Well, Here We Go. New Reloader

**TWtommers** · 06-27-2012, 02:20 PM

When I got my LTC a couple years ago I figured I'd own a gun or two. Now I have to stop and count in my head to think about how many I own. I certainly never thought I'd reload but the brown santa will be delivering a few Midway boxes over the next few days (LNL Progressive) and I'm signed up for EC's reloading class in August.

I've got a space in the basement that I'm looking to convert to the "Gun Room" and I'm looking here for some advice. My plan is to set it up with a reloading bench, gunsmithing/cleaning bench, gun cabinet, and related storage. I'd love to hear any advice you guys have on how to set this up. Any tips from things you wish you did to things you wish you didn't will be helpful. My hope is to get this setup in time for the class so I can be ready to go afterwards.

I'm during drawing up the space in SketchUp. I'll post the raw space when I've got it drawn. Its about 9.5' by 10' if I remember the dims correctly.

**mannydog** · 06-27-2012, 02:37 PM

I'm a new reloader as well. I took EC's course first, then started with an LNL single stage press. That got old, just like everybody said it would, but I am glad I started out that way. It's just a more deliberate way of doing things for a newbie, in my opinion. I moved to the LNL Progressive and I like it a lot. I have had some minor glitches with the primer tube/shuttle so I re-size, decap, and prime in one operation and bell, charge the case, seat & crimp in another operation. I know it takes longer but it works for me. Good luck.

**timbo** · 06-27-2012, 03:24 PM

Welcome to reloading gents...I've been reloading off and on for about 25 years...I still run a single stage but hopefully this summer/early fall I'm going to upgrade to a progressive...the jury is still out on which one.

As far a priming goes, I think I'm going to find that even with a progressive, I will probably still prime mine by hand. I have a Lee hand primer that works well and I can load it up with a few hundred primers and prime the brass as I'm watching TV...kind of a mindless task (well, yes, watching TV is mindless too). On the other hand, if I find I can "feel" the primer going home OK, I may be able to trust the press.

I would love to take one of EC's course's but he usually runs them too far away for me...I have learned a lot through friends of mine that reload and there are some great videos on Youtube usually run by the manufacturers...

I've found that there is always more to learn in reloading, part of the reason I think I love it so much.

**Dirtypacman** · 06-27-2012, 03:29 PM

Don't over think it, get your bench down and in a reasonable area. Lighting should be good. You can add to your station or work area as you need to.

**EddieCoyle** · 06-27-2012, 03:53 PM

I like to use a small 'island' bench rather than one up against a wall. You can mount presses on 4 sides of it (3 if the bench has drawers) and they take up very little space. If you don't use your bench for storage (that's what shelves are for) you can make it pretty small and still get 3 presses on it.

**mac1911** · 06-27-2012, 06:13 PM

http://accurateshooter.net/Blog/benchnrma.pdf this is by far my favorite bench.....I had to make mine about 1/4 to 1/3 the length to fit my little crevis.

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbu...g-Bench-Photos good ideas here also.

Just a note you may want to fool around with the hieght of your press/bench. I load standing and most benches are a bit to short for me.

**dlarge** · 06-27-2012, 06:20 PM

Tagging this thread.

We're moving into a house in NH (halle-f*cking-lujah) next month and I'll have room to reload.

I'm sure you'll get some great advice, but don't forget to post your own experiences once you get up and running. It'll help me (at least).

**01SVTvert** · 06-27-2012, 07:29 PM

Use a thick top. A 3/4 particle board top will flex all over the place. I like the idea of a small sized top but on my bench I also like to place things within reach on the normal size bench I have now

Height is a huge issue IMO. Seated, standing, not having to bend your neck in some wierd position to look into loaded cases, etc. I would mock it up after you get the press and then decide on a height. Mine is slightly too low and puts some strain on the way I have to swing my arm. Next bench is higher and with a thicker top for me.

**bpm990d** · 06-27-2012, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by EddieCoyle

I like to use a small 'island' bench rather than one up against a wall. You can mount presses on 4 sides of it (3 if the bench has drawers) and they take up very little space. If you don't use your bench for storage (that's what shelves are for) you can make it pretty small and still get 3 presses on it.

I always appreciated that picture of your press on the island. It's a very efficient use of space. I actually got a pedestal for a bench grinder with the intent of putting my LNL progressive on it and freeing up some bench space.

B

**EddieCoyle** · 06-27-2012, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by bpm990d

I always appreciated that picture of your press on the island. It's a very efficient use of space. I actually got a pedestal for a bench grinder with the intent of putting my LNL progressive on it and freeing up some bench space.

B

Thanks.

I tried a heavy duty industrial grinder stand and found it to be not quite steady enough for my liking. I think it would've been much better if I'd bolted it to the floor with some TapCons, but I put my buffer on it instead.

Well, Here We Go. New Reloader

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