Need a small temporary reloading bench

Skshyk

AH enthusiast
Joined
Feb 9, 2020
Messages
410
Reaction score
1,445
Media
21
Hunting reports
Africa
3

Attachments

For a few years I just used a piece of plywood that attached to a 2x4 mounted to a bare wall and a couple of 2x4's for legs. I made some hinges for it so that I cold fold it up and down. I set my press up so that I cold remove it in a matter of a couple of minutes.

The whole thing was only about 2'x2' when folded down.
 
Assuming this is just a temporary set up until the garage work is done, I have a couple of cheap temporary solutions.

1.) Back when I was renting, I just got a small 8x12" block of wood about 3" thick, drilled a couple holes in it, countersunk them on the bottom and then bolted the press to that.

A couple of clamps like these: https://www.uline.com/Product/Detai...qNrdKmAxao4o3TNsXc_NNqlRBxTBMwPQaAqAaEALw_wcB

allowed me to just clamp the wooden base it to the breakfast island in my kitchen when I needed to use it, then stick it on a shelf when I didn't. Not as good as a proper permanent set up, but it cost nothing and it worked just fine.

2.) One of my friends used one of these to achieve similar results in his little loading den: https://www.lowes.com/pd/BLACK-DECK...rd10tNrbxdcSXe4fIgEaAiztEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

A little wobbly, but still works just fine and you can fold it up out of the way when not in use.
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Here is my mobile/compact reloading setup...

IMG_1353.JPG
 
I am really liking the idea with drawers and cabinets on the side but I am guessing I would have to mount the press on the side or a raised platform and do the reloading standing up which does not sound appealing lol.
IMG_3598.jpeg
 
I’ve seen a tree stump used, the press was screwed to it with roofing screws, was used to load 416 rigby ammo
Gumpy
I should add, this was at a "friendly "shoot here in Australia called WBB (wadonga big bore) probably 2018? Some forum members have been to later WBB's and may be able to attest to the shenanigans that can occur ( Kane was involved)
Gumpy
 
For years when I was in the Army, and rented a small apartment off base, I used a small folding workbench and vise like this Black and Decker. Hard to beat for $49.99, and when you aren't using it, just fold it and hang it on a wall hook in a closet. When you move into a bigger place, it will still be valuable for tons of other projects, so you'll never fell like it was money wasted. A couple of 25lb shot bags on the bottom shelf, and it was rock solid.
black-decker-saw-horses-wm225-a-64_600.jpg
 
Hi all doing some construction in my garage had to get rid 8ft 3/4 plywood table I made my self and move my stuff into a small room in my house. Looking for something I can buy that’s compact and sturdy. I was looking into the Lee or the Franklin tables. Anyone have any experiences with these or other suggests. Thanks

https://ads.powdervalley.com/produc...WUD_cITfxxZnnhFR2uS8MbusISLTVuqkaAmsAEALw_wcB

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/fra...BYs-TJu728PMZ0PpUWgaAnaOEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I have the Franklin table. It works well for what it is. I bought it with the idea that I can take it with in the camper. Right now it is up at our MN house (we moved to Texas). I also have the quick attach plates that allow moving my press quickly and easily so I can take it, with along with whatever loading supplies I wish.

Bought it all from Midway USA.

That table folds up really nicely but it is a bit "floppy" when folded. Some kind of strap to wrap it together might be a good addition. In fact I think I'll come up with a leather one;)

When it is set up, I find it to be sturdy enough and I used my big Summit Press to load 450 no. 2 3.5" cartridges on it.
 
The Harbor Frieght wooden bench is what I have at home. It needs assembly but is a really good option. I had previously bought that rolling bench from Home Depot but decided to use it as a temporary gun bench. It also has a small crank (if you buy one. Be sure it has the crank, people must steal them) to raise it up and down so the adjustability is nice but the Harbor Frieght one was really easy to drill and mount things too and is solid enough. Both have handy drawers.

We are doing extensive renovations so something quick and portable is what I needed also.
Screenshot_20241103-081733_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20241103-082035_Chrome.jpg
 
I had this issue when we downsize and bought a condo. Here is my solution and it is actually one of the best loading benches I have used. Height adjustable, easy to level, heavy and stable. It is 2’ x 4’. I put two 2” x 6” boards across the support bars for a shelf and put my plastic storage ammo boxes with my loading supplies on it to make it more stable. Got it from Amazon.

Safe shooting.

IMG_4679.jpeg


IMG_4678.jpeg
 
Here is your solution if you decide to go with the table with drawers. These mounts are solid, and you can buy different plates and exchange presses if you have more than one. Oh, and these mounts come in different sizes/heights.


1730646852534.png
 
Hi all doing some construction in my garage had to get rid 8ft 3/4 plywood table I made my self and move my stuff into a small room in my house. Looking for something I can buy that’s compact and sturdy. I was looking into the Lee or the Franklin tables. Anyone have any experiences with these or other suggests. Thanks

https://ads.powdervalley.com/produc...WUD_cITfxxZnnhFR2uS8MbusISLTVuqkaAmsAEALw_wcB

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/frankford-arsenal-platinum-series-reloading-stand?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas|Shopping|PMax|CatchAll|General|NAud|High|NMT&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06iXCHd0O4j5C-1KxnGoykeis_Cgt57YdDmPBYs-TJu728PMZ0PpUWgaAnaOEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I used a Craftsman Universal Tool Stand, similar to this, for a separate station for a Redding Big Boss loading press for large calibers (ran out of room on my bench).
About 32" high, I replace the cheap MDF top with two pieces of exterior garde 3/4" plywood, glued together for a solid top for the press. Couple of sandbags on the bottom for stability.
Good enough for sizing bigger brass, 450/400NE, 416 Rigby, 500 Jeffery.

But I really like to portable tool chest with the drawers underneath.

 

Forum statistics

Threads
58,033
Messages
1,245,938
Members
102,559
Latest member
ChuDonoghu
 

 

 

Latest profile posts

Grz63 wrote on roklok's profile.
Hi Roklok
I read your post on Caprivi. Congratulations.
I plan to hunt there for buff in 2026 oct.
How was the land, very dry ? But à lot of buffs ?
Thank you / merci
Philippe
Fire Dog wrote on AfricaHunting.com's profile.
Chopped up the whole thing as I kept hitting the 240 character limit...
Found out the trigger word in the end... It was muzzle or velocity. dropped them and it posted.:)
Fire Dog wrote on AfricaHunting.com's profile.
2,822fps, ES 8.2
This compares favorably to 7 Rem Mag. with less powder & recoil.
Fire Dog wrote on AfricaHunting.com's profile.
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR MY RIFLE, ALWAYS APPROACH A NEW LOAD CAUTIOUSLY!!*
Rifle is a Pierce long action, 32" 1:8.5 twist Swan{Au} barrel
{You will want a 1:8.5 to run the heavies but can get away with a 1:9}
Peterson .280AI brass, CCI 200 primers, 56.5gr of 4831SC, 184gr Berger Hybrid.
 
Top