What press(es)?

[garyb]

haha. I had to put an angle on the left side, because it sits next to a closet door. Needed the angle to allow the door to swing open. It is a small bench, but gets the job done. When you build yours, build it out of heavy materials to make it solid. Be sure to include some shelves for small items. Small drawers would be handy for bullets, primers, dies, etc... I left the top open, so I can add drawer units as I expand. I use the small dresser that sits on the right side of my bench for some of the dodads. There is a thread here someplace that shows photos of guys benches. You can get some ideas from them. Filter out some of the "stuff" they have laying around on their benches. Although, I am sure it is all "important stuff"...haha. Seriously, it pays to keep your bench clean and neat. I believe everything has its' place and I want to see it there when I reach for it.

[garyb]

Good lighting is important too. I added a simple LED flash light to the top open port of my Hornady LNL. Cheap way to see inside your cases to check powder drops. They do market expensive fancy lighting systems to do the same thing.

[b4uqzme]

I probably will build it too. I went around looking to buy a table and there are few heavy enough or the right size. Found one on sale for $176. Nah! Thanks for the tips.

[garyb]

I hear ya. I found the same thing and decided to build it custom for the location I was planning to reload. It is a basic project of common 4X4 legs, plywood and 2X lumber. Screws and glue. Some stain and a finish. Done.

I'd stay away from damp areas, unless you use a dehumidifier. I wanted to put mine in the garage, but in the winter, melting snow and ice off the vehicles creates a problem. Rain a problem in the summer. So, I went with a small room I have on the lower floor where I keep some of my hunting gear and a dehumidifier. It is quiet and away from the living area, where wifey might not like seeing the reloading action. I can concentrate on what I am doing. It makes for a peaceful hobby. Out of sight, out of mind.

[Tilos]

Thanks for the input Tilos...good point, but look again. My scale is in a stored position under a shelf....to keep my work bench clear. I don't use it where it is stored. I pull it out and only use it to spot check my powder drop, to check accuracy. I started using it every 5 rounds. However, my powder drop on the Hornady LNL is so accurate, that I only spot check it every 25 rounds now. I can see it just fine in any location on the bench...but your point is well taken.

Thanks,
Perhaps some explanation belongs with the pic as a footnote if you post it again, as some newbs might go by the visual...maybe take and post a different image next time
I built a box/cover for mine, and have taped the scale base to the shelf, so it stays were I use it, at eye level.
Scale location created a critical problem for another member here and it's never talked about much, the only reason I brought it up.

[garyb]

No problem. Understood. My bench looks a little different these days, with more components and reloading manuals on the shelves. However, my scale is still stored in the same place. Handy where it is. It's an older scale (from the 70's) but I know how to use it. For the newbs...Footnote: Go digital....haha. Thanks.

[Southerngunner]

There is a lot of great presses out there ,and I still have my 40 year old RCBS Rockchucker but now days I use My Dillon 550B or the Square Deal . The 550 is easier to change calibers and I leave that one set up for large primers it also is indexed to the next station by hand which allows you to slow down a little until you are more comfortable with loading. The Square Deal is auto indexing and a little more complicated to set up different calibers but my shooting buddy has one that has over a 100,000 rounds loaded through it. The other thing that hasn't been mentioned is Dillons "No B.S. warranty for Life even if you buy a used press they will repair or send you replacement parts quickly and free. I have used this warranty evn when I screwed up and broke something myself, I explained what happened and offered to pay for the parts and they said No Worries and shipped what I needed out rapidly.

[AIRret]

We have the Hornady ammo plant (5,000 montana gold 9mm, 3,000 precision delta and
1,000 45 acp montana gold so far).
We followed through and just bought a single stage Hornady for rifle rounds and assorted
special projects.
If you are thinking of eventually having a single stage and a progressive press it might be easier if you stay with the same manufacturer.
Just one more thing to put into the hopper of ideas to which you've been exposed.

[downtownv]

Dillion for 1 huge advantage! NO If's and's or Buts they will replace ANYTHING , ANYTIME even if you were NOT the original purchaser!
I have a SDB with 3 quick changes (Change dies and the head/powder charge and can, I never have to recalibrate the powder charges) unless I change the powder type.
I do 9mm 40cal and .45acp.
I am lucky, as my shooting buddy has a 550 and does .223's for me! I have never been to the store for ammo in 1.5 years!

[b4uqzme]

I've been dragging my feet but I'm sold on the SDB. It's really not even that expensive all things considered. I gotta make this happen. Thanks for the encouragement.

[AIRret]

I've been dragging my feet but I'm sold on the SDB. It's really not even that expensive all things considered. I gotta make this happen. Thanks for the encouragement.

Hey, that's what choice is all about.

Let us know how things go.

Hubby and I take things slow and double check each others steps.

[Southerngunner]

I've been dragging my feet but I'm sold on the SDB. It's really not even that expensive all things considered. I gotta make this happen. Thanks for the encouragement.

It's better to make sure about what you want before you lay out money. But in my humble opinion you can't go wrong with Dillon products whichever one you choose.
Best of luck with your decision.