Impax
Member
These are plans I used, it cost me about 50.00
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html
http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html
Show us a picture of your reloading bench
- Thread starter James THR
- Start date
bhawkeye
Member
Well I was moving to be close (across the street) to my grandkids when I decided to start reloading again. The house I bought need significant “upgrades” so no place to set up the reloading equipment.
My son (& more importantly – his wife) agreed to let me set up a small, temporary space in their garage – so I have half my presses set up & am happily getting going again.
Since I could only have about 2’ of “dedicated” space on their 16’ bench and
knew I wanted to have at least two presses set up, I decided to mount a 2’ (actually 25”) wide x 50” long section of 2” oak countertop, which my son had “just waiting for a good project”. I got some 6061-T6 aluminum channel (3” x 0.258" x 1.5”) for bracing. I ran a length of channel the length of the top and one on the bottom, under each press from side to side. Bolted it to the top of the existing bench, through the bench from the top channel to the two bottom channels, & with angle brackets to studs in the wall. It is VERY stable. Heres what it looks like (you'll notice I took way more than 2' - but not "dedicated"):
Here’s the die setup, with the KISS bulletfeeder. Also, I have added the EGW “U” die in station 1, for resizing. This had the added benefit of allowing easier removal of the powder measure. The Hornady New Dimension sizing die that I used initially had a much longer depriming rod, which interferred with powder measure removal (because of the KISS). The dies are: EGW "U" sizing die, Hornady LnL powder measure w/KISS ptx, KISS bulletfeeder. Hornady New Dimensoin seating die with Microjust, Hornady New Dimension Taper Crimp Die. One benefit of the LnL AP is half station indexing. The shellplate indexes a half station on the upstroke and a half station on the downstroke. This makes it very easy to visually check the powder level between the powder measure/ptx station and the KISS bullet insertion. Don't think you can do this on a Dillon (to be fair though - the half station indexing is also the source of the "5th station" restrictions/problems).
Here’s how tight a fit the KISS makes the powder measure – between the KISS & the primer tube shield – no contact, but it’s sure close. You can also see the primer tube follower I added (currently 1/8” brass rod). The blue tape marks zero. I have marks for 5 & 10 remaining also. I’m planning to replace this brass rod with a brass tube. It’ll still be plenty of weight, but in case of a detonation – a tube should make a much less efficient missile.
I bought the $25 bracket from Roger (bulletfeeder.com), so I didn’t need the big PVC base tube. It was great (looks like an angle bracket with a toilet mount) – but mounting it to the case feeder column (which I did) requires ~1/4” shim between the mounting bracket & the column of the case feeder to avoid interference with the lower case feeder bracket. No biggie.
The only other thing I’ve done is to JBweld a stainless steel washer to the press frame under the primer ram. This makes it much easier to seat the primers (for me, anyway), & doesn’t bang on the cartridge catcher bracket. It does, however, mean you have to raise the ram slightly to manually cycle the primer slide. I have never had a primer pick up or primer slide issue – except for the last primer. If you’re going to reload another hundred – reload the primer tube when you get below 5 remaining. I thought I had a primer feed issue – but it turned out to be an indexing problem. Even if it seems ok on initial setup, watch it closely for the 1st few hundred rounds. Mine started slightly undershooting on the downstroke. The hole didn’t perfectly align with the primer ram, so when I pushed the handle up nothing happened & I spilled powder. A LITTLE counterclockwise on the left pawl adjustment – HEAVEN.
I have another LnL AP & a LnL classic single stage, which will have to wait for MY garage to be finished. I have 2 6’ benches for the presses & an 8’ bench for cleaning, repair, & projects. I have also designed & built (with emachineshop.com) strongmounts, which I got locally powdercoated, custom designed for my presses. OK, I know it’s stupid, but I’m not a mechanical engineer & I’d never designed anything in sheet metal by myself before. Just had to try. Their software is great (for a novice) – their pricing is pretty high (and it’s gone up since I did mine).
I know this is long – but I have to say I LOVE the LnL AP & the Redding UltraMag. Also – for the UltraMag, I use the Lee Autoprime II. This is a fantastic product. It feels cheesey – the 1st time I assembled it I almost broke it – you have to “help” the last ~20 primers down the chute (I use a small allen wrench), but you can adjust the primer depth precisely, never had an upside down primer - & in use it feels & works GREAT. Also, the RCBS Chargemaster is amazing. As someone who has spent a lot of time with a trickler – NEVER AGAIN! You gotta see it to believe it. The problem is – it’s so fun to watch. Using the auto setting, you can actually use a powder measure(set a few grains below your desired charge) to fill the pan & it will trickle the last few grains to a perfect charge. What a trip! I remember the painstaking process of charging precision rifle rounds by hand. A few – no big deal – but make a hundred, ouch! This thing is amazing (to me).
My son (& more importantly – his wife) agreed to let me set up a small, temporary space in their garage – so I have half my presses set up & am happily getting going again.
Since I could only have about 2’ of “dedicated” space on their 16’ bench and
knew I wanted to have at least two presses set up, I decided to mount a 2’ (actually 25”) wide x 50” long section of 2” oak countertop, which my son had “just waiting for a good project”. I got some 6061-T6 aluminum channel (3” x 0.258" x 1.5”) for bracing. I ran a length of channel the length of the top and one on the bottom, under each press from side to side. Bolted it to the top of the existing bench, through the bench from the top channel to the two bottom channels, & with angle brackets to studs in the wall. It is VERY stable. Heres what it looks like (you'll notice I took way more than 2' - but not "dedicated"):
Here’s the die setup, with the KISS bulletfeeder. Also, I have added the EGW “U” die in station 1, for resizing. This had the added benefit of allowing easier removal of the powder measure. The Hornady New Dimension sizing die that I used initially had a much longer depriming rod, which interferred with powder measure removal (because of the KISS). The dies are: EGW "U" sizing die, Hornady LnL powder measure w/KISS ptx, KISS bulletfeeder. Hornady New Dimensoin seating die with Microjust, Hornady New Dimension Taper Crimp Die. One benefit of the LnL AP is half station indexing. The shellplate indexes a half station on the upstroke and a half station on the downstroke. This makes it very easy to visually check the powder level between the powder measure/ptx station and the KISS bullet insertion. Don't think you can do this on a Dillon (to be fair though - the half station indexing is also the source of the "5th station" restrictions/problems).
Here’s how tight a fit the KISS makes the powder measure – between the KISS & the primer tube shield – no contact, but it’s sure close. You can also see the primer tube follower I added (currently 1/8” brass rod). The blue tape marks zero. I have marks for 5 & 10 remaining also. I’m planning to replace this brass rod with a brass tube. It’ll still be plenty of weight, but in case of a detonation – a tube should make a much less efficient missile.
I bought the $25 bracket from Roger (bulletfeeder.com), so I didn’t need the big PVC base tube. It was great (looks like an angle bracket with a toilet mount) – but mounting it to the case feeder column (which I did) requires ~1/4” shim between the mounting bracket & the column of the case feeder to avoid interference with the lower case feeder bracket. No biggie.
The only other thing I’ve done is to JBweld a stainless steel washer to the press frame under the primer ram. This makes it much easier to seat the primers (for me, anyway), & doesn’t bang on the cartridge catcher bracket. It does, however, mean you have to raise the ram slightly to manually cycle the primer slide. I have never had a primer pick up or primer slide issue – except for the last primer. If you’re going to reload another hundred – reload the primer tube when you get below 5 remaining. I thought I had a primer feed issue – but it turned out to be an indexing problem. Even if it seems ok on initial setup, watch it closely for the 1st few hundred rounds. Mine started slightly undershooting on the downstroke. The hole didn’t perfectly align with the primer ram, so when I pushed the handle up nothing happened & I spilled powder. A LITTLE counterclockwise on the left pawl adjustment – HEAVEN.
I have another LnL AP & a LnL classic single stage, which will have to wait for MY garage to be finished. I have 2 6’ benches for the presses & an 8’ bench for cleaning, repair, & projects. I have also designed & built (with emachineshop.com) strongmounts, which I got locally powdercoated, custom designed for my presses. OK, I know it’s stupid, but I’m not a mechanical engineer & I’d never designed anything in sheet metal by myself before. Just had to try. Their software is great (for a novice) – their pricing is pretty high (and it’s gone up since I did mine).
I know this is long – but I have to say I LOVE the LnL AP & the Redding UltraMag. Also – for the UltraMag, I use the Lee Autoprime II. This is a fantastic product. It feels cheesey – the 1st time I assembled it I almost broke it – you have to “help” the last ~20 primers down the chute (I use a small allen wrench), but you can adjust the primer depth precisely, never had an upside down primer - & in use it feels & works GREAT. Also, the RCBS Chargemaster is amazing. As someone who has spent a lot of time with a trickler – NEVER AGAIN! You gotta see it to believe it. The problem is – it’s so fun to watch. Using the auto setting, you can actually use a powder measure(set a few grains below your desired charge) to fill the pan & it will trickle the last few grains to a perfect charge. What a trip! I remember the painstaking process of charging precision rifle rounds by hand. A few – no big deal – but make a hundred, ouch! This thing is amazing (to me).
Maxamillion5
Member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2008
- Messages
- 4
lazaro
Member
This is my humble set up. I started with RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Kit. Got myself an RCBS Chargemaster Powder dispenser. Then got introduced to the blue koolaid and got a SDB for .45 acp then an RL 550 B for .223
I am contemplating on getting the tools for a .308... hmmm.
I am contemplating on getting the tools for a .308... hmmm.
PecosRiverM
Member
Nice banner Lazaro. Brings back memories (B co 2/508th)
timberwolfEMT
Member
Just Starting Out
Ok Here is my bench, I'm just starting out and still waiting for a couple things, such as Brass, Bullets and Primers, but getting alot closer now.
Ok Here is my bench, I'm just starting out and still waiting for a couple things, such as Brass, Bullets and Primers, but getting alot closer now.
Last edited:
hanno
Member
I'm new to reloading and haven't set up a permanent bench but I wanted to get started reloading so I made a portable reloading bench using a Black & Decker Workmate I had left over from some home projects. I removed the Workmate adjustable top and replaced it with a 19" by 24" sheet of 3/4" oak plywood. I bolted my Rockchucker to the new top. My powder measure is also bolted to the top. This is a nice setup for me because I can easily dismount the press and powder dispenser and fold up the Workmate for easy storage.
May not look like much but so far I'm real happy with it.
I got the idea here:
http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/portable-shooting-bench-free-plans/
May not look like much but so far I'm real happy with it.
I got the idea here:
http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2007/08/28/portable-shooting-bench-free-plans/
Last edited:
LAH
Member
What are you going to load timberwoldEMT?........Creeker
timberwolfEMT
Member
I'm going to start out loading .223 and 6.8mm SPC, then eventually going to also start loading 40 S & W
LAH
Member
Sounds like a plan, welcome to the board.......Creeker
RustyFN
Member
Looks good timberwolfEMT. I didn't know Lyman made a power debur tool. I bet that would work good on primer crimps. I hope you enjoy your classic as much as I have mine.
Rusty
Rusty
RugerBob
Member
Corkster
Member
-terry
Member
For all you guys who are jealous of some of the setups you see here, my setup will help you feel better. I load in a closet! The good news is that everything is within arm's reach. The bad news is everything is close enough to knock over.
Only difference is that I now have a Dillon 550B instead of the Lee Loadmaster.
Only difference is that I now have a Dillon 550B instead of the Lee Loadmaster.
Sommerled
Member
Love this thread
I've enjoyed seeing everyone's ideas about reloading benches. Finally registered to post on this site and thought I'd share my gun-room and reloading benches. I've been reloading for about seven years.
The benches are made from scraps from building my house and cabinets. My other hobby is designing and building furniture.
Really enjoy this site. I've learned a tremendous amount, I really appreciate all your posts.
I've enjoyed seeing everyone's ideas about reloading benches. Finally registered to post on this site and thought I'd share my gun-room and reloading benches. I've been reloading for about seven years.
The benches are made from scraps from building my house and cabinets. My other hobby is designing and building furniture.
Really enjoy this site. I've learned a tremendous amount, I really appreciate all your posts.
Roccobro
Member
Agreed.
And that last picture is beautiful. I'm jealous! Justin
VonFatman
Member
Sommerled,
Great set up! AND...welcome to the Forum!!
Thanks for sharing.
Bob
Great set up! AND...welcome to the Forum!!
Thanks for sharing.
Bob
Dirtypacman
Member
Impressive Sommerled.
LAH
Member
+1
FullEffect1911
Member
Welcome to THR Sommerled. Nice setup.
JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone
Member
But does the miral have any wildlife in it? For dry fire practice in the gun room, I want to have something to aim at. Not a knot in a tree branch. I want to aim at the eye ball of a Bear or Kitty Cat.
Most impressive Sommerled. My wife would fall over dead if she ever found my gun room looking that kept up. She'd think I contracted some compulsive cleaning disorder or something and wonder why I didn't have the rest of the house looking that way.
My gun room looks used. Well used.
-Steve
Most impressive Sommerled. My wife would fall over dead if she ever found my gun room looking that kept up. She'd think I contracted some compulsive cleaning disorder or something and wonder why I didn't have the rest of the house looking that way.
My gun room looks used. Well used.
-Steve
Sommerled
Member
Thanks guys,
Wish I'd found this forum years ago. It would have saved me learning the hard way on not a few things.
I'm a Navy Vet with some time on Boomers and just like things tidy in small places. Since my kids and select friends use the equipment, keeping it neat sets a standard for them, nobody leaves until its clean! It sees about 8-9k rounds per year made. You should see my woodshop, people think I don't use it but i go through over a thousand board feet of wood a year making furniture. Us Scandinavians are a bit neurotic but we take pills for it.
Wish I'd found this forum years ago. It would have saved me learning the hard way on not a few things.
I'm a Navy Vet with some time on Boomers and just like things tidy in small places
. Since my kids and select friends use the equipment, keeping it neat sets a standard for them, nobody leaves until its clean! It sees about 8-9k rounds per year made. You should see my woodshop, people think I don't use it but i go through over a thousand board feet of wood a year making furniture. Us Scandinavians are a bit neurotic but we take pills for it.Sommerled
Member
Your'e right Steve, perhaps I should get a picture of Bin Laden or Shurmer peeking out from behind a tree on that mural for dry fire practice.
