Altering press to accommodate female reloader

[SexySlayer1248]

I'm new to Calguns and this is my first post, I did a lot of reading before taking the plunge and posting.

I reload with my boyfriend, he has two presses(we sit not stand), the one I use is made by hornady. I find it difficult to press with the long handle, I've adjusted the seat but it doesn't seem to help much. I'm barely 5ft if that paints a picture

Question: Can I shorten the handle? How can I shorten the handle? Would I just be making things more difficult by increasing the pressure needed to press?

I have the strength to press that has never been the issue, I'm usually only reloading .45ACP and 9mm.

[Taildraggerdave]

Welcome to the forum. Use case lube if you are not already doing so. It will significantly reduce the effort required to size the cases. One Shot is an excellent case lube and there are others on the market. You are correct with your reasoning about shortening the handle. It will make it harder.

Take care,
Dave

[Divernhunter]

You could take it to a machine shop and have them cut it down. Then turn the end down and rethread it. Better yet would be to make a shorter handle and keep the longer one(or buy a 2nd replacement handle) for loading rifle ammo.
I also sit to reload. I just move the chair back but that may not work well for you.

When loading pistol rounds I found it faster and easier to use a RCBS Jr press that can be bought off ebay pretty cheap. That press also comes with a much shorter handle. You also get better feel when seating bullets with it as it has less leverage.
You should hand prime your brass. That is one less step using the press. I hand prime while watching TV.
Use carbide style dies and no need for case lube. Yes the effort will increase with a shorter handle. However there is not much effort required for the pistol brass. "I" have not had good luck with Hornady spray lube. Had too many stuck cases in the dies. So did my friends. The RCBS pump spray case-slik works great and I use it for rifle cases from 204ruger to 50bmg.

Good luck and happy reloading to you and your boyfriend.

[sunaj]

Question: Can I shorten the handle? How can I shorten the handle? Would I just be making things more difficult by increasing the pressure needed to press?

Yabadabadoo!
sunaj

[XDRoX]

Case lube is by far the best solution. It's way way way easier to load using lube. Hornady One Shot would be my suggestion as you don't need to clean it off. You can even just lube 1/5 of the cases if you want to. It'll still be noticeably easier to load.

A rollover handle also makes things easier also.

If the length of the handle is the only problem, then shortening it and using case lube should work just fine.

[SexySlayer1248]

I've never seen the RCBS jr press, I'll have to look that up, especially because I want to mount one on a table so I can bring it inside and watch TV for the simple parts (deprime/bell/crimp). We already hand prime and weight powder inside, I have to admit I hate the cold garage.

The effort isn't my issue it's the exaggerated motion because of the length.(giggle)

So far no rifle calibers which is good but my boyfriend has a habit of loading ammo for calibers he doesn't own just because he can use it against me by saying, "well I have all these rounds of "fill in the blank" but no way to test the loads, I have to buy a new gun or else they are just wasted" ha ha

I'm thankful for all the suggestions because he's moving into reloading for shotgun (christmas present). So I'm trying to gather all my info now.

[TKM]

Call RCBS (800)533-5000 and ask if you can put the jr handle on your press.

They are really nice and will be able to help you.

[bruceflinch]

Since you have a Hornady Press, I would check w/ them to see if they have a shorter handle available. They might be able to make you one. Case lube will make all the difference w/ a short handle. I like the Hornady One Shot lube as well.
Welcome & good luck.

[stilly]

YEah I dunno if you wanna shorten the handle to make things easier. Unless of course your boyfriend is Sheldon Cooper or Howard Wallowitz and that would explain why you are so much stronger.

And here I thought it was going to be a thread about how you wanted it longer...

[Fyathyrio]

Which part do you find more troublesome, the downward stroke or the priming stroke? A different shaped handle may make the difference, such as this one, will change the motion. You don't have to push the handle down as far, but it does go back about 6" or so further on the priming stroke.

[Getssum96]

^^^^^

I was just going to suggest the same thing!

http://www.inlinefabrication.com/

He's a vendor on calguns and could probably talk you through which handle would be best for you

[Fishslayer]

The effort isn't my issue it's the exaggerated motion because of the length.(giggle)

We could probably make more accurate & helpful suggestions if you were to maybe... oh... I don't know...

...maybe post up a video on YouTube?

x whatever on the One Shot case lube. Many will tell you it's "not necessary" with pistol ammo and it's not, but definitely makes the job easier.

[Solus]

I suggest using lube first before buying something more epensive plus you can always use lube for other things... if you a spray lube the key is to give it enough time for the alcohols to evaporate. Seems like most people dont wait long enough for the alcohols to evaporate. I just did over 2k 223 cases using the hornady one shot and trust me it works wonders.

[Munk]

This may seem silly and overly simple but... sit beside the press, not in front of it.

This way your arm is able to extend better and use the handle more comfortably. It just changes how you reach up to load things, but that's easy to get used to.

I have my press on a bench that sits somewhat low. When I sit in my chair, I can very comfortably use it by sitting offset to it, otherwise the handle hits me or my chair. I might wind up getting a stand for the press so I can use it from a standing position, but for now i'll stick with resting my back against something as I work.

[SexySlayer1248]

I use case slick but only when I really need to because I don't like getting that stuff on my hands.

I looked at the different style handle, I'll just have to see the size.

I'll have to post some pics on here to show you guys why it's so weird.

To Munk: I did try to sit to the side of it but it's just so awkward and it feels unnatural.

I'm gonna have to go home and really measure the best length for my size