Reloading room ideas

I

ivo

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Hey Fellas,
So after a few moves the last couple of years and doing my reloading on everything from an old classroom desk and empty beer cases as my scale stand to a cold garage with a workshop bench I am happy to be able to build my own reloading room in the new house.
I have been scouring the internet for reloading room pics and ideas the last couple of weeks as I am going to start building cabinets/tops/shelves... for the new reloading room.
I was just wondering if any of you can offer any good advice or tips regarding layout, heights, widths, depths... or ideas in general to make the room work better.
My room is 9'4"x11'
I was also wondering if anyone has any interesting storage or design ideas for tools, cleaning gear, components..., I know as soon as I finish and load up all of the cabinets it will be too small.
I plan on having the longer wall as my case prep and reloading area and the shorter was as my cleaning maintenece area.

Pictures are worth a thousand words so please post pics if you have them.

Thanks in advance.
 
DO NOT put carpeting on the floor. It creates static electricity which could set off primers/powder when you touch your reloader. Use those rubber squares that attach to each other. It is easier on your feet then wood or concrete.
 
There's lots and lots of pics that guys have posted of their setups. Benchs, shelving units, brass storage, lighting. Most of my setup I've pulled from other guys pics. Best idea for me was using clear dollar store food containers for brass storage. It's easy to write on and still eye ball into it. I used a plan posted here for my bench but made it smaller to get through the door. I prefer the working height to be standing and sitting on a "bar stool" height. And will never have enough storage.
Best of luck
Clint
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I think your on the right track keeping the cleaning and reloading area separate. More storage than you think you need and good lighting, an easy to clean floor is a +. My bench is comfortable for standing but to high for a chair, i need a bar stool.
 
I built a 4'x4' bench 20 years ago. It serves me very well, but the only weakness is not being able to reach the back side of the bench while being seated. No big deal, but I would change that measurement by 12" or so.

I like counter top room. It allows me to stage cases/calibers for current loading projects.
As I come up with the next series of reloading tests, I write it down on a sticky lable and put it with the corresponding brass.

I tend to work away from home at times, so its nice to have my plans all laid out.
A guy can forget where he was. Record everything. That way you dont try a load combo for the "first time"/ three different times! Lol! Been there/ done that! Wastes time and components.

A clean,organized bench is advisable for consistant,safe handloads.

I like a bright room with lots of light. I use flouresent lighting (daylight bulbs). Easier on my eyes for long stays in the project room.

A T.V. DVD, etc is nice,(I Have Them In My Room), but make sure to pay attention to your loading. Shyte happens, and pressure/mistakes are unforgiving!

I only keep one Can of powder on the bench at a time. Its too easy to grab the wrong can and make an error. BEEN THERE also! Ruined a pound of powder that way!

This hobby/passion is great! Keep safe, and have fun!
 
If you have the money, now would be a great time to get a mechanic's type tool chest in there, especially one of the Bottom Only types with the wood top. Makes for a workspace with mondo storage.
 
Something I did with my bench that I like... I use two different presses, a progressive for smaller rounds (pistol) and single stage for larger rounds (rifle mainly). my bench isn't big enough to have both mounted so I put T-nuts into the bench and mounted the presses onto 1" thick plywood then I can swap out plates / presses with three bolts. Then if I need to use the bench for anything else, I can remove them all together and I'm just left with three little bolt holes where the T-nuts are.

Other than that, dollar store for plastic totes with felt marker writing to sort brass and bullets.

As for powder and primer storage, that has to be in a wood box with brass hardware which I have sitting on a shelf under the bench.
 
Thanks for all the great advice so far!

I will be tiling the floor, I have power and backing in the ceiling for fluorecent lights and plenty of outlets in the walls for power. I was going to paint the walls a lighter color to reflect the fluorecent lighting as well as adding task lighting at the reloading station and cleaning station. I also have vac-u-flo right outside the room for clean up.

I am actually a bit of a clean/organization freak myself hence the reason I am asking so many questions now.

In terms of the bench I am undecided on which height to put it at. A higher bench is easier to work over especially at the cleaning station and it offers more storage underneath. The lower height may be easier to have a comfortable chair for longer brass prep/reloading sessions.

I saw the dovetail bench idea but I may go with a T-slot extruded aluminum like what people use for guides on table saws/router tables, again I'm undecided on that too but I like both ideas there. Baltic Birch is a great material to use for press, powder thrower, case prep center or tool bases.

Thanks again for the tips/ideas and please keep them coming.
 
ivo said:
Thanks for all the great advice so far!

. I also have vac-u-flo right outside the room for clean up.
I am actually a bit of a clean/organization freak myself hence the reason I am asking so many questions now.
Thanks again for the tips/ideas and please keep them coming.
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I don't think I would use the old vac-u-flo to clean up the old reloading room. You may find that your room is neatly orgainized all over the backyard!
 
Storage, storage and more storage. Find the type of shelves/racks or cupboards you like and buy 5 times as many as you think you will need :)
Personally, I went with one bench so I could have extra storage space and be organized.
 
fleguel said:
Storage, storage and more storage. Find the type of shelves/racks or cupboards you like and buy 5 times as many as you think you will need :)
Personally, I went with one bench so I could have extra storage space and be organized.
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Same goes for space. If you can, lay a claim more before it's gone for good ;)
 
Used to think a 12'x8' room would have lots of space ... but after installing a safe and a couple of cabinets, it got cramped. Just keep this in mind as you start to plan what goes on which wall area.

As to bench, I prefer a taller bench and use a stool when I want to sit. Lots of light and electrical fixtures are useful.
 
TACTICAL111 said:
TV & DVD player is a must. Surround sound being optional.

You can tell I spend substantial time in my reloading room.
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i agree whole heartedly i suggest a 55" or large smart tv with wifi just in case you need to seach gunnuts for info (saves time going up stairs to computer,and then the questions from wife how much longer you'll be down there), also a lock from the inside
 
speedfreak said:
i agree whole heartedly i suggest a 55" or large smart tv with wifi just in case you need to seach gunnuts for info (saves time going up stairs to computer,and then the questions from wife how much longer you'll be down there), also a lock from the inside
Click to expand...

I am wired for data but no phone or cable...this was all by design.

BTW The room itself is already built so there will be no expansion till I build another house so I am stuck with my 100 square feet. This is the reason why I am trying to plan this room so carefully before I begin building cabinets.
 
Loading got too big.

Loading rooms are never big enough. My double garage is stuffed full. Two motorcycles, and one quad need the space they occupy, and the rest is loading area. Small beer fridge, stereo, two computers, seven presses, hydraulic power, etc!

At thirteen years of age I could pack my rifle with brass, bullets, primers, powder, and Lee load all dies in a small suede "possibles" bag and had a lot more fun loading during the "shoot-about" . Now I require at least 25 lbs of every available powder, five gallon pails filled with brass for each caliber shot, and enough primers to shoot for the next 300 years. I need a warehouse man to check stock once in a while to make sure I don't run out of something important. To the OP, I hope the 9'4" X 11" serves you well.
 
The most important consideration is storge areas - shelving and cabinets. You can't have too much storage space. If you have small kids put a keyed lock on the door.
 
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