Building a Budget Reloading Bench

You’re done with the ammunition crunch and are ready to start reloading your ammunition. It’s true that reloading parts are more scarce than ammunition right now, but it will pass. I’ve tried both, and while the best tools can make your life easier, it’s not always easy. However, you can still make great ammo with cheap gear if you pay attention to technique and pay attention. Massaro Media Group. Shortening the purse strings. Let’s say you have a tight budget and want to set up your reloading station in the most cost-effective way possible. I didn’t recommend the cheapest item, but I leaned towards the best value to maximize your reloading dollars. If you are an experienced reloader, I don’t have to preach to you. You already know the process and the tools. If you are new to the game, then I will cover the steps to help you understand the processes and the tools involved. Single-Stage PressReloadable cartridge cases are made from brass or nickel-plated brass. They are malleable but strong enough to resist deformation in daily handling. The case will expand to the chamber’s (slightly larger) dimensions when it is fired. It must be returned to SAAMI specifications in order to be re-used. High-quality ammunition can be made using simple tools and an intense attention to detail. Massaro Media Group. A reloading press can generate the necessary pressures to shrink the brass case back to spec. Specially made reloading dens are used for each cartridge that you wish to load. You will be most satisfied with a single-stage press. It can handle all your needs, but it only holds one die at a given time and performs only one function. Both are extremely strong and rigid. Both can re-prime your cases and will last a lifetime. There are cheaper models, but they don’t offer the same performance. Lee DiesReloading dens are universal as long as they have the standard 7/8-14 body. Lee dies are the best choice for our project. They are reliable, affordable, and will do the job for beginning reloaders. While other dies may have more advanced features, I have used Lee dies to make great ammunition. You may need either a two-die or three-die set depending on the case’s conformation. This is usually reserved for straight-walled cartridges. The cost of pistol cartridges die sets starts at $39 and goes up from there. Some powders require more than one scoop. However, it is a useful tool for weighing powder charges. It doesn’t require power and can last a lifetime if maintained properly. While they may be more affordable, lower-quality models tend to have higher readings than the better-quality models. The Redding Model No. The Redding Model No. 2 balance beam scale (about $103) is made of solid, precise metal and is extremely accurate. The 2 is a great value. Massaro Media Group. Once the powder charges have been properly weighed, a powder funnel such as the RCBS (about six dollars) will keep the powder in the case and not all across your reloading bench. A set of dial calipers will be needed to measure the length of cartridges and cases. A set of dial calipers from Frankford Arsenal (about $40) is necessary to measure the length of cases and cartridges. Lyman Turbo 1200 Pro Sifter Case Tumbler (about $65) and some corn cob abrasive medium (about $12 to $18) can be used to do that. The Lee Case Length Gauge (7 to $12) and Cutter and Lock Stud (7 to $7) will keep your brass clean and uniform, even if you use elbow grease. A locking stud secures the case to the base. A flash hole-piloted length indicator is attached to a cutting instrument. With a few twists of your wrist (or adaptable to a cordless drilling unit), the case mouth can be cut to the SAAMI-specified size. The Lee chamfer/deburring tool is a good choice (about $5); it’s simple and does the job. The Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner (about $4) can be used to clean the primer pockets. This dual-sided tool can handle large and small primer pockets. A reloading press can produce all kinds of pressure. There are many options for case lubricants. I prefer the small, $10 tin Imperial Sizing Die Wax. It works great and goes a long ways. You can rub a small amount between the thumb and forefinger of your thumb to lubricate the case. Massaro Media Group. Erasing MistakesEveryone has made mistakes, even reloaders. There are tools that can help you correct them. You can disassemble cartridges with an inertia-hammer. This pulls the bullet from the case. It’s simple. A case is placed in the resizing machine with the rim removed. Next, use the drill bit provided to make a hole in the primer pocket. Next, use the provided tap to tap the hole. Next, push the Allen-head bolt through the small steel cup. Finally, screw it into the threaded hole. Although it takes some effort, you will be able to remove the stuck case from the resizing tool. You should clean the inside of your die very well as small brass bits can get in from drilling and tapping. There are many types of case blocks that you can buy, from simple molded plastic cases to precision-cut anodized aluminum ones. You can also make your own case blocks if you have the budget. You can simply measure the diameter of your chosen cartridge’s case head and choose a slightly larger drill bit. If you measure the case head diameter of your chosen cartridge, you can use a scrap piece of 2×4 to make a case block. Once you have drilled a series of holes, each reloader will have a small collection of reliable data. There are many great online data sources available for reloaders, even if your budget is limited. For example, Hodgdon Powder, Alliant Powder, and Nosler Bullets all offer their reloading manuals online. You can either print the data you need, or use your smartphone or laptop to access load data. You will need several reloading manuals if you are bitten by the reloading bug. I bet it will. My own notebook is something I refer to often. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. This is a great option for long-range shooting. Enter your email address below.