How to Set up a Reloading Bench Rifle

Reloading is not only a hobby; it is a way to gain amazing accuracy with your ammunition. According to the Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook, competition benchrest shooters use ammunition loaded by themselves. Factory ammunition is fine for some, but if you really want to be sure of where your bullet will hit, you'll want to try reloading. The essentials of reloading are the tools and equipment. Setting up the bench so that the reloading process moves smoothly will help keep your loads consistent.

Things You'll Need

  • Reloading press
  • Reloading die set
  • Shellholder
  • Safety glasses
  • Tumbler
  • Case trimmer
  • Deburring tool
  • 2 towels
  • Powder scale
  • Powder throw or trickler and funnel
  • Calipers
  • Two loading blocks
  • Priming unit
  • Priming tray
  • Case lubricant
  • Case lubricant pads
  • Up-to-date reloading manual
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mount the reloading press securely to the reloading bench. Mount it in the center of the bench. The reloading bench can be any size you want. A convenient size is 20 inches deep by 8 feet wide by 36 inches tall. It should have shelves under the bench and good lighting above the bench.

    • 2

      Load the appropriate die set for your rifle caliber into the reloading press. Rifle calibers require a two-die set. Load the shellholder into the press.

    • 3

      Hang safety glasses within reach.

    • 4

      Set up one side of the reloading bench as the "dirty" side. This is the side where the powder supplies will be stationed. A right-handed person will find it easier to designate the right side as the "dirty side." At the far right side of the bench, set up a tumbler, the case trimmer and the deburring tool. Place a small towel on the bench in front of the tumbler. When the cases come out of the tumbler, they can be laid right on the towel.

    • 5

      Place the powder scale next in line, closer to the reloading press. Set up a powder throw or powder trickler next to the powder scale. If using a powder trickler, you will also need a powder funnel.

    • 6

      Place the calipers next to the press, on the right side. You will need the calipers to check the length of the case before loading it. You will also use the calipers to check the finished length of the round.

    • 7

      Place two loading blocks either next to the calipers or behind the press. The loading blocks hold the powdered rounds and the finished rounds.

    • 8

      Place the primer unit and the priming tray on the left side of the press. When you begin to reload, this is where you will keep your primers.

    • 9

      Place the case lubricant and case lubricant pads at the far left of the bench. Place a towel at this location. Placing lubed cases on the towel will prevent the bench surface from getting contaminated with lube.

    • 10

      Place an up-to-date reloading manual on the shelf under the bench. Your reloading bench is now set up and ready to use.