And then there's the minimalist approach that you can break down and take with you to the range, set up in a corner of the garage, or even bring inside where it's warm (or cool) for a couple of hours and knock out a few rounds.

Internet version



Reality of my mess

These are from 2017 so a little out dated. Just one of my benches. There is now a Dillon 450 in the open spot on this bench. Got the whole room setup for reloading.

Dang nice

Yes it is….

Mine has doubled as a reloading and gun workbench. Essentially, I took our old solid wood Pier 1 rustic dining room table and I overlaid a 3/4" sheet of #1 plywood on top, and installed a 4-bulb florescent light fixture hanging above. Since I've never had the option for shelves, the broad work surface has really worked well. Big enough to allow for a vice, a Rockchucker, and a Dillon 550B. I've also got my Chargemaster and a brass prep station, among all the other minutia. In my nomadic life, it's a little heavy. But the legs come off, and it's still very portable and easily moved from one home to the next (except here!). Doesn't work for everyone, but it's just how I repurposed something we already had and made it fit what I needed. Cluttered, but you get the idea.

Mine is 39" high so you can either stand or a bar stool is the perfect height.

The big 8 ft bench and wooden shelve my dad built for me in 1980. I always stand to reload or maybe lean on a stool for longer sessions.

Dee for the win. A true multi-tasker.

Yep, there are some great whiskeys there Dee!

Here’s mine. 12’x18’. I used the my old kitchen cabinets uppers and lowers. Cleaned and painted them.
Butcher block counter tops. The smaller bench was made by my dad back in the early 80’. Spent many of hours as a kid watching and helping him reload. It’s due for a new top and I plan to take it apart and put a butcher block top on it as well. Epoxy floors and commercial carpet tile and base. Lay in insulated ceiling. Insulated walls as well.

I do like to indulge in a glass of good bourbon!

The ergonomic guide may need an adjustment.
For me, the bench was about 41 inches high or elbow level.
In my opinion, the knob of the lever on the downward stroke of the press should fall at the wrist
so that you do not have to bend down. It will save your back.
The top of the stroke will be about shoulder level.
At least that was the case with my Dillon Square Deal.

A foot rest is great and can double as a shelf.
12 inches high might prove to be more comfortable.
Then there would be more room to store things under the footrest/shelf.
Leave room for your knee to get under the countertop.

I've had six or seven different setups over the years. Here's how my current looked shortly after I got it all set up and commissioned about 16 years ago...




It doesn't look near as neat anymore...I've somehow managed to jam about three times the the clutter into the area. I don't think I've successfully completed a good cleanup once since it was new. I always get down to the last few items and just can't seem to find a new place for them. Why I don't just toss that stuff is a question I don't seem to have the gumption to ask myself. As I sit here and look around at all the stuff that surrounds me, I wonder what the hell happened (not a complaint!).