What size toolbox for benchrest matches?

[ShtrRdy]

I'm new at the benchrest game and am having a heck of a time deciding on what size toolbox to get to bring things such as reloading components dial caliper, micrometer, bolt disassembly tool and other things. It would be nice to fit the powder measure in.

 

[JMayo]

 

[liljoe]

Just so you don't have to buy another one. Sometimes my kennedy box feels this heavy.
Joe

 

[ShtrRdy]

Holy crap, I need that much stuff to go to a benchrest match?

 

[357Mag]

I'm new at the benchrest game and am having a heck of a time deciding on what size toolbox to get to bring things such as reloading components dial caliper, micrometer, bolt disassembly tool and other things. It would be nice to fit the powder measure in.

SHT -

Howdy !

I have seen shooters using what reminds me a lot like a mimiature " roll top desk ".

This is a free-standing box w/ mutiple inner compartments, sorta like the old tymee " pigeon hole " concept.

The covering does not need to be a roll top design, but something that allows for unencumbered access to the container's inside conttents.

Oft times.... the spacing between the inside " shelves includes a space that accomodates a manual powder measure.

If you can call-up some pics of the reloading barn being used @ the Super Shoot ( or other contest ), you'd likely see some of these in use.


With regards,
357Mag

 

[ShtrRdy]

I could find one picture of a relaxing area at the Super Shoot. It looks like a lot of people use a 2 or 3 drawer tool chest sort of box. Tony Boyer's book has a picture of his 2 drawer box.

 

[WillyTP]

I’m using the Milwaukee pack out drawer boxes, two of those.

 

[LVLAaron]

 

[BoydAllen]

I like to keep my cleaning solvents and all of my end of rod stuff, patches and guides in their own small cheap plastic tool box, because ammonia gas exposure is very bad for brass. I keep all of my loading equipment, components and misc. tools in another, that is about like a pilot's chart case. Maxed out it weighs about 35# which is about all I want to pick up with one hand. I have another box for the parts of my wind flags. and other small items. Mine break down. I converted a HD nylon camp chair zipper case to hold my flag stands. My rods go in a home made(sched 40 PVC) two rod case, with a retainer to keep them from falling out. My rifle goes in a rigid plastic case that is just big enough, not one of the monsters. My PMA cleaning cradle, rest and bags are not cased. Right now I am mulling over what would be the best car to bench and reloading table dolly. First step is to pile it all on a big table and see how it stacks compared to what is available.

 

[JMayo]

That is how i wound up with a double cart full of boxes. Some items just can't be with other items. Some items need special care.
A mtm cleaning box/cradle is the best cleaning box imo.
A rod case made from pvc.
Flag box's #1 pin wheels & #2 veins.
Spotting scope & stand
Front rest.
rear rest, risers, fans with towels.
Bullets boxes & stool.
2 rifles,
rifle box with flag stands.
table & cleaning cradle.

A whole nother set of boxes would be needed for reloading stuff ....

 

[RegionRat]

Just a suggestion.

No two people that I know use the exact same process or exact same equipment at the range. While there are several similarities, there is a great variety in total.

Take a space where you have nothing but a table, and force yourself to run your whole process.

Take everything you need to that empty space and assume if you have to step back to your shop for anything you will need to pack that too. This drill will force you to work with what you have so that you don't forget things.

Need power for equipment? Do you need to bring a power pack or gen set? Will you include gun tools for options like swapping scopes, triggers, stocks? Will your cleaning be bare minimum or complete?

Same kit to cover travel matches, or just the bare minimum for working close to home and club matches?

Lots of things to think about.

Once you have everything on that table, you will have a better idea of what your field gear boxes need to cover.

ETA: wife noticed @SPJ front porch photo and asked where is that? I just said hunt/fish heaven....

 

[WillyTP]

Exactly what @RegionRat said. My table is a 2’x4’ top. A double cleaning cradle lives on one side so all my range reloading really takes place in a 24”x30” space.

 

[Sleepyhollow]

Exactly what @RegionRat said. My table is a 2’x4’ top. A double cleaning cradle lives on one side so all my range reloading really takes place in a 24”x30” space.

What press is that your using ? Turret ?

 

[WillyTP]

What press is that your using ? Turret ?

Yes sir, Harrell’s turret press. Previous owner had it powder coated blue.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

It really is amazing how much stuff we load up and take with us ...to go shoot a gun.

 

[rayporter]

every time i try to take less i end up having to borrow something. and that makes you feel like a ........!

 

[WillyTP]

Here’s the rough setup from today. Once I get everything on the table and setup I’ll get you another one of just the table top and gear.

 

[WillyTP]

table top

 

[ShtrRdy]

@WillyTP - do you have to bring your own table or do you prefer to use your own table?
Is it fair to say you don't use a "tool box" ?

 

[WillyTP]

@WillyTP - do you have to bring your own table or do you prefer to use your own table?
Is it fair to say you don't use a "tool box" ?

You have to bring your own table. And it’s definitely multiple boxes.