Are you searching for the best reloading bench? We will review some of the top options available today to help you make an informed purchase.
The ideal reloading bench not only provides stability and organization but also offers comfort during extended reloading sessions. With a multitude of options available on the market, finding the best reloading bench can significantly enhance your reloading experience, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind in every round you craft.
Purchasing the factory match-grade rounds can be rather expensive. As a gun enthusiast, reloading your spent cartridges and shotgun shells is a great way to save money over some time. When you have enough time on your hands, reloading your ammo is not only helpful in money-saving but also helps in mastering accuracy.
Although reloading has pros and cons, having a reloading bench will make this activity much easier and fun.
Each reloader has its own way of working with cases, and that is why each workstation is different. The main reason for a reloading stand/bench is to provide the perfect workstation for any user. It can also provide complete storage for the parts you use to reload.
What Makes the Best Reloading Bench?
The best reloading bench should meet several key criteria to ensure it serves its purpose effectively and enhances the reloading experience.
A sturdy and stable bench is paramount to ensure safety during the reloading process. Look for benches made from robust materials like steel or hardwood that can withstand the weight and vibration of reloading presses and equipment.
Sufficient workspace is crucial for organizing your reloading components, tools, and equipment. The bench should have enough surface area to comfortably accommodate your reloading press, scales, case trimmers, and other accessories. Some reloading benches offer adjustable height or shelving options, allowing you to customize the bench to your preferred working height and adapt it to your needs.
Built-in storage drawers, shelves, and pegboards are invaluable for keeping reloading components, primers, powders, and reloading manuals neatly organized and easily accessible. The bench should be well-constructed with attention to detail, including reinforced corners, stable legs, and a smooth, flat work surface.
Look for benches that are relatively easy to assemble, as complicated setups can be frustrating and time-consuming. Ergonomic considerations, such as a comfortable chair and proper lighting, contribute to a more enjoyable reloading experience during long sessions.
Best Reloading Benches
1) Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand
The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Stand is the best reloading bench stand, it offers an exceptional solution for reloaders seeking versatility and space efficiency. Designed to accommodate those with limited room for a traditional reloading bench or those desiring a flexible setup, this stand is a game-changer.
With the ability to support both a reloading press and a powder measure simultaneously, it maximizes efficiency without sacrificing stability. Moreover, its collapsible shelves add further functionality, providing extra workspace when needed and neatly folding away for hassle-free storage.
Whether you’re looking to streamline quick reloading sessions or require a compact alternative, the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Stand stands out as the ideal choice, offering adaptability and convenience in one package.
The stand can handle a press and a powder measure simultaneously and has collapsible shelves providing more storage space. The Platinum Reloading Stand tabletop and frame can be folded for storage in compact spaces.
In addition, the frame is made of a 1.5″ steel tube and opens to 34″ x 21″ to provide an extremely rigid workstation. The frame is height adjustable from 28.5″ to 45″ to allow comfortable reloading from a sitting or standing position. The tabletop is width adjustable from 13″ x 12″ to 39″ x 12″ so it can accommodate all types of reloading processes.
In addition, the stand has a durable wood center section ideal for mounting a press, powder measure, or other fixed-position tools. It also has side shelves that easily accommodate free-standing trimmers, scales, or other reloading tools. Also included are two side bins for holding components or small tools.
Highlights
- Durable- made of 1.5” tube steel frame construction
- Tabletop is adjustable from 28.5” to 45” tall and 13” x 12” to 39” x 12” W
- Frame base opens to 34” x 21” and weight of 30 lb.
- Compact and easy to store
- Versatile
- Extremely stable and rigid work platform
- Includes two storage bins
- Folds compactly for storage
2) Windsor Design Workbench with 4 Drawers, 60 Hardwood
The Windsor workbench is a great idea for anyone, regardless of expertise. The workbench top has a durable protective lacquer finish and four storage drawers. Each felt-lined to help protect your fine tools.
It also comes with a bottom shelf for larger tools. The bench has four felt-lined storage drawers that provide adequate storage for all work items and a convenient storage shelf Wood block vise with adjustable machined guides.
Highlights
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs. (top), 25 lbs. (each drawer)
- Vise capacity: 7”
- 3 storage drawers
- Protective lacquer finish
- Bottom shelf for larger tools
- Table top dimensions: 60” L x 20-1/8” W
- Shelf dimensions: 47-1/4” L x 14-3/4” W x 2-1/2” H
- Drawer dimensions (x4): 21” W x 12-3/4” D x 3” H
- Overall dimensions: 60” L x 20-1/8” W x 33-1/4” H
3) Seville Classics (UHD20271B) UltraGraphite Wood Top Workbench on Wheels
This Seville Classics UltraGraphite Wood Top Workbench on Wheels with Sliding Drawers is constructed from industrial-strength powder-coated steel.
It is a durable workbench featuring a 1.5″ thick polyurethane-coated solid wood top and 3″ rolling casters. You can easily move the workbench around with its heavy-duty wheels. The locks on the wheels keep it in place while you work.
It has two steel drawers designed with stainless steel handles and commercial-grade ball-bearing sliders that ensure the drawers pull out smoothly.
Two-drawer liners are included so items won’t move around and make noise when opening and closing the drawers. It is ideal for use in garages, warehouses, mailrooms, basements, or workshops.
Highlights
- Polyurethane-coated solid wooden top
- Steel frame in graphite finish
- Versatile and multi-functional
- 2 solid steel drawers with ball bearing sliders; 4 wheels (2 lockings)
- Dimensions: 48 W x 24.7 D x 37.4 H Inches
- Weight Capacity: 500 lbs. equally distributed
- Weight: 83.6 lbs.
4) LEE PRECISION 90688, Reloading Stand
The Lee Precision reloading stand is a go-to for any reloading fan. It was designed for the sole purpose of holding a reloading press so you could load up ammunition with ease.
This loading stand is made of powder-coated steel, holding any press at the perfect counter stool or standing height. It also features a three-leg design which ensures stability regardless of the condition of the floor, and has rubber-tipped legs that help to ensure that the stand will not slip on the surface.
The stand’s steel top is fitted with the Lee bench plate system with a pre-drilled base block to fit all Lee metallic reloading presses. It also has a sturdy steel shelf with two bench plate receivers for neat storage of extra presses or mounted equipment. Each leg has eight mounting holes, allowing users to customize their stand with accessories.
Highlights
- Surface material: steel/wood
- Stand material: steel
- Has a complete Lee bench plate system and two sets of extra bench plates storing mounted accessories
- Includes a concrete block holder to help maintain the bench stability
- Comes with a detailed assembly instruction
- Has two sets of Lee bench plate brackets
- Height: 39″
- Length: 24″
- Width: 26″
- Weight: 19 lbs.
5) Lee PRECISION 90251 Bench Plate Kit
The PRECISION 90251 Bench Plate Kit is a versatile and durable accessory designed for reloading enthusiasts. Manufactured in the USA, this kit offers convenience and ease of use for those with a bench or tabletop setup for reloading activities.
The exceptional feature of this bench plate kit is its quick press removal design. This means that you can easily remove your press from the bench without the need to unbolt it. This feature saves time and effort, allowing you to swiftly switch between different presses or remove the press for storage when not in use.
The kit includes a steel base block drilled to fit all current Lee metallic presses. Lee is a renowned brand in the reloading industry known for its high-quality products. By providing a base block that accommodates all Lee metallic presses, the PRECISION 90251 Bench Plate Kit ensures compatibility and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of reloading setups.
Highlights
- Durable
- Wide steel plate distributes load, adding rigidity to the lightest benchtop
- Includes 1 steel base block that fits all current Lee metallic presses
- Special elevator bolt hardware included
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Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Reloading Bench
Bench size
The first and most important thing to remember when choosing your bench is the size. It is largely determined by the available working area you have. You can go for the large bench if you have a large space. Many people lack the benefit of having a big space, though, and hence go for the good small benches. You should be sure to take accurate measurements to get the right size. Knowing the equipment you will be using is also important to have enough working space.
Bench height
Another important thing is the height of your reloading bench. You will more likely than not be spending hours working at the reloading bench. For this reason, you should opt for a bench with a comfortable height. The height should be ideal for working both when standing and sitting.
With a sitting-height bench, you can easily re-purpose an old desk or another table, but a standing-height bench also has its advantages. It allows you to be more mobile and utilize your working space. It is also much easier to operate the press lever when standing. Additionally, it prevents health complications that come as a result of prolonged sitting hours.
Adequate storage
You will need enough storage area for the many items and equipment used during reloading. The equipment mainly stored on or near a reloading bench can be broken down into three main groups:
- Tools– Allen wrenches, Open end wrenches, Dies, Flat-blade screwdriver, Chamfer/Deburr tool, Air duster, Case lube, stand-alone powder measure and Priming Tools (Primer flip tray, hand primer) fall on this group.
- Metrology– these include the Calipers, Powder Scale, and Case Gauge. They should be easy to reach, preferably on the bench top, since they will be used often.
- Components– Brass, Bullets, Powder, and Primers should also be readily reachable. Case feeders and bullet feeders help since the storage is elevated.
Stability and durability
This is determined largely by the reloading bench design. When you buy a reloading bench, you must ensure it will last long. Most models are fairly durable, but a few have extra features that make them last even longer. Some are made using materials that get deformed or damaged over time. Besides checking the bench material, confirm the maximum weight the whole unit can withstand and compare it to what you will be pressing on the table. It is important that the frame is sturdy and robust to support all the weight on the table. A sturdier frame means improved stability, which you need when working with components such as gunpowder or primers.
Skid-resistant
Always ensure the whole bench does not skid, even on smooth floors. Some models come with rubber tips on the legs to keep them from sliding. The legs can also be screwed or secured to the floor to prevent skidding.
Ease of Assembly
The best benches should be easy to assemble. This means you don’t have to deal with complicated assembly instructions.
Portability
Some of the best reloading benches can be carried around easily, allowing you to take them on the go. They are easy and convenient for a weekend getaway or hunting/shooting camp.
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FAQs on the Best Reloading Bench
1) What are the different uses of reloading benches?
Reloading benches can be used for different other purposes other than creating ammunition. You can use a reloading bench for any craft operation. The bench storage design plus the sturdy structure make reloading benches a convenient location for any craft.
2) How much weight can a workbench hold?
On average, a workbench can hold up to 300 to 10000 pounds. It all depends on the material and the overall structure of the bench.
3) What’s the best type of reloading bench?
There are a lot of reloading benches in the market, and they all feature different features that others don’t have. The opinion on which reloading bench is based solely on your use and space, among other considerations.
4) How can I check the quality of the bench before buying it?
It is advisable to review the reviews of people who have used the product before you. This will give you an insight into whether the product is worth it. You also get an idea of the limitations or strengths associated with the product.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best reloading bench should balance stability, durability, and adaptability, offering ample workspace and smart storage solutions.
It should cater to individual needs, whether that means accommodating a full-scale reloading operation or providing a compact yet efficient setup for those with limited space
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