Portable Reloading Bench Idea

[kludge]

So I'm thinking of what to do with my old Lee Turret (not Classic), and had an idea that if I could somehow mount it to the trailer hitch, it would be a nice solid place to do some load development at the range...

So I started looking... and found a trailer hitch vice mount at Harbor Freight, on sale now for $16.99!

This is almost going to be too easy...

I'll post pics when I get it done, I just wanted to pass it along since the sale is on right now. (On-line and in-store) Picked it up last night.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hitch-mount-vise-plate-66260.html

This would also work...

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/trailer-hitch/hitch-extender-with-step-97685.html

 

[Tilos]

Looks like a good start to your project.

I have used a cheap copy of a workmate, a piece 2ft of 2x6, and a couple of clamps.

I cannot park close enough to the firing line at the range to use a hitch mount like that.

Please update with pics when you finish.

Edit:
If you ever get rear ended with that on the road, I sure would like to hear what the insurance claims adjuster would have to say

 

[Offfhand]

I read an article in Outdoor Life a few months ago about mounting a barrel vise on a hitch so rifle barrels could be changed at the range or in the field. It was an interesting article about fast changing from one caliber to another with the same rifle.

 

[jmorris]

I built this one out of some drop 2X2 box tube and some scrap 1/4" plate. I welded bolts to the plate from the bottom to act as studs and use wing nuts to hold the press down, no tools needed. It is plenty strong, free and makes working up a load very easy,

 

[Tilos]

jmorris...nice
I sure miss having access to a welder.

What a great way to be productive during the loooong wait time at some matches!
Almost makes me want to compete again....almost

 

[rondog]

It's far too hot and windy at my club's range for that. A motor home with a bench would be ideal!

 

[Offfhand]

Post by Rondog above"

"It's far too hot and windy at my club's range for that. A motor home with a bench would be ideal! "

Mr. Rondog, your post reminded me of a loading bench actually built inside a motor home I once saw. I met the owner and he let me snap a few pictures that I'll try to attach. Must be the ultimate loading bench.

 

[kludge]

Now for a picture!

Let me know what you think.

 

[qajaq59]

A motor home with a bench would be ideal!

Just don't try and use the dinette table. They aren't hooked to the wall that well. Want to guess how I know?

 

[Palehorseman]

As my loading bench was pretty well maxed out and needing a place to mount my new Lee Classic Cast press I thought of building a light weight bench for the MEC-JR shotshell loading press, as it requires the less stress for loading.

Then I espied my T-slotted drill press table and thought aha. I have my ready made mount, it rotates, lowers up & down, so went that route. Cut some aluminum plate, laid it out, drilled and countersunk for 1/4" flat head cap screws, then drilled for 3/8" mounting bolts for T-nuts in slots. Could not have worked out better, now the MEC-JR is portable and easy on/off the drill press table

 

[jmorris]

I also have a few loaders that I don't have a spot on the bench for, I just mount them to wood or steel that I can C clamp to a table.

 

[flashhole]

kludge - looks great, thanks for the link. I've been wanting to do something like your setup myself.

 

[rfwobbly]

Let me know what you think.

All you need is to train the SO to bring the evening meals to the range and you're set!