Powder measure location on bench

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John Hill

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I have just purchased a 60" work bench with 4 drawers from Harbor Freight Workbench with 4 Drawers, 60" Hardwood and am permanently securing some of my loading components to the top. It is against a wall with 4 shelves mounted to the wall above it. I am right handed. I have attached my single stage press at the left end of the bench so that all drawers can be opened. I will primarily be loading handgun ammo. I have a RCBS Uniflow powder measure on its stand and want to bolt it down. Where on the bench would you want to put it? Mid way in the bench, to the right, at front edge, further back, etc. I also have a Redding beam powder scale that will be portable. I will also be using two loading blocks that will be moved to appropriate locations.
It is easier to get your suggestions on location than to drill a lot of holes in the bench top just testing.
Thanks for any advice.
John
 
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What I did was attach the measure to a metal plate and c-clamp it to the bench.
After finding the sweet spot, then I drilled the holes and attached it permanently.
 
Been a long time since I've used a single stage press but since the powder fill is a totally separate operation from the press, I would place it far away from the press as possible and set up a little "powder stage" area all on it's own. That way you wouldn't be bumping stuff (and knocking it onto the floor) when you are doing other things. One suggestion on your new bench, if it has a metal top, put a layer of plywood (or hardwood if it's in your budget) on top of it. Makes for a more pleasant process. (less noisy and dampens the vibrations that can transmit through metal).
 
I have found (for me) the most convenient location is about 2 ft to the left of the press, with the scale in between. That allows plenty of room for ammo trays, etc. Putting them in various locations "clamped down" until you find your preferred location is the best idea..

 
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+1 with post #2

I like to be able to move it around if needed..........
since my RCBS and 366 are anchored to my table.

Mec Jr is also mobile.
 
If you're like most folks you'll make several changes to your reloading bench during the first few months. Most of these changes will be minor, primarily the location of components. Clamping first, then bolting it, is a good idea (The PM does need to be very secure to work properly).
 
The bench top is wood and the only locations where things can be temporarily clamped is along the front edge. I can do that but wanted to know if having the powder measure set back was more desirable.
John
 
John Hill said:
The bench top is wood and the only locations where things can be temporarily clamped is along the front edge. I can do that but wanted to know if having the powder measure set back was more desirable.
John
Click to expand...

John, My Redding stand is located to my right on the bench, 7" from the bench front to the stand and 4" to the powder dispenser. On my left is the press. I suggest mounting the PM in the stand and have someone hold it securely in this area. Then sit as you normally would and try the lever, you might even want to charge a few cases. Move it around until you find that "sweet spot". Remember, you also have some flexibility with the lever, turning it left and right, before locking it to the stand. Good luck.
 


not sure if this is common - but I like my scale at eye level while sitting

when I'm adjusting the setting on the the powder measure - I have it mounted like this

both scale and measure are on a "stool" - "raised shelf" that is on top of the bench

the top of the "stool" is about 12" above my bench - I have that screwed to the bench with metal angles

after the measure is dialed in - I move it to a mounting bracket that is flush mounted to the front of that "stool" - the stand stays were it is - I've since bolted the stand down - now I have an extra c-clamp

I hope this makes sense;)
 
My balance and digital scales are at eye level, with my 3 powder measures mounted on the front of that same shelf (slightly to the right). Ivan
 
Kinda depends on your loading routine. I like to charge the case with powder, then immediately seat the bullet. I feel doing it that way there's much less chance of an uncharged or worse yet a double-charged cartridge.Therefore I have my powder measure mounted on a bracket which mounts to the top of the press, under the locking ring of the seating die. FWIW I like the RCBS Little Dandy for charging handgun cartridges- compact and handy, and can never go out of adjustment. The drawback is that you are restricted to the set charge volumes of the various rotors, but so far that hasn't been much of a handicap.
 

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I don;t like to have anything perm mounted to my bench but the press. SO I mounted my measure & stand to a 1/2" thick x 6" sq plate, put some rubber on the bottom & just set it on the bench. Plenty heavy enough & I can move it out of the way when doing other tasks.
 
I have an 10' bench with my Redding turret bolted down in the center. I sit on the left side, with my RCBS chargemaster dead in front of me and the redding powder measure somewhat left of that. All can be reached from my stool. The Redding Big Boss press for rifles is mounted to the right about 4' or so. Depriming is done in my brass prep area on another bench. this 3' hard rock maple bench was my first bench about 35 years ago. I holds a old Lee single C press I use for depriming. Warren shotgun presses are on the bench across the aisle from the turret press-- it holds 12,28 &20 gauge presses. Brass trimming is done behind me from the depriming bench. Brass is stored under the benches in 4 & 2 gallon pails, with lids. Other brass is stored in plastic containers of various needs from soup & salad size, to 10"X 8" deep empty plastic containers that Sarah's dental treats come in from Costco's. Every thing is labeled with stickies taped on with a piece of packing tape. Lymans are all three on a old dresser bought at a auction for $1.00, and the drawers hold bags of wads. Another bench came out of a railroad express car and in about 4" long, 1/4" steel with doors than can be locked. The sonic cleaner now rests there as well as my smitty's tool box. :)
 
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John Hill said:
The bench top is wood and the only locations where things can be temporarily clamped is along the front edge. I can do that but wanted to know if having the powder measure set back was more desirable.
John
Click to expand...

Set it back enough to get you loading block and scale under it but not so far back you have to extend your arms uncomfortably. You should be comfortable operating from a stool and standing to make things flexable for yourself. Set it away from primer seating. And have clear space around it for filling emptying and clean up.
 
fredj338 said:
I don;t like to have anything perm mounted to my bench but the press. SO I mounted my measure & stand to a 1/2" thick x 6" sq plate, put some rubber on the bottom & just set it on the bench. Plenty heavy enough & I can move it out of the way when doing other tasks.
Click to expand...

I think that I'll simply pour a lead base in a rectangular bread pan and fix a couple of short bolts pointing up to attach my powder measure. Put 4 rubber feet and then it will be heavy enough to be stable and totally movable.
Great ideas here. Thanks
John:)
 
John Hill said:
I think that I'll simply pour a lead base in a rectangular bread pan and fix a couple of short bolts pointing up to attach my powder measure. Put 4 rubber feet and then it will be heavy enough to be stable and totally movable.
Great ideas here. Thanks
John:)
Click to expand...

I like that idea as well, if you have a way to pour the lead base. A 6" sq x 5/8" plate is heavy enough to prevent any chance of it tipping over, even if you bunp it hard. Works for me & what I recommend to those using a bench top measure.
 
You might want to look into a Rock Dock or similar before drilling dozens of holes for everything. I am running a crummy but functional rip off still to see how I like the idea and I just need to pony up the cash for the real deal.
 
Slightly off-topic, but here's a tip that worked for me. I have a RCBS 5-10 powder scale which has two little feet on one end, and a foot on the bottom of a round pad at the other (zeroing) end. I noticed that it was too easy to accidently move the scale (and maybe unzero it) when winding the adjustment from one setting to another. I drilled three little holes in the top of my loading bench which the scale's feet index into to keep it on one place.
 
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