Adding Progressive to Bench

[big boomstick]

I just purchased a Hornady AP progressive press. This will be used exclussivly for pistol ammo. I will be using my Lee single stage for rifle. The Lee has always been clamped to my 5' bench and this works just fine. I would like to mount the Hornady permanent. I think I will be using both equally. I also use this bench for case prep. Cleaning/polishing tumbler is utilized under bench. The benches have changed as I have collected more stuff but I can relocate lesser used material to shelves and drawers if required.

I also have an armorers bench at a 45 from the reloading bench. This can be used for mounting but drawers may be the way without a strong mount.

I have always enjoyed having everything at arms reach and hope to keep this with the new press. Here's some pictures of the benches. Any ideas?

[Bainter1212]

Build or buy a nice heavy stand for your new press, so it is not on the bench but still right there when you need it.

Kind of like the heavy stands you see people put bench grinders or drill presses on.

[rsrocket1]

My best decision was to do a really rigid mount for my LnL AP. I took a 2"x6", mounted the press to it with oversized countersunk holes on the bottom for big fender washers for the press to be bolted to it. I then cut the plank to the proper length of the bench, then attached the wood to the wall studs of my house with good sized shelf brackets from the top of the plank to the wall studs.

The only holes in the wall are a couple of 1/4" holes for the wood screws which can be easily patched (if I ever need to). My table is one of those Gorilla Rack shelving systems where I use 1/2 of the 72" high rack. It is a perfect height for a work bench and with the rigid press mount, I could put all the force I need both on the downstroke AND the upstroke (for priming) and the press and table don't move one bit.

I did a similar thing with a 2x4 for my Lee Challenger press for rifle round loading.

[big boomstick]

Build or buy a nice heavy stand for your new press, so it is not on the bench but still right there when you need it.

Kind of like the heavy stands you see people put bench grinders or drill presses on.

I like the idea, just dont have the room for a stand. The reloading gear is in a small bedroom.

[big boomstick]

My best decision was to do a really rigid mount for my LnL AP. I took a 2"x6", mounted the press to it with oversized countersunk holes on the bottom for big fender washers for the press to be bolted to it. I then cut the plank to the proper length of the bench, then attached the wood to the wall studs of my house with good sized shelf brackets from the top of the plank to the wall studs.

The current bench is secured to the wall. I think I may bolt the new press to the bench where the Lee is now and clamp the Lee next to the Hornady so it can be removed when I am loading handgun. I will have to rethink how I use clamps with the Lee to make sure it is secure. Right now one clamp is on the side of bench and that clamp point will no longer be available.

[Mike402]

I too have a really small bench/workspace and wanted a way to fit a single stage, progressive, case prep center, trimmer, Dillon swage, etc. My solution was using Inline Fabrication strong mounts, and everything on quick change plates. Works really well & saves a ton of space. I've posted pics of the setup in other threads.

I went with two, but you could use one strong mount for everything.

[Bastard]

mount the progressive where the single stage is, and the single stage where the trimmer is... there is no reason to hard mount a trimmer, just bring it out as needed.

[big boomstick]

mount the progressive where the single stage is, and the single stage where the trimmer is... there is no reason to hard mount a trimmer, just bring it out as needed.

Not sure I want to operate the single press witht the left hand. I think keeping the Lee portable and mounting the progressive perminent is the plan. I just need to find the correct clamps to mount the single stage.

[Bastard]

Not sure I want to operate the single press witht the left hand. I think keeping the Lee portable and mounting the progressive perminent is the plan. I just need to find the correct clamps to mount the single stage.

are you against the wall to the left? you don't have to run it ALL the way to the left.

my bench is only 66" wide with a wall on one side and a shelf system on the other... simalar to your set up except I have a shelf where you have your radio & desk.


and yes I really need to clean it

[big boomstick]

That looks good. I will experiment next week when it arrives and take a picture of the final layout.

Thanks all for the advice.

[3RDGEARGRNDRR]

you are feeding semi autos rifle and pistol, your lee will become obsolete unless you plan to really precision load.
Mount the LNL and get at least a case feeder if you have the funds.
I have a dillon square deal just for straight wall pistol, and works really well with minimal hiccups.
I have mine on a bench grinder stand, to keep it portable and modular, then I can load in the kitchen or the den or the garage
I can also get my kids involved in the process and they enjoy making ammo.

[big boomstick]

I've reloaded 10k .223, 4k 300bo and 3k .308 (mostly match) with the Lee so far and it never left me wanting. I usually load what I shoot plus 20% if I have extra boxes. Never seems to be enough of those.

I bought shell plates for the Hornady for 38/.357 mag, 9mm and 45. My hope is to crank out a ton of handgun and work with the Lee an hour or two during the week for relaxation.

[big boomstick]

Press arrived today. Rethinking things. Ordered an UltraMount. Gonna install it on the left side of the Wood armors bench and leave the Breechlock where it is. I did not order the Ergo lever, but will probably get the short one as I like to work sitting on my ***. Does anyone here recommend the short Ergo roller lever?

Gratuitous pics.

The clean space marks the spot.

Cus I like this bench.

[Bastard]

I think the short one is designed to work better with the ultramount - I have the long one, or standard? but I use my while standing.
if you are unsure about which one to order, just give him a call or PM him as I think that he is on here - just can't remember his user name.