New To Reloading

oldfella

oldfella

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The UPS left a nice package for me today, my reloading equipment and other reloading goodies. I now have to find the right place to get started, and may have to build a special bench to do it. What is your mode of reloading, sanding or sitting? Sitting sims a bit awkward when moving that lever, I think standing would most likely work best. If your preference is standing, what should the bench height be, in relation to the body, waist-high? Thanks.

Pete
 
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Most seem to prefer standing. The sitters I know seem to like a bar stool. It is generally easier to work on the press while standing and not "hunched over".

For height, it really depends on the press. As a general rule, the handle of the press should be at about shoulder height when it is in its uppermost position. If you are really going to crank the rounds out you should definitely pay attention to the ergonomics.

Bob
 
Go set it on the counter top in the kitchen and see if it is about right Pete. Then adjust from there :D .
 
I usually do some case prep,priming, & powder charging while standing. I use the press while sitting. It all depends on how you want to set up.
 
I would agree with Bulleye Smith about the hieght of the bench. I built a dedicated bench (it does get used for a few other projects in the garage). I set my bench up with inserts/bolts so that I can remove the press and powder stand and have a open work surface. Seated vs. standing? I do both. But I do use a stool instead of a chair, so I'm almost standing anyway.
 
My bench is semi portable and low so I sit on a folding chair. Plus I am lazy.:D

I sent you a PM with a link to another forum that has benches. Only 586,000 views!;)
 
How long are you willing to stand up? I sit; I'm gonna be there for a while. Set your equipment up at whatever height is comfortable for you.
 
SMSgt said:
How long are you willing to stand up? I sit; I'm gonna be there for a while. Set your equipment up at whatever height is comfortable for you.
Click to expand...

+1

I spend hours at my bench so I sit. I found an old office desk with a heavy laminate top for my bench and I use an office chair with an adjustable height to sit in.
 
Great responses, great ideas... after seeing the pictures Roy referenced, I'd say that some folks are really into it, big time. My reloading is going to be minimal, as I no longer do much shooting. I decided to start reloading mostly as a stress-releaser project, or something to do during the winter months. Thanks a bunch fellers.

Pete
 
oldfella said:
Great responses, great ideas... after seeing the pictures Roy referenced, I'd say that some folks are really into it, big time. My reloading is going to be minimal, as I no longer do much shooting. I decided to start reloading mostly as a stress-releaser project, or something to do during the winter months. Thanks a bunch fellers.

Pete
Click to expand...

I am in about the same boat Pete. Have all my stuff, and even picked up a clearance 6' section of laminate countertop from HD. Just have to get my bench together, and have been trying to decide myself if I want to sit or stand, and what height will work best. I have Rhuematoid Arthritis, so I don't think standing will be an option, but then again I don't plan on reloading hours on end, as I don't shoot a whole heck of alot of ammo. Decided to start reloading due to the price of ammo, my fear of .45acp availability next year on the centennial of the 1911, and mainly for something to do during the winter months.
 
That's pretty much my garage bench I built long ago only I used 3/4 plywood. You need to be careful to leave enough edge to put bolts through to hold the press or you will need very long ones to go through the 2x4 frame or end up lag bolting them in.
 
Pete: It is really a back-stress reliever if you build your reloading bench for the correct height to for the standing position and then find an old bar stool and cut it to the correct height to allow you to on occasion sit at your press when the mood hits you. I have built several benches over the years and hit on using 1 1/8" thick plywood for the top. This plywood is known to the trade as "2-4-1" ply. It is sturdy enough to allow really heavy duty presses and the resulting 'leverage' that they require. For your light duty requirements the use of lag bolts down thru the top into the 2X4 purlins will work fine. If you can't find any '2-4-1' ply my recommendation is to double up 3/4" with wood glue between the layers. It sound like 'overkill', but in the long run you will thank me.

For my heavy duty requirements, I flush inlet into the leading edge of the top a one piece length of 1/4"X4"X5" angle iron. I can drill and tap it to accommodate any reloading tool known to man. I also electrically ground this angle iron for total elimination of static spark danger. Not that I ever had a problem prior to taking this step. ....... Big Cholla
 
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