Reloading: Bench mounted press changes

[JohndeFresno]

The common instructions to new handloaders include mounting your press(es) firmly on a stable platform. But the issue of spent primers that get stuck under the press is not handled. And it happens. I have had to unbolt my Lee Turret press twice to rid if of all of those errant components that did not cooperate with the procedure.

My current setup involves changing over from a plywood mount to 1/4 inch steel, mounted just a tad away from the bench. No wobble at all. Then, as shown on the plywood "template" that I gave to a local metal fabrication shop, the plate was cut out around the inside of the bottom of the press mounts so that primers can fall freely. $24 and some change. This mount also gives me more space to clean around and lubricate the ram arm and linkage.

Occasionally, primers also like to test my patience by flying away from the press a bit. Now, I know that some of y'all have stated that you don't care if the primers fall onto the ground or floor. But my setup is in the garage, and if I picked up a primer in my shoe tread and then scratched our hardwood flooring, I would do well to move a cot into the garage rather than hear the "feedback" from my beloved. So my primers are collected by a trash can, as shown. My reach allows me to work with the components and still use the press comfortably while standing to the side. OK, that's my two cents for the new reloader (primarily).

[J Miller]

That's a pretty neat set up. I like the idea of the primers going straight to the collection can. My Bonanza Co-Ax has a drop tube with a collection bottle on it. So that helps a bit, but you still have to empty them.

Joe

[Ben_Rumson]

That's a nice setup... I have the same press that started out as a 3 hole version... The only other modification I've done is make changing the ram arm angle quick change by utilizing a twist knob in place of the nut for the bolt that you have to loosen to change the arm angle... Got mine @ ACE

[JohndeFresno]

Thank you, gents. Good tip, Ben. I have an Ace store right down the street.

[Griff]

The RCBS Rock Chucker and Jr 2 presses have a horseshoe shaped "trough" that captures 99.9% of the spent primers... probably holds about a thousand. I can't say it's 100%, as I have forgotten to dump it out...

The Dillon 550B has a mechanical catch bin, that opens when the ram is lowered to drop the spent primer in the mounted catch bin. As long as the mechanical part is adjusted properly, it too is very nearly 100%.

Smooth soled shoes are a boon to not having debris collected for tracking into the mistresses' domain!

[JohndeFresno]

Great tips as always, Griff!

[Richardx]

Ms. Donna allows me to buy guns and gear.

However I do not wear shoes in the house.

[BobM]

When I used the Lee Turret press I had bored a hole through the bench. I had screwed the lid to a small jar underneath the bench and just unscrewed the jar when I needed to dump spent primers. I don't remember where I got the idea.

[GonnePhishin]

Very informative information with nice pictures of your setup. Nothing beats experience, IMO. Thanks for the tip:)

[AJMD429]

Here's another idea I've found useful. I raised the workbench (old wooden one, as well as new metal one I now use) top as illustrated. It adds some 'cubbies' for frequently used tools, plus the slight cantilever to the front provides an overhang that clears press handles and so on. If needed, a concave notch can be cut to accommodate the ram of the press, but note the new Lee Turret Presses have a different shaped base which helps mount the press without any notches needed.




These threads are cool; I get many ideas from them, so I always try to post/share my projects as well.

[Griff]

Ya make me proud Doc! I always thought that a clean, uncluttered reloading bench is the sign of a sick mind!

[Hagler]

Some of youse guys have some really good ideas. I just use a Black & Decker Workmate, for a reloading bench:

Reloading press arangement 950.jpg

Each press is a single-stage press: Lee Hand Press; Lyman Acculine; BCBS Jr. 2. The Lee Hand Press is held in a portable Wilton bench vise, while the other two are bolted down. Each press has a different Lee Carbide die in it: decapping & sizing; expanding & charging; seating & crimping. I move the whole apparatus to where I will be reloading, then I spread out the scale, reloading block, hand primer, powder, and primers, on a different table, as needed. I can easily dismount the handpress, and decap & size, while I watch television.

Shawn

[GonnePhishin]

Another good idea; thanks Doc.

[JohndeFresno]

Ms. Donna allows me to buy guns and gear.

However I do not wear shoes in the house.

Yes, I know, Richard... we had a white rug and it was the same here. Hated it.

Thankfully, it finally gave up the ghost from all of that steam cleaning (despite our bare foot tango)...

...but now it's a wood floor. Once again, I am shod. (With apologies to Uncle Buck for this "picture.")

[H_Talon]

The common instructions to new handloaders include mounting your press(es) firmly on a stable platform. But the issue of spent primers that get stuck under the press is not handled. And it happens. I have had to unbolt my Lee Turret press twice to rid if of all of those errant components that did not cooperate with the procedure.

My current setup involves changing over from a plywood mount to 1/4 inch steel, mounted just a tad away from the bench. No wobble at all. Then, as shown on the plywood "template" that I gave to a local metal fabrication shop, the plate was cut out around the inside of the bottom of the press mounts so that primers can fall freely. $24 and some change. This mount also gives me more space to clean around and lubricate the ram arm and linkage.

Occasionally, primers also like to test my patience by flying away from the press a bit. Now, I know that some of y'all have stated that you don't care if the primers fall onto the ground or floor. But my setup is in the garage, and if I picked up a primer in my shoe tread and then scratched our hardwood flooring, I would do well to move a cot into the garage rather than hear the "feedback" from my beloved. So my primers are collected by a trash can, as shown. My reach allows me to work with the components and still use the press comfortably while standing to the side. OK, that's my two cents for the new reloader (primarily).

so I have to ask ... How long does it take to fill up a 32gal can with used primers LOLOLOLOLOL

[JohndeFresno]

... How long does it take to fill up a 32gal can with used primers LOLOLOLOLOL

[2571]

"so I have to ask ... How long does it take to fill up a 32gal can with used primers LOLOLOLOLOL"

Takes me about 2 weeks.