Closet reloading setup

[sonny]

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

 

[oldfella]

Great set-up - now all you need is install a fluorescent light fixture to save your eyesight.

Pete

 

[Scrapper]

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"

 

[diamonback68]

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.

 

[DeathGrip]

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.

 

[Jellybean]

Wow! That wouldn't work for me. I have to keep everything I own in my reloading room.

 

[Cary]

That's a good example of how you can make due with little space.
Cary

 

[sonny]

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

 

[eddie h]

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

 

[dennis40x]

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

 

[cptdco]

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.

 

[sonny]

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

 

[sonny]

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

 

[Dale53]

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

 

[danski]

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.