Bulk reloading space requirements

[264charlie]

Hello,

I am moving my precision rifle reloading equipment inside the house to my office. The only reloading operations in the garage will be tumbling and bulk processing.

I was using a small bench with a single stage but want to get setup for bulk reloading .223 and .40. Ordering two 650s and a 1050. How much space would you recommend on the sides of the machines. How much workspace is required?

Basically following Randall's guides for bulk reloading.

[Connor P Price]

Tagged for my own curiosity, I'm interested to hear what Randall has to say. Please post pics once this is set up and ready to go! I'd love to see it.

[ChrisXD45T]

You'll need about 20" across to operate the 650, and about a minimum of 45" in height from the top of the bench if you use the case feeder.

[Bug Splat]

I'd leave at least 2 feet between machines. The more space the better IMO

[buffybuster]

A 48" X 24" surface would be adequate with enough room to work around. Could probably get by with 36" but that's probably getting pretty tight with all the components and such.

[264charlie]

cool, I have 77" x 20" bench that sits at 38" off the ground... Will I still want the 6" lift for the 650's? I am 5'-11 and plan to work standing.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Here's my opinion:

Forget how much space you need for your machines.

Instead focus on the AREA IN YOUR OFFICE that you will be dedicating for your presses.

As an example, if you want to use a certain wall/side of your office for reloading, then design and build a table to take-up that whole wall. Use the maximum space available for your work bench.

Once the work bench is completed, then figure-out where you will be positioning your presses on the bench.

Look at ths thread I started. (CLICK HERE). The first pictures are of my reloading presses in my office.

The first thing I did was designate an area in my office for reloading. Then I designed and built a bench to take up all that whole area. Once that was done, I then figured-out where they presses would be positioned on the bench.

If I wanted to place it in a garage, my options would have been different, and I would literally have gone ballistic on my designs.

Just my opinions.

In Christ: Raymond

PS: I wanted to add one more thing to think about. Figure out the lever height on the press. Then make sure to incorporate this into your design. What I mean by this is...this will determine the HEIGHT of your work bench. I took all this into consideration (including the boxes I mounted the presses onto) when I designed my bench. Bottom line, my bench is at the PERFECT height for me, and I get absolutely no muscle fatigue from having to reach up, or hunch down, during the reloading process. (I also reload while standing. Notice the position of my arms when reloading - very natural and comfortable).

[joelogic]

Dont forget about trimming, which on a dillon can be loud. You may want to setup one 650 in the garage.

[264charlie]

Only precision rifle reloading equipment will go in the office. 650s and 1050 will stay in the garage. Just want a idea of space before I order 4K in gear.

[anyracoon]

The strong mounts are the only way to go. Have them on all of my Dillons. I stand when reload so it puts every thing at the right height for me.

[CGT80]

I reload on a 550 and don't need much space at all on the right of my machine, but I use about 18" on the left for my scale, tools, or an open box of bullets. I use a bench right behind me to load primers and spray lube brass, and to load ammo boxes. I also keep my data folder on the bench behind me. You might be able to have the presses close by or use little space and then have a larger general work table without the presses.

I know, I need to post pics. My little room works very well.

[ar15barrels]

cool, I have 77" x 20" bench that sits at 38" off the ground... Will I still want the 6" lift for the 650's? I am 5'-11 and plan to work standing.

My bench is 51" tall and I am 6'2"ish.
I think you will still want the risers with a 38" bench and it's still going to be barstool height, not standing height.
The ideal heght is when you stand at the machine and put your hand on the lever and it's either level with your shoulder or 1-2" below level with your shoulder.

26"-30" between machines if you will be the only person using them.
If two people are going to load at once, you will want 4ft between the two machines that those two people will operate.

[ar15barrels]

The strong mounts are the only way to go. Have them on all of my Dillons. I stand when reload so it puts every thing at the right height for me.

The strong mounts are not necessary if you build a dedicated bench to the proper height.
The bench should be tied into the studs of the wall for stability.