How to Set Up a Reloading Bench
- 1). Choose or create a bench that fits your particular reloading capacity. If you are a high volume reloader, a larger amount of space and ample shelving will be a must. If you are just starting out and have a very basic setup, you will need less space but keep in mind that you may expand as you become more experienced. A good reloading area will have at least a 2 foot depth by 4 to 6 feet optimal. Shelving or storage containers or drawers will be needed, the number depending on the bulk of your supplies. A work surface that has some type of mat or covering is a good idea.
- 2). Mount the reloading press permanently on the bench in the location that it feels most comfortable for you to work it in. Typically this can be to the center of the bench. Reloading is a step by step process that is completed in order, and you should set your bench up so that you can move from one process to the next without jumping around. Often, a reloading bench for a right-handed person is seen with a powder area to the right, the press in a central spot, then the priming and finishing area to the left. This is not a hard and fast rule, you should set yours up to go from process to process without interruption or moving things around.
- 3). Set up the press. Some presses are single stage others are more intricate. Be sure the correct dies are loaded into the press and the shell holder is properly set up.
- 4). Set up the back wall of the bench if you have one that has a tall backing, as a space to hang tools. If you have one that has storage compartments, utilize these for smaller tools and supplies such as primers, casings and other items.
- 5). Attach the work light above the bench, or use a bench-mounted, flexible extended light. Check to be sure all the areas are well lit and you can see every part of the process clearly.
- 6). Create a hook or space to hang your safety glasses where they are in easy reach at the beginning of the process. Safety glasses are a must when reloading and any time gun powder, oils and metal casings are in use because they can cause severe eye injury.
- 7). Place the scale and powder loading tools together in a specific area. This should be a separate spot with a little space between this area and the press. This area will have gun powder and more mess and to avoid contamination needs to be kept apart. The powder scale should be placed on the side of this area closest to the press.
- 8). Locate your calipers in close proximity to the press, either on the bench in a specific location or hanging on the back wall of the bench if you are setting this up for tools.
- 9). Prepare a space for the priming tool. To the left of the press is optimal if you have mounted your press in the center of the bench.
- 10
Store and organize your supplies in compartments below the bench on shelves, in drawers or spaces provided in the bench if available or in the same type of set up on the back of the bench if this is a storage area. Your supplies should be within easy reach and kept in their own containers. Plastic tubs with lids are often a great choice for this and can be easily labeled. Other items come in boxes they can be stored in without the need of additional containers.
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