A reloading bench should be sturdy and large enough to hold your reloading equipment. Many people like to build their own bench, but mine is actually just an old desk. Although it is made of laminated particle board, it is really thick and heavy.
One of the most important parts of reloading is having a well-organized and strong reloading bench. Your reloading bench should be customized for the space you have available and the type of reloading you are doing. Here is how I set up my reloading bench. It works well for single-stage reloading in a small space.
A good size for a reloading bench is at least 5 feet wide and 3 feet deep. A bench this size will give you plenty of room to store your equipment and components but still have room to work. It will also be large enough to have shelves built into the back of it or underneath it.
It is always a good idea to mount your reloading bench to the wall if you can. A reloading bench can never be too rigid or sturdy. When attaching a bench to a wall, make sure that you drive the screws into a stud. Simply attaching your bench to drywall won’t provide any additional structural strength.
Mount Your Press
After you get your reloading bench, now you need to set up your press. Where you mount your press will depend on if you are right or left-handed. If you are right-handed, your press should go on the far right side of your bench. Left-handed reloaders should mount their press on the far left side of their bench. Setting up your reloading bench in this way will make reloading easier and more efficient.
Use bolts to permanently attach your press to your reloading bench. To do this, set your press on your workbench and mark where you will need to drill your holes. Use an electric drill to make the holes in the bench. Most presses will require two or three holes, however, be sure to use any mounting holes that your press has.
If your bench isn’t solid wood (like mine made of particleboard), use a backing underneath the bench for added strength. Use the widest bolts and washers that you can find to secure the press to your bench. Attach a nut and washer to the bottom of the bolt and tighten securely.
If you don’t have your press and other reloading tools yet, I highly recommend a easy basic Kit like RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloader Kit. So that you can learn as you go, and it is simple.
Powder Measure
The next thing that you need to do is mount your powder measure where it is out of the way of the Press. I have mine mounted on the second level of my bench on the opposite side of my press. This gives me plenty of space to use both pieces of equipment. Best to have the powder measure mounted above the surface of your reloading bench, it allows you to keep an eye on your powder level.
Reloading companies sell stands that raise the powder measure above the surface of a bench. Mounting it on the second level of my bench saved me a little money but still gave me the same functionality.
Keep the Bottom Level Clear
The area next to your reloading press should be kept clear of any obstructions. This gives you plenty of room to do things like weighing charges, lubing cases, and if necessary, using a Case Trimer
Reloading bench Component and Equipment Storage
Your reloading bench needs a place to store components such as bullets, brass, and powder. It should also have places for things such as dies, shell holders, and other equipment.
Your bench should have shelves and other areas to store any equipment you may need. If your bench isn’t large enough to hold everything, tool chests are a good option to hold smaller items like dies and brushes.
Keep all your Components and Equipment in a Cool Dry Storage area and in tight sealed containers. This will prevent rust, corrosion and staleness.
Reloading Bench Tool Rack
Reloading ammo sometimes requires you to use basic hand tools such as wrenches.
Dust Covers
If you have set up your reloading bench in a garage or workshop, you will need to protect your equipment from dust. Dust can cause accuracy issues with precision equipment such as powder scales. It also holds moisture, which can cause your equipment to rust, which is never a good thing.
Since my reloading bench is in my garage, I got dust covers to protect my press, powder scale, powder measure, and case trimmer. Reloading equipment manufacturers produce covers that are specifically designed for their products, like the one pictured. You can also make your own out of a tarp.
This is basics, I may have forgot something but it is a start