Ideal loading bench height

[Russ16]

Working up a plan for a new loading bench. What would you say is the ideal height? I hate feeling hunched over but the ergonomics of a taller bench might not work.

 

[VertigoBE]

I'm actually interested as well to hear if anyone has any plans for a reloading bench, or has any insights on how they are organized. I'm planning to have one built as well.

 

[KIH]

It is important to have a look for powder before you mount the bullet. If you use a 1 station press = no problem. But if you use a turret press you must sitt above to have a look. I solve it with a bar stool and a ledlamp.

 

[Boyd Brooks]

I built my bench, so I am seated in a comfortable chair, that has no arms. I reload with a single stage press, so I am there awhile doing pistol cartridges. I don’t have any problems reloading rifle cartridges while seated.
Be as comfortable as possible and reloading can be therapeutic and fun.
Sorry I don’t have any pictures, and I’m in AZ, not home to take any.

 

[JimP]

My bench is a standard work bench that I picked up at Sears 45 or so years ago.

It doesn't matter if I am using a standard chair or a bar height chair that nothing works better than just standing up.

Perhaps one day I'll just make a chair or bench where I'm comfortable, but after just standing up for so many years I doubt that I'll change

 

[Ravensview]

I don’t have an exact height measurement that I did with mine, but I made it tall enough so that I can stand up to operate it or sit on a tall bar type stool, I think it’s around 40” high, 6’ long and 28” wide, I have Dillion 550, rockchucker, and mec shotgun press mounted on it.

 

[mdwest]

I did exactly the same thing..

I have a bar stool that I sit on while reloading.. I built the bench tall enough to make it comfortable to sit at and work while on the bar stool...

and added advantage to that is that it gave me quite a bit of space underneath the bench to build shelving to hold all of the additional tools like the sonic cleaner, case trimmer, etc.. that I don't keep on the top of the bench.. as well as all of my spare components like projectiles, primers, etc..

 

[WyoBull]

The below bench is what I plan on doing.

Masterforce® 60" x 24" Workbench

Expand your work space area with a Masterforce 60" Workbench. It features a hardwood top measuring 60"W x 24"D. The heavy-duty, 16-gauge, all-steel frame helps support a total weight capacity of 1,500 pounds. The base includes a shelf for added storage with a weight campacity of 100 lbs. This...

www.menards.com

We just moved into a new home and my old bench was too large to fit in the area I have pegged for reloading at the new house. What I like about it is that the height is adjustable from 29-40 inches. They also make them with a pegboard back and a power strip. I believe also longer than this one, which is 60 inches.
My new neighbor has one and it is solid.

 

[Russ16]

The below bench is what I plan on doing.

Masterforce® 60" x 24" Workbench

Expand your work space area with a Masterforce 60" Workbench. It features a hardwood top measuring 60"W x 24"D. The heavy-duty, 16-gauge, all-steel frame helps support a total weight capacity of 1,500 pounds. The base includes a shelf for added storage with a weight campacity of 100 lbs. This...

www.menards.com

We just moved into a new home and my old bench was too large to fit in the area I have pegged for reloading at the new house. What I like about it is that the height is adjustable from 29-40 inches. They also make them with a pegboard back and a power strip. I believe also longer than this one, which is 60 inches.
My new neighbor has one and it is solid.

That’s cool.

I have a massive slab of wood that was a mantle in the cabin my grandparents used to own. It has some sentimental value to me because my grandfather taught me a lot over the years. It isn’t nice enough to be a real piece of furniture so I’m turning into my loading bench. My grandfather would like that.

I just have to decide how high to make it.

 

[VertigoBE]

I did exactly the same thing..

I have a bar stool that I sit on while reloading.. I built the bench tall enough to make it comfortable to sit at and work while on the bar stool...

and added advantage to that is that it gave me quite a bit of space underneath the bench to build shelving to hold all of the additional tools like the sonic cleaner, case trimmer, etc.. that I don't keep on the top of the bench.. as well as all of my spare components like projectiles, primers, etc..

Hi @mdwest, could you share a picture of your setup? Thanks

 

[steve white]

For the longest time I used a common business desk with file drawers to the sides. Now I have a heavy drafting table. Both are roughly the same height. I can still use a barstool if desired, but a regular desk chair most times. Definitely figure in as much storage as possible and don't let it be so low it clips the top of your knees when rolling under it in a chair.

 

[SCHUNTER73]

I’m in the process of building one right now. I settled on 39”, so I can comfortably stand and work, or sit with a taller stool.

 

[Hannay]

For what it's worth, I wanted to be able to stand at my bench and made it 39 3/4" high. I have an RCBS Rock Chucker press and a Redding T-7 mounted on Inline Fabrication 9 3/4" mounts. It works for me. I'm about 5'10" tall.

 

[Russ16]

For what it's worth, I wanted to be able to stand at my bench and made it 39 3/4" high. I have an RCBS Rock Chucker press and a Redding T-7 mounted on Inline Fabrication 9 3/4" mounts. It works for me. I'm about 5'10" tall.

That’s good perspective. I’m a bit taller. It also a good reminder to think about how I’m going to mount it. I

 

[Ridge Runner]

When I moved I had to trim my reloading bench to get it out of the room.

I also built mine to be comfortable to sit on a high kitchen table/bar chair.

The original dimensions 40 inches high at bench level, overall height 58 inches, 36 inches depth, overall 60 inches wide. With 2 shelves above the bench measuring 12 inches dept, lower shelf is 13 inches high, upper shelf is 10 inches high, 48 inches wide. There is a 6 inches of over hang on each side of the base frame.

There are two underneath shelves the first is 12 inches above the floor 28 inches from back to front, 30 inches wide. The upper shelf is 12 inches below the bench, 30 inches wide, 14 inches depth.

The bench is built using 2x4's, 2x8's, and 2x12's

 

[Jack Stevens]

Working up a plan for a new loading bench. What would you say is the ideal height? I hate feeling hunched over but the ergonomics of a taller bench might not work.

Depends …. Are you a short teeny fella or a normal size male human?

 

[Russ16]

Depends …. Are you a short teeny fella or a normal size male human?

Good point. Pretty normal sized 6’2.