RELOADING ROOM SUGGESTIONS PLEASE

The barrel on my BR is toast. There are two more months until the regular F Class season begins. Ive had another barrel on order for some time. I'm gonna use this opportunity to gut and reconfigure my entire reloading operation. I'm pushing back one wall two feet. This will net me an area about 11X12. I'm even gonna pull the benches and start over.
Now, if you are interested in offering suggestions you'll need to know what kind of equipment I have.
The best way to describe this is to say, you name it I got it. No need to ask yourself, "I wonder if he....?"
The answer is yes. From annealing to meplats I probably got it. It's over 40 years of stuff to pursue accuracy. So please feel free to let me know what you would or have already done.
Thanks in advance.

We need some pictures to know where to begin.

Disclaimer: I use somebody else's reloading area so you may not want my advice. However, if you find the pictures of SGMJody's reloading area, that's what I would do!

jbpmidas wrote:We need some pictures to know where to begin.

Disclaimer: I use someboy else's reloading area so you may not want my advice. However, if you find the pictures of SGMJody's reloading area, that's what I would do!

You keep calling Jody "boy" and you might be needing your own reloading room.............

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The only recommendation I could make is use wall hung cabinets with a counter-top for the bench. I made my top out of 2 layers of 3/4" MDF and 1/4" hardboard laminated. Put 2 or 3 coats of poly to seal it. It's solid with zero movement. You might also consider running T-Track in the counter so you can move things around without having to drill new holes.



I've also installed extra lighting under the top cabinets. Plenty of storage and works well for my small room. For 11x12 you can run a much longer counter. I have 12' running in my garage with a flip up work bench.

Suber, how many presses do you want setup at once? This will help determine the total length of bench(es). You can build shelves on one wall (floor to ceiling) for storage. Are you willing to screw lag bolts in your walls?

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The bench is important and the light is too. If you use a digital scale and powder suspensor, make sure it has a own place where the moves of the reloading press has no influence on it. And lot of place under the bench for brass and if possible a window for fresh air if you cast your bullets. All other things are have to fit to your purposes.

SubGunFan wrote:

jbpmidas wrote:We need some pictures to know where to begin.

Disclaimer: I use someboy else's reloading area so you may not want my advice. However, if you find the pictures of SGMJody's reloading area, that's what I would do!

You keep calling Jody "boy" and you might be needing your own reloading room.............

.

Fixed! Even though I don't think Mrs Jody would let him kick me out!

nothing wrote:The only recommendation I could make is use wall hung cabinets with a counter-top for the bench. I made my top out of 2 layers of 3/4" MDF and 1/4" hardboard laminated. Put 2 or 3 coats of poly to seal it. It's solid with zero movement. You might also consider running T-Track in the counter so you can move things around without having to drill new holes.



I've also installed extra lighting under the top cabinets. Plenty of storage and works well for my small room. For 11x12 you can run a much longer counter. I have 12' running in my garage with a flip up work bench.

Very cool
Thanks

SubGunFan wrote:Suber, how many presses do you want setup at once? This will help determine the total length of bench(es). You can build shelves on one wall (floor to ceiling) for storage. Are you willing to screw lag bolts in your walls?

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Absolutely Dan. The room is my cave. As far as mounting goes, I have one Rockchucker and two powder measures. Also two benchtop arbor presses.

It ain't fancy, but it is functional. And cheap!
Workbench


Loading Bench

Make sure you setup a "gunsmith" area for cleaning and general gun maintenance. I tried using my reloading bench for that, but I needed more room.

Justin I would do a picture but at this point we've already started and it really dont resemble nuthin anymore.
Other than that it's just 4 walls

Thanks Rick the pictures are really helpful.

Agree with Miker! SGMJody has a separate "gunsmith" area and then another area for cleaning. I'm really spoiled using his set up. If I ever have to go to my own, I will be lost!

I have the detailed plans for building this reloading bench, if you want them. Got it from the National Reloading Manufacturers Association

One last one of the rest of my setup. Yeah, I'm cheap, but it all works.

Bubbat that looks like a fine reloading table!

The bench is the heart of the operation. I built mine onto the wall using 2 x 4's lag bolted to the wall and have a support every 4 feet. Visualize where you want your presses and make sure there is a solid support under the bench directly under the press. The same for your powder weighing area. This minimizes the vibrations caused by using the presses at the same time you're trying to accurately weigh powder if someone else is working in your reloading area at the same time you're trying to weigh powder. Build good cabinets above the workbench. It's not necessary to have doors on the cabinets. Mount hanging 2-bulb flour. light fixtures over all work areas, keeping the one above the powder weighing area at least 3 1/2 feet above the bench to prevent interference with your powder scales, if you use electronic scales like I do. I try to mount my presses over some type of steel plate to minimumize the "give" of the workbench when using the presses.

Wow great ideas and pictures thanks guys.
Bubbat that looks perfect. Ill get them from you if you dont mind.
Joe, sounds like experience talking. Thanks again