Hey guys,
I've been reloading for about a year now with a Lee turret press, and just this past week decided that I wanted to upgrade to a progressive press to start reloading my 223 and 308 in larger quantities. I have a 3/4" homemade workbench on reinforced 2x4"s that seems to work fine for my Lee single stage, but I'm thinking with the increased equipment weight (I purchased the Lock N Load AP, the Lock N Load automatic bullet feeder, and the Lock N Load automatic case feeder), that I'm going to need something thicker to withstand not only the increased weight, but also the increased workload and stress on the work surface, if that makes sense. I'm going to keep my single stage for loading precision ammo, so dimensions of this new bench are a factor. It is set up in garage and still need to be able to get the car and all the other stuff in there. The only other option is to build something large enough (but still stay within about 6' wide max) that will accomodate both the automatic press and my single stage. To top it all off, I'm left handed and have realized quickly that reloading equipment is prtty much dedicated to right handed people, so my bench is backward from what most people would set up. Max workspace area is about 5' wide, depth off the wall is not important and can be up to 3' from the wall and as high as 7' if I integrate some shelving or whatnot.
The other factor is that I am going to be reloading more than just 223 and 308 once I get the hang of it. I purchased all the shell plates, bullet feeder plates, case feeder plates, etc for both large and small rifle and large and small pistols (4 plates in total). I know there are a large number of guys on here that have large setups and have whole rooms dedicated to loading...I don't have that luxury, but eventually will take one over in the house! LOL.
If anyone wants to pitch in to help build it once I get the specs laid out, I'll have some beer and grill some burgers and dogs or something (only during the building process, won't be doing any reloading while drinking!)
I've been reloading for about a year now with a Lee turret press, and just this past week decided that I wanted to upgrade to a progressive press to start reloading my 223 and 308 in larger quantities. I have a 3/4" homemade workbench on reinforced 2x4"s that seems to work fine for my Lee single stage, but I'm thinking with the increased equipment weight (I purchased the Lock N Load AP, the Lock N Load automatic bullet feeder, and the Lock N Load automatic case feeder), that I'm going to need something thicker to withstand not only the increased weight, but also the increased workload and stress on the work surface, if that makes sense. I'm going to keep my single stage for loading precision ammo, so dimensions of this new bench are a factor. It is set up in garage and still need to be able to get the car and all the other stuff in there. The only other option is to build something large enough (but still stay within about 6' wide max) that will accomodate both the automatic press and my single stage. To top it all off, I'm left handed and have realized quickly that reloading equipment is prtty much dedicated to right handed people, so my bench is backward from what most people would set up. Max workspace area is about 5' wide, depth off the wall is not important and can be up to 3' from the wall and as high as 7' if I integrate some shelving or whatnot.
The other factor is that I am going to be reloading more than just 223 and 308 once I get the hang of it. I purchased all the shell plates, bullet feeder plates, case feeder plates, etc for both large and small rifle and large and small pistols (4 plates in total). I know there are a large number of guys on here that have large setups and have whole rooms dedicated to loading...I don't have that luxury, but eventually will take one over in the house! LOL.
If anyone wants to pitch in to help build it once I get the specs laid out, I'll have some beer and grill some burgers and dogs or something (only during the building process, won't be doing any reloading while drinking!)
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