First Reloading bench in process

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

I'm about halfway through my new bench build. Finally to the point where the old one isn't cutting it, coupled with the fact that I got a truck load of free dimensional lumber from a friend that he had no use for and wanted cleaned up out of his garage. I decided on an L main bench, then a floating island in the open space of the L that will have presses and barrel vise on. Going to have some sort of swapping system to get able to take things off of my island if I need some more space with replaceable bases that will get drilled. As soon as you have something up there permanently mounted, it's in the way, you end up changing/upgrading or it's the catlyst that starts collecting clutter. Hung up some cabinets and what not as well, which should help inventory and organize.

Ripped down anything 2 by into 2.5" tall strips, laminated them all together into a butcher block top, router planed, rounded corners, and routered edges with a chamfer. Suffice to say, it's not going anywhere when a press handle gets pulled down.

I have the space to do something like this. but I intend to see how far this configuration gets me. Looks like you have plenty of space for sure, nice work.

 

[onelastshot]

You're going to need a stand up metal cabinet just for the gunpowder and ammunition. I've got a large closet and it's filled with Ammunition and gunpowder. You're also going to need shelves for the reloading dies. You're going to be amazed at how quickly free space disappears. Bullets and empty brass take up a lot of space.

 

[rjtfroggy]

Omegared nice set up but I hope you are not in a cold climate area. Your bench as pictured is going to block most of your heat flow off those base boards.
Just a little observation from old time heating man.

 

[DeltaWhiskey64068]

You're going to need a stand up metal cabinet just for the gunpowder and ammunition. I've got a large closet and it's filled with Ammunition and gunpowder. You're also going to need shelves for the reloading dies. You're going to be amazed at how quickly free space disappears. Bullets and empty brass take up a lot of space.

At this point in time, I am only reloading for precision .308. I understand that most folks reload everything they shoot, but I am in a fairly unique situation. I have a buddy who is a commercial ammunition manufacturer, and he sets me up with .45 and .223 for essentially his cost. I couldn't reload it myself any cheaper. I give him the brass back and he sets me up. Rinse, repeat. My sole purpose for this reloading adventure is to learn the process of making the most accurate handloads I can, and there is no rush to do so. If my situation changes, I have a 600 square foot finished sub basement that could be easily converted into a "reloading" space.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I need more light!!!

 

[Papa Charlie]

Some very nice bench builds here. I have a small bench up in my pilothouse. It is only 24"x48". I have to shift onto the bench depending on what I am doing. My Inline Fabrication quick mount is a joy and a huge benefit for limited space.

Here is an image of my bench set up for measuring powder. Sorry the picture isn't better. There isn't a lot of room in my Pilothouse to get back and get a good picture. You can see the Inline Fab mount to the right. That goes to the other edge of the bench. Still it works for now. But when I retire and we move to our retirement home, I have plans for my gun room.

The block on the on the bottom left of the image is a magwell block. I loosen the screw, flip it up and tighten it down. It allows me to place my rifle on that block in the magwell so that I can clean, maintenance or do throat measurements.

The blue mat on my bench is an anti static mat. It is grounded to one of the outlet grounds and has an electronic monitor that will indicate if any kind of a charge builds up. Great tool.

Also, on the very bottom left you can just make out the Cyberpower UPS unit. All my electronics are plugged into this unit. Provides absolute pure power to the scales.

 

[Kurz]

Threads about building or buying reloading benches seem to be one of the most popular. We all like to see everyone else’s ideas and room set ups. There are websites like Pinterest which has sections about reloading benches with hundreds of photographs.

Or just use a search engine with the terms 'reloading benches' or reloading rooms'. The major firearms websites often have lengthy threads about reloading benches and rooms. Besides, it's always fun to dream and plan.