low volume, it's sitting.

I don't think this is a really fair question since most seasoned reloaders have more than one press. But if I had only one option, it'd be standing in a soft surface for my sensitive feets.

[kennedy]

sitting at a 32in bench on a swival chair, so I can swival between my lee turrent press and the bench with cases and bullets and storage boxes on it. I am on my feet at work and this is my relaxing time.

[goon]

I reload standing.


One of my safety procedures that I've worked in is that I always go from left to right.
Take an unprimed casing from the left, prime it, put it in the bin on the right.
Take the primed casing from the left, add powder, set it in the loading block on the left (This helps prevent double charging).
Take the casing that's full of powder from the left, look in it to make sure it's the "right" amount, stick it in the press, put a bullet on top and ram it home, then put the loaded round in the bin on the left.

To load like this I need to be able to reach stuff, hence, the standing.

[Win75]

I did not vote because I do both. I stand while resizing/depriming; set in my recliner while primer pocket cleaning, trimming, and primer seating; set at my desk while powder charging; and standing again while seating bullets.

[Griz44]

Depends on how I feel on a particular day, whether or not I have been sitting or standing at work, and whether or not my 'roids are quiet or screaming. Getting old is the pits.....

[d906670]

Standing, that's how I learned to do it.

[lgbloader]

and whether or not my 'roids are quiet or screaming.

Grizz, I am sitting here trying to wind down, read a bit of The High Road to catch up on the latest and greatest and get the latest gossip and have a nice final cold one and of course, you come along and make me almost spill it while I almost fall out of my chair with laughter!!!

welp, Hell with it, I think I'll grab two more and retire to my room.

Gentlemen, I bid you good evening...

Cheers

[Roccobro]

I do it laying down in my sleep. My wife says I do some yelling in the middle of the night every once in a while. I figure that is when I forget to prime the cases before charging.

Not much restful sleep once the sun comes up. Must be when I'm using my kinetic puller....

Justin

[SSN Vet]

thanks for all the replies....especially the "why" explanations.

I currently load at an old desk on a LCT press while seated in an office chair.

Am planning the layout for a basement shop that I hope to complete this coming fall/winter and am interested in hearing others preferences.

[Bitswap]

SSN, I guess it's like this: any bench is better than no bench.

For standing and leverage: I only really need leverage when sizing bmg. Other than that, bending over each stroke is a PITA.. or should I say back.