Reloading news flash!!!!

[Dutch3]

Since few people own a home where they can devote an entire room to reloading, my intent is as a mentor (not to be critical) but rather to encourage a reloading strategy that involves only a "small footprint".

Since my wife has already commandeered two rooms in the house as "craft rooms", my setup is out in a shed. I could make room in the house if need be, and I may set up a press inside for when it is too hot/cold outside.

I started reloading at the kitchen table using a Lee Classic Loader, a short piece of 2x6 and a hammer. That's a pretty small footprint. But it made my wife "nervous".

[Californio]

Threading the powder measure into the press is a PAIN. RCBS used to make an offset piece of metal, I don't see it listed today as a separate, that you mount the powder measure on, permanently, and then just use a die to attach the other end to the press. Easy on and off and no treading with powder in the measure.

It is just a straight piece of steel 6" long and 1.5" wide, radiuses at each corner and 7/8" holes at each end. RCBS calls it a "Stand Plate" they don't show it on the site but I bet they would sell you one.

If not, I am sure Bruce could whip one up for you.

Tadah!!!!!!

So I'm getting ready to go to Home Depot and my mom says (yes my mom), "Where you going?"
"Home Depot to pick up a work bench." I says.
"Why don't you use that one." as she points to the other side of the room.

Oh yeah, good idea!
Never made it to HD, instead OSH to pick up a couple of bolts, storage bins and etc...



Yes, BB and Bf, that is the same table I used to have. Finally pulled out the press.



Used a coping saw to cut away a section for the press, drilled a couple of holes and then....BAM! Super cool reloading bench!
Note the drawers below the press. One is to catch any junk that falls off the press and the bottom drawer is for dirty brass and etc...



The finished product!
I think I need some pink ribbons to make it girly like. What do you think?

Here is a serious question though, ...
I've read that carpets are notorious for generating a spark. Prior to reloading, I want to create a safe environment.

1. What would you recommend to be placed below the table so as not to create a poor mans Vandegraff Generator?

2. I would like to create a ground maybe?

Basically, I need some advice on safety and spark suppression.

[Spyder]

Go to a government auction and buy one of the old steel desks. I have one that is PERFECT for my reloading setup. I bolted all my gear right to it, it's got a ball bearing roll out drawer, lots of space is high enough off the ground, and is fire resistant.

[gemoose23]

Looks nice. A lot better than my workmate setup I currently use.

[SURVIVOR619]

Very nice setup! Looks real clean!

[Dutch3]

Go to a government auction and buy one of the old steel desks.

Absolutely, they are heavy and nearly bulletproof.

Just beware of the spring-loaded typewriter shelf in the lower compartment.

[OHOD]

Threading the powder measure into the press is a PAIN. RCBS used to make an offset piece of metal, I don't see it listed today as a separate, that you mount the powder measure on, permanently, and then just use a die to attach the other end to the press. Easy on and off and no treading with powder in the measure.

It is just a straight piece of steel 6" long and 1.5" wide, radiuses at each corner and 7/8" holes at each end. RCBS calls it a "Stand Plate" they don't show it on the site but I bet they would sell you one.

If not, I am sure Bruce could whip one up for you.

I have one. It come with the press.
Planning on setting it up.

[TAS]

I read your first post and was beginning to wonder what happened to that little desk. I remember helping you move it and even you mentioning that you were going to use it for reloading 'some day'. Glad you were able to get it all set up!

I have a dedicated space for my reloading gear but unfortunately, just haven't had the time to crank anything out lately. I've been inspired again so I'll have to see if I can change that!

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

I have one. It come with the press.
Planning on setting it up.

For ESD protection... the simplest method to me would be to make sure you don't generate any electrical static. If you can walk across the floor in the clothes (most importantly shoes) that you would normally reload in and not get shocked when you touch the screw on a light switch, then I doubt you have anything to worry about. Just my $0.02. Others may disagree.

[damndave]

Looks good! Should definitely get some sort of mat under your bench. There will be plenty of powder spills and dead primers floating around.

[ireload]

OHOD you can purchase anti-static mats from McMaster Carr or Graingers.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

Well have you tried out this set up yet?

[Fishslayer]

Didn't know OHOD was left handed...

[rsrocket1]

I hadn't noticed that you had to stick the powder measure onto the press as a separate step. That adds one more unnecessary step in the single stage loading process. If you had a powder measure on a separate stand, you would take your processed and primed brass, charge it with powder and seat the bullet in the press in one step. No chance of a missed (squib) charge or a double charge (kaboom) when using a loading block.

Loading blocks should be used only to store fully loaded rounds prior to boxing them up if at all. I don't use loading blocks when loading rifle rounds (pistol rounds are done on a progressive). They go from the pre-processed Tupperware bin to the storage boxes after the powder drop/bullet seating step.

[Dutch3]

Loading blocks should be used only to store fully loaded rounds prior to boxing them up if at all. I don't use loading blocks when loading rifle rounds (pistol rounds are done on a progressive). They go from the pre-processed Tupperware bin to the storage boxes after the powder drop/bullet seating step.

I do use a loading block. My powder measure is mounted separately from the press. I charge each case with powder, then place it in the block.

When the block is full, I move it under a lamp and visually inspect the charged cases as a group. Any discrepancies in the powder charge are obvious when compared to the others. I will then seat bullets on that batch and repeat the process.

It works for me.