my damn bullets keep falling out of their cases!!!!

[silverlance]

that's quite clever cosmoline. and DOH!!! I never knew there was such a thing as a hand press. it's not in my Lee 2nd Edition Reloading Manual!! GRRR...

USSR, I really have been trying to get my press up and running. but I'm doing three jobs, taking care of my disabled father, driving 60 miles round trip a day to and from work, grading papers, and on top of that being a mentor to at-risk kids.

I don't have very much time for myself. I also grew up in a household without much tool-learning. never got much of an education in tool using, etc. so i have no real tools, and little skill. theoretically i could build a bench, but i can't even manage a straight cut with a hand saw on a 4x2 properly.

this weekend, i plan to take some time to myself and try my hand at building it. if you (or anyone else) has suggestions on how i might build a bench, or what tools i should invest in (like what kind of drill i should buy - the Target cordless drill i have is a piece of crap) id welcome any advice. the DIY kits that ive been looking at seem awfully fragile.

 

[Cosmoline]

FYI this is the press type I use:

No "tool learning" needed. Lord knows I've never had any.

 

[USSR]

silverlance,

Take a look at some of these Black & Decker workmates that may work for you and not require any construction skills.

http://www.blackanddecker.com/ProductGuide/CategoryOverview.aspx?cPath=2516.2521

Don

 

[silverlance]

damn you cosmoline... i just called midway and begged them to allow me to spend another $25.99. but it will all be worth it. you see, for us here in CA ammo is very expensive since we cannot shoot surplus or wolf. this is because most surplus and most wolf is steel jacketed or steel cored, and any bullet that attracts a magnet is currently banned until the drought ends.

seeing the 17 wildfires that are now raging across CA, i really can't blame the government for this one. ive also seen firsthand the results of steel core/jacket bullets causing fires.

so, reloading is really the only solution unless you can afford the 60 cents a shot that copper FMJ costs here.

USSR, thank you for the tip. I'm going to look it up right now.

 

[silverlance]

hm.. the BD 225 and 425 look pretty good.. the 425 especially. however, im afraid that it might not be strong enough to withstand force required to size rifle cases. i guessi could weigth it down, but is the frame strong enough? ill be wanting to mount a press to that wood surface...

 

[FieroCDSP]

I've never tried FL-resizing of a 54R with my handpress. That should be fun. It wouls certainly be useful for neck sizing. Silverlance, I doubt Midway would complain or refuse to let you keep spending money with them.

 

[Oldnamvet]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=155024&t=11082005
Since you are already $$$ into Midway, you could try one of these stands for your press, especially if you don't have much room -- like me. I have been using one for about 10 years now and have no complaints. And it is light enough to easily move out of the way or into a closet.

 

[silverlance]

good grief...
this is like the mouse who asked for a cookie

hm, i like this stand idea a lot, but im worried about it not being able to handle rifle rounds well. i REALLY like the idea of a ready-made bench shipped to my house. Oldnamvet, what has your experience with this stand and rifle rounds been like?

another THR member suggested this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94309

but what i REALLY want is this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93454


it'll be real expensive especially with shipping, but ive always dreamed of a solid oak bench. since i am rather ignorant when it comes to the work room, though, I could use any input you guys have.

 

[Barr]

I have a Lee Hand Press and a Lee Pro 1000 progressive and the press I tend to use the most is my Lee Hand Press. It is very easy to use and quick to set up. It is much quieter than a hammer and is not too bad to use. I resize .243 and .270 Winchester brass on mine and it is very easy to full length resize with plenty of lubrication.

I mostly just pull out the progressive when I am making an ammo run of over 200 rounds.

 

[asknight]

This one is pretty nice, though it's $250. I had to post the link to Google's cache, since their site is down at the moment.

Here is a link to someone in the San Diego area with one for sale for $75!

I have two of these, and they're STURDY!

 

[silverlance]

i just emailed the guy. hopefully it can be taken down for transport as my car is tiny. do you think it is heavy enough to take the pressing?