Ideal dimensions for a loading bench

[Milt1]

I have always used an old knee hole desk for my reloading bench. The saving grace in doing so is that its already built and you have built in storage immediately, My current desk is 40 inches wide, 20 inches deep and 30 inches high. I would have gotten something bigger but this desk fits the only space that I had to use. It has three drawers on each side of the knee hole and one in the center (at top) of the knee hole giving me seven drawers total. I have a Redding T-7 mounted on the right side of the desk and my Redding powder measure is mounted on the left side. Old desk like I have can be found just about anywhere in "want ads" or "for sale ads" and the cost can be ridiculously low.

 

[rfwobbly]

I like to use 24 x 96". In this way a sheet of 3/4" plywood can be doubled over and glued to make a single 1-1/2" thick bench top.

As soon as you build a short bench, you'll want more room for a second press at the other end. A longer bench can also be used for cleaning long guns. There's simply too many uses for a full-length bench.

 

[hdwhit]

coondogger asked:
So what would be the ideal reasonable surface area in everyone's opinion?

24 inches by 48 inches.

This should be more than adequate to hold:

• Press,
• Case trimmer,
• Powder measure,
• Beam Balance, Powder Scale or Powder Dispenser,
• Powder Trickler (if needed),
• Reloading Block,
• Bullets,
• Primers,
• A single container of powder,
• Miscellaneous reloading accessories.

Nothing more should generally be on your bench at any one time. Store your powder and primers away from your bench in conformity with the National Fire Code (which, whether or not you know it, is probably the law where you live). Projecticles and cases should likewise be stored away from the bench to avoid mistakes that could result in overcharges.