Press Mounting: Limited Work Space for Reloading

[haskins02]

I plan to start reloading 204 Ruger. I have limited space to reload, just a small wooden garage workbench which must be used for other work too. I’m not sure if it makes sense to buy a Frankford Arsenal Reloading Stand or temporarily mount and dismount my press directly to my wooden bench each time I reload. If the latter, how would I do it conveniently? My work bench has a 1” x 4” “lip” attached to the front side, making temporary mounting and dismounting inconvenient (or it least it seems that way to me).
If I were to temporarily mount the press to my bench, would there be certain models (single stage) that would be more convenient to mount/dismount? For example, would there be advantages to a smaller press like the RCBS “Reloader Special 5” or “Partner” instead of the “Rock Chucker Supreme”? (I would never reload anything larger than 30-06). Thanks.

[skipper]

You could mount your press to an old, thick plastic chopping board or piece of lumber. Then you could use C-clamps to attach it to your work bench when you are ready to reload.

I would give my highest recommendation to the Rock Chucker Supreme press. They are built very strong and should last a lifetime and more to whoever you pass it to. The Partner Press cannot load some of the larger shells and you just might buy a larger caliber rifle in the future.

[skb2706]

I have a regular loading bench with two presses mounted on it but for comfort and convienience I built this stand w/adapters to be able to set up a press anywhere.



this happens to be a RCS press but will accommodate a JR2, JR5, RC and this press.......probably alot more

[haskins02]

Thanks skb2706 and Skipper. Since I am not that "handy", it seems that attaching the press to a flat board and C clamping it to the bench might be the best approach for me. Do you think that mounting to a piece of 1/2" plywood would be strong enough (I have a sheet I don't know what to do with)? I’m not sure I am up to constructing what skb2706 has, but thanks for the photo.

Also, since I would be using a single stage press, is it OK to screw in the powder measure to the top of the press and load the cases that way. Or is there a great advantage to separately mounting the powder measure?

I appreciate your input.

[Ruger No. 1]

I would get the thickest board you can, the press it heavy and your bench will need to hold it. My bench has 1 1/2 inches of plywood.

[Ruger No. 1]

Also, since I would be using a single stage press, is it OK to screw in the powder measure to the top of the press and load the cases that way. Or is there a great advantage to separately mounting the powder measure?

I would get an RCBS powder mersure stand, I like it the most.

[haskins02]

The more I think about it, I'm not sure if my pathetic little work bench is going to hold up to a reloading press. Anyone have any experience with the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Stand. Check out the customer ratings on Midway, they all give it top ratings.
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.e ... mid=155024

[joghotrod]

If you are just reloading .204 and similar sizes you should not need to exert that much pressure on your press. I have been reloading .222 for 30+ years and I always use a old hardwood kitchen chair. I C clamp it to the chair and use a childs small chair to sit on when I resize. I have a large shop but I like working in my wife's way in the kitchen. LOL

I clamp my powder measure to the kitchen counter.

When I am not reloading I put the chair with the press still attached in my shop.

Jimmy

[crazy2medic]

I built me a reloading bench out of a 3'x3' 3/4 inch plywood sheet that I found. attached fold out legs to it! I can set up to reload in my living room in five minutes and take it down about as quick! I use a lee "c" press and it well handle reloading the .204 easy, I've reloaded over a thousand rounds of .204 and this set up works really well for me! I've even drilled through the the plywood under the press, glued the cap from a water bottle so that when I'm decapping the spent primers go into a empty water bottle and don't end up in the carpet! Wife liked that Idea!

[haskins02]

Thanks joghotrod and crazy2medic. It seems that I can get by with less "sophistication" than I had previously thought. But besides the fact that .204 Ruger does not take a lot of force to reload, would the selection of the press make any difference? For example, would using an RCBS Rockchucker versus a smaller and lighter press effect how strong the press mounting needs to be, or would the press itself be a non-issue with regards to press mounting. Thanks.

[joghotrod]

I don't think it would matter which press you use, but maybe somebody else knows for sure.

Jimmy

[race4hills]

A good press has closer tolerances (less play) and will distort less under load keeping the shellholder squared with the dies.

[Keith in Ga]

I used to have my press mounted on a thick board and c-clamp it to a work mate. Just fold up the work mate when you finish.

[huntsman22]

I am a newb here, nice board guys. I call my reloading setup a spacesaver. This may give you an idea on how to proceed. An old truckstop cafe table base with a piece of 1/4 in. steel plate mounted on top to bolt stuff to. Only takes up 30 inches of width and fits between my dresser and chair in the bedroom. 2 measures on the left, 3 presses mid, and trimmer stuff and tumbler right. Scale is mounted on a shelf above. Hopefully the pic will come up.



I have close ups of how stuff is arranged if anyone is interested. Don Wedow

[Varmonter]

i mounted my mec jr to the board and clamp deal as my bench is not very big. i Can just pick it up and put it on the floor when i am not shotshell reloading. My bench is an old (old) treddle sewing machine frame.
solid steel with 2x 10 rough cut hemlock top.Bench weighs over 200 lbs
and was a beech to get upstairs . but it is pretty steady. My rockchucker is permanently bolted. and the mec Gets moved.