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Beginner question Compact setup

Pareto

Silver $$ Contributor
What is the best single stage setup if I can't permanently affix the press to a bench? I was thinking that would mean a hand press. But I was wondering if there were some economical single stage press with a stand that I could put away after every reloading session. I simply don't have a place to permanently site the equipment, so it would need to be easy to put away. Also, I don't anticipate reloading a lot each month. This would be just to play with different loads and shoot a couple dozen a week. Cost is not so important. I primarily care about compactness, ease of getting started and the ability to create accurate match loads in .223 for a bolt gun. For mass plinking I will always just buy the ammo.

Thanks.
 
I lived in an apartment. I had a RCBS Jr press, but I guess most presses mount with bolts. I just drilled through my "bench" top and ran long bolts thru washers and then added washers and a nut below. Tighten and viola'. Loosen and take off, put stuff away. Only evidence is two holes in the edge of the "bench.
 
I've mounted several pieces of equipment (i.e. press, priming tool, trimmer, etc.) directly to 1.25" thick hardwood cutting boards. I clamp them to the benchtop with two large "C" clamps and can change one out in about 30 seconds. It works quite well.
 
I like Barts example above but I have a much cheaper solution with a RCBS jr press mounted on an aluminum plate. Pics coming later this morning.
 
I had a rolling cart with a press mounted to a board. It worked pretty good.
Press was on back side of this.
I rolled it into a corner when not using it.
 

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Pareto said:
What is the best single stage setup if I can't permanently affix the press to a bench? I was thinking that would mean a hand press. But I was wondering if there were some economical single stage press with a stand that I could put away after every reloading session. I simply don't have a place to permanently site the equipment, so it would need to be easy to put away. Also, I don't anticipate reloading a lot each month. This would be just to play with different loads and shoot a couple dozen a week. Cost is not so important. I primarily care about compactness, ease of getting started and the ability to create accurate match loads in .223 for a bolt gun. For mass plinking I will always just buy the ammo.

Thanks.
Click to expand...
I’ll echo the C clamp option others have mentioned above. It works quite well and can be taken down quickly without permanently mounting to cabinets or workbench. I have even reformed cases which requires more force than resizing using that mounting method with no issue. Which way you go will depend upon exactly what your space limitations are.
 
I loaded several thousand rounds sitting down with an RCBS Rockchucker across my thigh.I did lay a rag down to avoid dirt and grease getting on me but it generally wasn’t needed.

If you’re loading bigger cartridges you might prefer the leverage of the press clamped to a counter / table.
 
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I have a fold up dog grooming table that I can clamp a press to or set up for weighing and seating rounds.
 

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I didn't realize there is a free standing setup for Lee. It's 39 inches high and meant to sit on the floor. Do those work well? My major constraint is counter space since the wife doesn't want me to permanently affix anything to the tables and counters we have. But there are places I could put the stand and bench press to "hide in" while I'm not using it. Would the Rock Chucker work with that?
 
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