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  #1  
Old 02-02-2010, 11:16 AM
sonny sonny is offline
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Default Closet reloading setup

MOD: You can flip this over into the reloading section. Sorry...

This is mine: a standard-sized (2' x 8') bedroom-closet in a standard home. My home does have high ceilings, which has allowed me to install multiple rows of ClosetMaid wire shelving, above desk level, to hold my stuff. Heavy material like lead sits on floor. I have an old 20" x 44" office desk (lightly braced with 2x4) with Dillon 550B (no primer feed). I no longer run my press as progressively as I once did when I shot a lot in our Pennsylvania club-house in the ole days.



I have always had my reloader set up like this, in a bedroom closet, in five homes I've lived in since 1971. It ensures privacy and comfort in all weather conditions. There was a time when I only shot trap; then "progressed to handgun-only." I load for five handgun calibers. Having my stuff inside our home eases concerns about humidity and rust.
On each side of the closet is about a 2' x 2' area which allows a small safe on one side and storage boxes, gun cases, ammo boxes on the other.
The bifold doors are always closed when we have company, and if gd-kids are sleeping in there, then I block the bi-doors with a long table or something appropriate. This has worked for me; wouldn't change it.
Sonny

Last edited by sonny; 02-02-2010 at 11:26 AM.
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  #2  
Old 02-02-2010, 11:20 AM
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Great set-up - now all you need is install a fluorescent light fixture to save your eyesight.

Pete
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  #3  
Old 02-02-2010, 11:21 AM
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Thats thinking !!!! Nice and clean just close the door and it's hidden. Very Creative.

Also puts new meaning to "Coming out of the closet"
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:24 AM
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Very neat set-up Don.
I'm not allowed to have any reloading equipment in my house. The Frau's ex-husband really screwed that up for me.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:25 AM
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I need to show this to my brother,maybe he'll stop whining about space.
Single with a 3/2 and utility room.
Thanks,
D.G.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:30 AM
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Wow! That wouldn't work for me. I have to keep everything I own in my reloading room.
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Old 02-02-2010, 01:13 PM
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That's a good example of how you can make due with little space.
Cary
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Old 02-02-2010, 01:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldfella View Post
Great set-up - now all you need is install a fluorescent light fixture to save your eyesight.

Pete
Yessir, you are correct that I could use more lighting. Part of my problem is that I have five rows of wire shelving (9 inches wide x 6 feet) that go up to 10' high ceiling.
In order to get some seldom-used stuff from the top shelf, I have to use a 6' step-ladder and then could never get past the fluorescent fixture. I probably should mount some more incandescent lighting on both ends of the closet.
I just keep that office lamp with 100W bulb close to my work, but certainly could use more light.
don
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Old 02-02-2010, 02:22 PM
eddie h eddie h is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by diamonback68 View Post
Very neat set-up Don.
I'm not allowed to have any reloading equipment in my house. The Frau's ex-husband really screwed that up for me.
I'd really like to hear the rest of that story
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  #10  
Old 02-02-2010, 03:31 PM
dennis40x dennis40x is offline
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LaMar Lighting Surface (MCN Series Wall/Corner Mount Florescent) or similar product would solve your lighting problem. You may also want to install a power-strip and bundle the electrical cords.
MCN Series (Wall Mount) on La Mar Lighting
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  #11  
Old 02-02-2010, 05:19 PM
cptdco cptdco is offline
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Looks like a good set-up and similar to my closet operation. I also have shelves left and right of the bench which give me a lot more storage space. Can I make one suggestion? Try placing a shallow shelf at eye-level above the bench and put the scale on it. It makes it a lot easier to read and load and its not subject to any shaking from the bench.
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Old 02-02-2010, 11:00 PM
sonny sonny is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dennis40x View Post
LaMar Lighting Surface (MCN Series Wall/Corner Mount Florescent) or similar product would solve your lighting problem. You may also want to install a power-strip and bundle the electrical cords.
MCN Series (Wall Mount) on La Mar Lighting
Thanks. Several of you noted that I need more light. I do.
I'll check into this product.
Sonny
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  #13  
Old 02-02-2010, 11:02 PM
sonny sonny is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cptdco View Post
Can I make one suggestion? Try placing a shallow shelf at eye-level above the bench and put the scale on it. It makes it a lot easier to read and load and its not subject to any shaking from the bench.
Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to consider this.
Sonny
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  #14  
Old 02-02-2010, 11:06 PM
Dale53 Dale53 is offline
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Sonny;

You can easily install a ceiling fixture - I have two in my kitchen. They only stick down about four inches or so and would give you excellent light (they are two bulb fixtures). That shouldn't be too much in your way.

I have half of my basement dedicated to reloading. My bullet casting is done in an outside utility barn (heated and air conditioned).

If you have limited space, a feller just has to make do. It looks like you have done well. Sometimes, less is more...

Dale53
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  #15  
Old 02-02-2010, 11:15 PM
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For years in apartments, I had (and still do at my house) a single stage RCBS press mounted on a simple bar stool and my dies, etc., kept in boxes along with powders, bullets and powder. All were stowed in a closet with a garbage bag covering the press and stool. When I wanted to load, I'd move stuff to a kitchen table and sit in one of the kitchen chairs.

Now that bar stool is still used even though I have a Dillon 550b and a whole work room for stuff.
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