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Reloading Bench Height


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My workbench sits at a comfortable 32" height for me when setting on a bar stool or standing. I have a Lee Challenger press on one end and am replacing a Lee Loadmaster on the main work area.

The problem I have is that when the 550 is mounted on the strong mount, it sits at a correct height and is comfortable to operate, but I have lost the ability to look down into the cases as the press cycles to verify the relative powder level. If I stand up, I can see better but am far less comfortable.

So, do I put the press onto a lower bench, take it off the strong mount, or try and rig up a mirror so I can see better?

Suggestions?

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My workbench sits at a comfortable 32" height for me when setting on a bar stool or standing. I have a Lee Challenger press on one end and am replacing a Lee Loadmaster on the main work area.

The problem I have is that when the 550 is mounted on the strong mount, it sits at a correct height and is comfortable to operate, but I have lost the ability to look down into the cases as the press cycles to verify the relative powder level. If I stand up, I can see better but am far less comfortable.

So, do I put the press onto a lower bench, take it off the strong mount, or try and rig up a mirror so I can see better?

Suggestions?

Are you less comfortable because you are standing or becuase the press is too low when you're standing? How about a taller chair?

I have my 550 with a strong mount bolted on a section of 2x12 which is then bolted to the countertop. It raises it higher for me and makes it portable if I ever loan it to a friend who has threatened to get started reloading. I've got some boards that I lay on the floor when my short friend uses it.

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I do all my reloading standing up. It is way less stressful on my back. I load a lot. My benches are 37"-40" to the top of the bench. As many of my machines as I can afford are on strong mounts, really good lighting in your general loading area is very important. In fact I can't stress enough the importance of this point. If for no other reason poor lighting will bugger your eyes. I also have adjustable work lamps on the bench placed where they will enhance the general lighting. I am considering having a flexi mirror as well.

I also have portable reloading setups. They are awesome. It allows me to have machine set uo ready to go, not occupying bench space. I just pull them out and with a few big clamps we are ready to go.

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I'm one of the oddballs that actually built a really high bench, and don't use the Strong Mount.

I wanted a "standing height" bench, and this one is borderline too tall. But the press is at exactly the right height. I got the brightest fluorescent rack I could find and hung it a few feet above the press. Plenty of light. A mirror is still needed for rifle rounds, though, even while standing.

With pistol rounds, it's easy to see the powder splashing around.

Lately I've just started watching the "powder check piston", where it makes contact with the beeper. It's easier to see, and right at eye level.

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  • 4 weeks later...
  • 4 months later...
An automotive flex mirror, attached using either zip-ties or hose clamps, is popular. :ph34r:

Can you post a pic or 2 showing this?

+1 on the pics or a more detailed description. I'm dense and have been playing around with inspection mirrors and can't seem to find a position that will allow me to see down the casing (38 Special) at either station two or three of a Dillon RL 550B. I load while standing and am assuming that the mirror is at a 45 degree angle up near the dies? Can't make it work without interfering with press operation. Thanks!

Edited by Intarsiac
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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 2 weeks later...

Wow - excellent idea with the mirror and lamp! I tried the light from UniqueTek, but it didn't work well at all - it is not a terribly bright light, and it cuts off on every downstroke, then back on when it goes to the upstroke - pretty much useless!

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