Reloading Equipment Question

[eldorf_dragonsbane]

Hi first let me sau that nice informative forums here. Been a lurker for a couple months now, and just now deciding to post.

Now on to my question.

I am planning on getting the Lee Anniversary Reloading Kit (just to start off, after I get my tax returns back next year looking at either a Redding or an RCBS press). Now for a reloading bench would something like this http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=47078 work? I was able to purchase two of them yesterday at the Local Harbor Freights Sidewalk sale for $8.99 each. The warning sticker on the one that I assembled says that it holds up to 260 lbs. Right now I am just looking for something that is "portable, " menaing something I can easily store out of the way when not using it.

Thansk in Advance.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I believe you'll find that those are not stable enough. You will probably tip one over when you make your first stroke of your press. The bench must be solid and next to impossible to tip over. of course if you bolt them to the floor they might do...

 

[eldorf_dragonsbane]

Bushmaster- I am right now just looking for something I can transport easily up north and to the local range (might get the Hand Press Kit and a spare set of dies directly from Lee Percision the same time I purchase the Redding or RCBS press). I have seen a few pictures of people using the Black and Decker Workmate workbench (basically the exact same thing as what I want to use) for a reloading bench, thats why I was asking. I already guessed that I would neet to "support" the workbench some more to keep it from tipping over.

Again Thanks for the help.

Doug

 

[Sunray]

That will work just fine. You will likely want to bolt a 1/4" thick steel plate to the top though. It's probably particle board(OSB) and that will break.

 

[SASS#23149]

1/4" steel plate??

I would think that 1/4" plywood would be waaaaaaaay more portable than steel plate...not as durable of course.
If you have to hold onto the bench while running the press you will lose time and become unhappy with it right off,imho.Still better than no bench.
some ranges allow for c-clamping a press to available benches for test loads to be setup.You might check with the range you'll be shooting at.

 

[wrangler5]

If you're looking to load at the range while firing, you might consider what I"ve done in this situation - size, prime and flare the cases at home first. Then you only have to take a powder measure, scale and hand press to the range. (If you seat and crimp in separate steps, get two hand presses, they're cheap enough.) Set up the hand press(es) at home where you'll have your measuring equipment, and then just take 'em along and use 'em. This may not sound as convenient as a bench mounted press, but if you think about the die changes you'd make to produce a complete load it might actually be simpler, and certainly would take less of your time at the range if you've done some of the work in advance.

 

[donkee]

up north

You sound like you're from Michigan.....

Here's my Workmate bench. It works really good for me.....

 

[eldorf_dragonsbane]

Donkey- Yes I will admit I am a Troll. Live in the Flint area. Your set up is kinda what I am thinking of doing for now. The spot up north that I go to is in the Alger/West Branch area, matter of fact the exit on I-75 is exit 202. The local range/gun shop I go to is Williams Gunsight and Outfitters (the same Williams Gunsight that manuactures http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=971684 http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=126634 http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=266011 and various other sights and sight asscesories) in Davison off of I-69 at the Irish Road exit, unfortunately I dont know the exit number.

Later

Doug

 

[armoredman]

The superheavy all steel giant hunk a bench is not really required, if you are not a commercial reloader, or aren't running three progressives at once! Here is an older photo of what I have, and a few thousand reloads have come off this converted old TV stand...

 

[Pete E]

armoredman,

I was not as lucky as you...I set up my first press on a bench with a 3/4" particle board top and it didn't last the first session

My next bench (with a somewhat thicker top!) is shown in the picture below. I figured fixing the press like that that was the strongest way of mounting it without resorting to steel plates ect.



Regards,

Pete

 

[Pete E]

eldorf_dragonsbane,

A lot of guys mount their press on a plank of wood say 18" x 6" x 2" and then use two C lamps to fix it to the kitchen table or where ever...If you go over to the "Gallery" at Brians Forums: (http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5485 )

This thread has dozens and dozens of pictures of peoples reloading set ups...There are examples of everything from the above mentioned C clamp arrangements to reloading rooms that will make you drool!

Regards,

Pete

 

[bogie]

I like! I like!

When I set up my new benches for the loading trailer this winter, I'm going to set up the JR-3s drilled through the bench top - never had thought of that! I'm probably also going do a recess for the Harrell.

 

[Pete E]

Bogie,

I am sure that mounting the press that way is my one good, original idea!

When you do it, you need to be careful that the hole is not so far back that the handle fouls on the front of the bench when its pushed fully forward..its no use me telling you how mine is drill as the handle clearance will depend on the thickness of your bench top..

I like the sound of your reloading trailer...do you have any pictures of how its set up?

Regards,

Pete

 

[donkee]

eldorf_dragonsbane,

I'm in Fenton. Been here my entire existance. Been out to Williams a few times. I used to go to Brighton to shoot, but I still don't know if they have opened up again. Last I heard, the dingleberrys that moved there in the last 10 years or so have gotten it closed down. I spend my shooting time at Linden Sportmen's Club shooting IDPA. Hopefully I'll get membership there this coming year and can make use of the rifle and trap ranges. If ya get bored, come on out and shoot with us. Saturday mornings at 9:00 am...........

 

[eldorf_dragonsbane]

Donkee- I am semi familiar with Fenton, though I do have to admit I mostly stick to the Davison/Burton/Flint area. Occasionally I will head down to use the Indoor range at the Bass Pro Shop at Great Lakes Crossing (only shot my Remington Model 597 .22 rinfire rifle there, haven even had my WASR-10 a month yet).

Now for reloading I am hoping to be picking up the Lee Anniversary Kit w/ Manual this week from Williams ($100 plus tax, yeah I know I could get it cheaper through Midway USA or another online retailer). And then I plan on getting some brass, primers, bullets and powder on the 28th so that I can begin reloading by the first of November. I am going to focus on reloading 7.62x39mm for my WASR-10 initially to learn the ropes, then move to other calibers once i get the hang of things.