Steel Reloading Bench ~ Work In Progress

[NineInchNails]

Hello all! I'm new to reloading and anxious to begin. I thought I'd start by building a decent bench. I've seen a LOT of different plans online and they are all constructed of wood. I decided to make make mine out of steel instead. I started out with an old steel table that I removed from the local jailhouse just before it was demolished. This table is 7'x2'. All I really wanted out of this thing was the steel top.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench01_zps8e75e80f.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench02_zps37b2e256.jpg


Using a torch I cut the frame from the table top. I then welded 4"x4" steel tubing in each corner for legs. Now the bench is 7'x2'x40".
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench03_zpsb6e01bce.jpg


The table top was made from 1/8" thick steel so I clamped & welded some tubing from front to back in 3 locations to ensure that the bench would NOT flex. I then welded angle iron to the legs on each side. I drilled holes in the angle iron so I could anchor the bench in 4 locations to the concrete floor in the room where I will be reloading.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench04_zpsd291d932.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench06_zps672150ae.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench07_zps3f2f19dd.jpg


Now the bench is one UGLY SOB at this point :lol: I found out that there's a guy right down the street that would sand blast blast this thing for $50. After it was blasted I had to transport it while it was snowing so it got a little wet and unfortunately had to sit for a couple days before I could paint it. It got a little bit of flash rust, but it shouldn't be a problem.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench08_zpsd0c8f773.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench09_zps40a8f514.jpg

[NineInchNails]

Here it is after being painted.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench01_zps7a5acf62.jpg


Sorry for the crappy iPhone pic. I anchored it to the floor, attached it to the wall (into 5 studs using lag bolts & washers), installed two shelves and installed a Lee Classic single stage press. This thing is ROCK SOLID. This bench does not flex at all. When I operate the press the ONLY thing that flexes is the handle/rod on the press. The press does not move in any way, shape or form as though it were fixed to a concrete slab. In most videos I've seen the benches flex on the top of the up stroke and the bottom of the down stroke.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench02_zpse6458054.jpg

This is what the bench is like at this point. I have couple ideas and I'm open to any ideas you guys & gals might have.

[Southern Son]

I have couple ideas and I'm open to any ideas you guys & gals might have.

Mate, other than the fact that you don't have it covered in several layers of junk, it looks good to go!!!!:mrgreen:

[phaessler]

Very nice job of "recycling", Great work!

[P.K.]

Nice! That bench is going to last a looooooooong time. Great work!

[Dutchman]

You can mitigate the top flex by mounting the press on a sub-plate of steel. Even just 1/4" plate or 3/8" plate about 6x10" and bolt that plate to the top of the bench.

You need a shelf like this one against the wall. And you need a lot of loading stuff laying around so people think you do a lot of handloading.
Too much neatness is a sign of mental illness.

http://images52.fotki.com/v1553/photos/4/28344/9895637/DSCF3872z-vi.jpg

[alrighty]

Nice Bench! The only recommendation that hasn't been mentioned is a board to cover up the gap at the bottom of the table.Some like to recess it back to where their feet can still slide under the table.You will discover what ever you drop , primers , boolits, powder container lids,shell holders etc. will go to the back of the wall like magic.

[historicfirearms]

Great job. I built one out of steel about 15 years ago, when the price of steel was still reasonable. I made mine so it bolted together so I could take it apart for moving, which I've done four times in the last 15 years.

I also put a shelf on the back of mine, with some built in lighting underneath the shelf. It seems like you can never have enough light.

Now go get busy cluttering that thing up!

[NineInchNails]

Nice Bench! The only recommendation that hasn't been mentioned is a board to cover up the gap at the bottom of the table.Some like to recess it back to where their feet can still slide under the table.You will discover what ever you drop , primers , boolits, powder container lids,shell holders etc. will go to the back of the wall like magic.

That's a pretty good idea. I may have to do that. I was thinking about how difficult it was to clean up & sweep out from under there. If I cover that up then I won't have to sweep. Good idea thanks!

[smoked turkey]

Very nicely done. The only thing i can say is you will never know the joy of "upgrading" to a better bench. I guess that is not all bad. Now get with it and clutter it up and send us a "working" picture.

[nekshot]

You will never regret a beefy work bench! Especially if your in a hurry and forget to lube a casing..That yank up on the handle can sure cause problems with bench tops.

[NineInchNails]

Thanks a lot guys! I was very close to just building one out of wood, but my dad, who has done a lot of reloading, said he would have given his left nut for a steel bench back then. That kinda persuaded me to do this. At first I was worried that the bench would flex a bit, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it doesn't flex at all.

I made a primer catcher by attaching a plastic canning jar lid on the underside the top wood shelf. Right now I have a wide mouth pint jar to catch the primers. I'll post a couple pics of that Monday.

I think I picked the worst time to start reloading :( I can't find a Lee Classic Turret Press in stock anywhere online or locally. The best place I have to buy locally is almost an hour away and they have over 200 presses back-ordered! They told me that they haven't received a single press in a month and Lee will not tell them why. I just saw today that Midway lists their Lee Classic Turret Presses should be in stock on approx March 8th so I put in an order. I'll cross my fingers, but won't hold my breath. I went to a gun show this morning to see if I can find any presses and it was a mad house. Absolutely no presses to be found. AR mags were ridiculously priced. People had 'tacticool' SKSs listed at $875.00! It was disappointing, but at least people are more aware than they were.

[NineInchNails]

Here's the pics of the primer catcher.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/PrimerCatcher01_zps639d4e13.jpg

This is a plastic wide mouth canning lid screwed to the underside of the shelf.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/PrimerCatcher02_zps9eed6af2.jpg

Here's a wide mouth pint jar installed.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/PrimerCatcher03_zpsc1dea23c.jpg

I went to a local flea market and scored all this for $35 ! ! ! The ladles are a bit large, but hopefully they work alright. Since this pic was taken I hit the ladles with a wire wheel and they cleaned up real nice.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/LEAD/DutchOvenLadles30_zps212980db.jpg

[smoked turkey]

Your bench is coming right along. It is starting to look like a serious set up. You will really enjoy having a good solid bench. Mine is so-so. I recently was doing some brass forming from one caliber to another and I made it but could have been a little more solid and it would have made the process a little easier. I think you did good on the cast. I have a large ladle like the one you have in the front. I bent the handle on mine to allow the ladle to go down into the pot better. Other than that, a little heat, some ingot molds, flux material, and lead and you are off and running.

[AkMike]

It's probably too late at this point but I'd have used the seats to make 2 shelves. 1 underneath the bench and one for the top. The top one could be supported by some small box tube at the ends.

[NineInchNails]

Your bench is coming right along. It is starting to look like a serious set up. You will really enjoy having a good solid bench. Mine is so-so. I recently was doing some brass forming from one caliber to another and I made it but could have been a little more solid and it would have made the process a little easier. I think you did good on the cast. I have a large ladle like the one you have in the front. I bent the handle on mine to allow the ladle to go down into the pot better. Other than that, a little heat, some ingot molds, flux material, and lead and you are off and running.

I was pretty surprised to find that dutch oven listed for $25. Everyone else had theirs listed around $56, some a little higher and some a little lower. Once I saw that for $25 I bought it no questions asked.

You're right about ingot molds. I don't have any of those yet. I'm considering making some out of angle iron. I think I may be able to make them for much less $$$ and in the end have more molds than I could afford to buy retail. I already have propane burners and scored some free lead from the local salvage yard. Cool fellers! They just gave me 19# of WW! That's a good start. I plan to begin hoarding lead ASAP.

My dad has a Barrett 50 BMG semi-auto and wants to buy me a press, dies, some powder, projectiles and primers so I can reload for him. Sounds like a good deal to me.

[smoked turkey]

Sounds like a sweet deal on reloading for ole dad and his 50 BMG. I would love to sit behind one of those maybe just once, but it has to be a hoot to shoot. The presses for those are nice and strong. Good luck on finding more ww lead. It has almost dried up here for me at my local gas station where I trade.

[NineInchNails]

I haven't researched a ton, but I've recommended to 'ole dad' the RCBS AmmoMaster 2 Single Stage Press. As far as 50 BMG dies go I figured you couldn't go wrong with the RCBS 50 BMG 2-Die Set instead of the 3-Die Set which includes the RCBS trim die. I recommended the Wilson 50 BMG Case Trimmer to do that job. These days most reloading supplies are out of stock or on back order, but I've found all of these items in stock and ready to ship. Hopefully 'ole dad'/invester bites and lets me order it. The AmmoMaster 2 appears to be a TOUGH & versatile press.

[TheGrimReaper]

Very nice job of "recycling", Great work!


Exactly what I was thinking. Looks better than store bought too!

[NineInchNails]

I just thought I'd update this topic a bit.

I ended up ordering the RCBS AmmoMaster 2 for reloading 50 BMG for my dad's Barrett. A friend of mine plasma cut a 1" thick square steel plate so I can bolt to the reloading bench.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/50%20BMG/RCBS%20AmmoMaster%202/RCBSAmmoMaster2-PlasmaCuttingPlate01_zps8cc1d5d6.jpg

I drilled & threaded holes for the AmmoMaster 2 to bolt to. I later degreased it & spray painted it flat black.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/50%20BMG/RCBS%20AmmoMaster%202/RCBSAmmoMaster2-PlateCut02_zps8d8a2ad4.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/50%20BMG/RCBS%20AmmoMaster%202/RCBSAmmoMaster2-HolesInBench03_zps6713fbda.jpg

Here it is all bolted down.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/50%20BMG/RCBS%20AmmoMaster%202/RCBSAmmoMaster2-Installed04_zps0024e56e.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/50%20BMG/RCBS%20AmmoMaster%202/RCBSAmmoMaster2-Installed05_zps8e77b1bb.jpg

Just ordered 300 rounds of once fired military 50 BMG brass from EvergladesAmmo (http://www.evergladesammo.com/brass/rifle-brass/50-cal-military-brass-25-pieces.html) so I'll be resizing, depriming, trimming, etc... before long. Still need primers, powder and projectiles though.

[NineInchNails]

Luckily my Lee Classic Turret Press came in! I have one turret disk it set up for 38 Special and one for 357 Magnum. I removed the AmmoMaster 2 from the steel plate and drilled & threaded holes for the turret press. Now I can swap them back & forth without too much effort and don't have to drill a BUNCH of holes all over the bench.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Lee%20Classic%204%20Hole%20Turret%20Press/LeeClassic4HoleTurretPress01_zpsff2a5da6.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Lee%20Classic%204%20Hole%20Turret%20Press/LeeClassic4HoleTurretPress02_zps5e03530e.jpg


I also put up some basic shelves. I used 39 In. Dual Track hangers (http://www.menards.com/main/storage-organization/closet-organization/wire-shelving-systems/39-in-dual-track-standard-black/p-1656370-c-12643.htm) ($4.19 each) and 11 In. 11" Dual Track Wood Shelf Brackets (http://www.menards.com/main/storage-organization/closet-organization/shelving-hardware-brackets/11-in-dual-track-wood-shelf-bracket-black/p-1656390-c-13051.htm) ($2.49 each) from Menards. I happen to have a sheet of 3/4" plywood so I just cut it into 12" strips 7' long. In total it cost about $42.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/SteelReloadingBench_zps41425ff5.jpg

This is a gnome that my wife bought me for Christmas!
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Bench/AR-15GnomeReloadingBench_zps220500d8.jpg

Been trying to keep myself busy so I made several reloading blocks/trays out of a piece of poplar for 308 using a cheapo Harbor Freight Forstner bit set (http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-3-8-eighth-inch-shank-1-4-quarter-inch-to-1-inch-titanium-nitride-coated-forstner-bit-set-1903.html).
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/DIY%20HOMEMADE%20RELOADING%20BLOCKS/HomemadeReloadingBlocksTrays_zps9d72261a.jpg

Made 4 reloading blocks/trays for 50 BMG using pieces of scrap 2x6.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/DIY%20HOMEMADE%20RELOADING%20BLOCKS/50%20BMG%20Reloading%20Blocks/Homemade50BMGReloadingBlocksTray01_zpsd70d4af5.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/DIY%20HOMEMADE%20RELOADING%20BLOCKS/50%20BMG%20Reloading%20Blocks/Homemade50BMGLoadingReloadingBlocks03_zps27d60f40. jpg

Made a BIG mess so I figured I'd collect most of that pine to add to my lead.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/DIY%20HOMEMADE%20RELOADING%20BLOCKS/50%20BMG%20Reloading%20Blocks/Homemade50BMGLoadingReloadingBlocks04_zps495f17ed. jpg


That's about all for now until I receive a Lube-A-Matic 2, sizers & top punches. I gotta start casting some boolits! Oh yeah ... almost forgot! The wife and I hit the rummage stores and I found a couple of cast iron molds for making ingots. They're a little seasoned so I figured I'd hit them well with a cutting torch to incinerate the oils.

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/LEAD/ImprovisedCastIronIngotMold_zps4772d2b5.jpg

[Bored1]

Nice work, coming along pretty good I would have to say! Do also have to say thanks for the clear descriptions and links to what you used, makes it alot easier to find things I would like to use if I don't know what it is (ie Forstner bit set)

[rbertalotto]

VERY nice!

Since you are a welder, you should whip up one of these for your presses. Best thing I ever made for the reloading room!

http://images14.fotki.com/v777/photos/2/36012/10400121/DSC_4272-vi.jpg

http://images59.fotki.com/v791/photos/2/36012/10400121/DSC_4269-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v220/photos/2/36012/10400121/DSC_4271-vi.jpg

And a rack to hold them all:

http://images16.fotki.com/v220/photos/2/36012/10400121/DSC_4275-vi.jpg

http://images16.fotki.com/v301/photos/2/36012/10400121/DSC_4276-vi.jpg

[NineInchNails]

rbertalotto I like that a lot!

I've been pondering on how I could make a base to replace the 1" plate that's bolted to my bench. I've been considering attaching my presses to their own steel plate and just using wing bolts (and perhaps lock washers) to quickly detach and reattach the presses. As long as all of my equipment is bolted to identical plates (hole placement) I imagine it should be easy to swap stuff from the same base.

I don't mind the thought of using wood, but I'm really LOVING the rigidity when using steel. Nothing moves, flexes or crushes at all. Everything is absolutely rock solid.

[smoked turkey]

NineInchNails that is starting to look like a man cave and a reloaders dream. You are coming along...just a little more clutter and we will know you have made it! HA. Nice job.

[NineInchNails]

NineInchNails that is starting to look like a man cave and a reloaders dream. You are coming along...just a little more clutter and we will know you have made it! HA. Nice job.

Thanks! I have some more clutter on its way due to arrive today :bigsmyl2: RCBS Lube-A-Matic 2, RCBS Trim Mate, some case prep items, and some Wilson Case Trimmer accessories.

My dad went rummaging through his old reloading stuff and luckily found several die sets. Score! I boiled them in water with Dawn dish soap and scrubbed them clean. They were real nasty, but look like new now. Among these dies are a set of Herter's 30-06 dies, 30-30, 223, 357 Magnum, 45 ACP and another 30-06 set.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Dies/assorteddies_zps6bfa6ec6.jpg

He also found a few molds 38 Special/357 Magnum. They were rusted all to hell. I dunked them in 'aluminum brightener', scrubbed & rinsed them well and they turned out pretty darn nice. The one on the left has some flash rust because I let it sit out wet instead of blowing it off well, but I'll give it another treatment.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Reloading%20Dies/assortedbulletmolds_zps6e2e4c17.jpg

[smoked turkey]

Your stuff is cleaning up real nice. You are well on your way. I wanted to ask you a question regarding your 1" steel plate your Lee is on. Are you planning on keeping it if you switch to a different press mounting arrangement? If not I would be interested in buying it if it will go in one of the flat rate boxes. I imagine it is pretty heavy. You might send me a PM if you decide. Thanks.

[NineInchNails]

I wouldn't think of charging you for it. You have dibs on it if I can make it obslete. I won't forget. Shipping is all and it shouldnt be much. Right now I have it drilled & tapped for the RCBS Ammo Master, Lee classic turret press and the RCBS Lube-A-Matic. Ill take a pic of the plate tomorrow with nothing on it.

[NineInchNails]

Here's a pic with nothing installed.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Lube%20-%20Sizer/SteelPlate-ReloadingBench_zpsc4332cc9.jpg

The circled hole was a mistake. When I was drilling & threading a hole for the Lube-A-Matic 2 I accidentally made it too large. It doesn't affect anything though.
http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Lube%20-%20Sizer/mistake_zps65f8c5b7.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Lube%20-%20Sizer/RCBSLube-A-Matic2_zps69d08eb0.jpg

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/boolits/Lube%20-%20Sizer/RCBSLube-A-Matic22_zpsbd9b525f.jpg

[smoked turkey]

NineInchNails That is a dandy RCBS sizer. Looks like it is a heavy duty unit. I don't think I have seen one up close and personal before. I like the "green" painted brand. I have a good old Lyman that I might just have to replace with one of the RCBS Lube-a-Matic II units one of these days. I like the way it looks.
The steel plate looks nice to by the way. However, I can see an advantage for quick changing of your bench mounted equipment. Lets you keep room on your bench for other necessities. Around here bench space is more valuable than beach front property. Thanks for posting.

[psychicrhino]

Very Nice Bench. And oh if that old jail house table top could talk, the tails....er tales it would tell (6 years spent employed by Texas Dept Corrections).

[MUSTANG]

NineInchNails:

Nice Bench Project. I'll look into something similar for my new reloading shed in Montana.

Check out Pat's Reloading at http://www.patsreloading.com/patsrel/prices.aspx for your .50BMG Powder/Primer/Surplus Pulled Projectiles. WC860 is the Ticket for powder and they have it on hand. I have used their products and for several years and enjoy doing business with them.

Mustang

[NineInchNails]

Thanks for the link MUSTANG. I'm saving it so I can have a close look tomorrow.

For my 50 BMG cases ... so far I have resized/decapped, trimmed, reamed the crimps, deburred, chamfered and I'm hung up because I don't have a primer pocket uniformer yet. Still need primers, powder and projectiles too. I look forward to checking out the stock & prices in that link.

[EMC45]

Great looking bench. Looks like you have it all sorted and are ready to go.

[Harter66]

This is where im at since the last move. The base is 2x2x 1/4 angle,like yours it work in progress . The front edge has 2x2x 1/8 angle over the 1/2 inch sturdy panal the RCBS RCII and RC are bolted through both of the angle pieces and the panal top. This is by far the most ridgid bench I've ever set up. I've enough room to actually set up the shotgun presses separatly on the old bench top and not have to share shelf/bench space w/the casting gear and shop tools.

67232