Portable reloading press stand ideas

[Accurate 1]

Hi all, I’ve changed my reloading setup all around … I now need to use my press on a lovely oak desk in the snug which I can’t drill and mount the press on
Any ideas / suggestions/ pictures of how I can use my press on top of the desk without damaging it ?


Thanks A1

 

[finnbear270]

Fine cartridge paper layer, heavy wooden mounting plate, clamped to Oak best table with small sash clamps.?

 

[.25-06]

Sounds like you need a piece of marine plywood fitting over the table top for reloading and fitting the press to that

 

[Accurate 1]

Was thinking so like this ?

Anyone use similar ?

A1

 

[webley701]

A Wamadet press Is ideal for your needs.

 

[nun_hunter]

I mounted my first press, a Lee single stage to a piece of scaffold board and then used g clamps to mount it to the table. This press doesn't over cam so wasn't overly reliable as the amount of force you used would change how well loading took place.

Now with a decent Lyman press there are no issues like before.

 

[LeftHandGuy]

Was thinking so like this ?

Anyone use similar ?

A1

If you have the time and inclination to make something like that then it's great - although my guess would be that you'd still get best results by clamping it.

My first reloading press mounted like this and was rigid enough to cam-over, and it cost me almost nothing (picked up some plywood scraps at B&Q for pennies):

 

[308tikka]

You can either mount press to a hefty bit of 4x4 and g clanp, or find the designs for ‘portable’ box, which has a shelf and angled sides for access. Heavy but will not move.

Or a harrels press….

 

[markyw]

As an alternative, how about the Lee reloading stand? If you have room, of course. I have one in my workshop and with the bench plates you can swap presses fairly easily.

Regards

Mark

 

[Jax]

I had a similar thing. Ended up putting the press on this Frankford Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand

 

[Accurate 1]

Sorry, should have said or explained better…. I can’t get G clamps onto the desk due to the design of it

 

[Deerkeeper2]

Sorry, should have said or explained better…. I can’t get G clamps onto the desk due to the design of it

Unless a press is rock solid every process is just a little bit harder. Do you absolutely have to use the desk? Could you make a board that goes across the full width of the desk and hooks over the back of it?

 

[Stumpy2]

Just like this

 

[308tikka]

I used to use a black and decker workmate many years ago. But it all depemds if you are resizing difficult cases . The rest of it is quite easy.

 

[NullMac]

View attachment 334441Just like this

I dont even bother screwing it onto a block. Just a couple of thin blocks if you need to protect the table (I can't be bothered) and clamp directly onto the press. Works fine.

To be uber portable though, I took a different approach. I didn't see any reason why I would need to prepare brass on site, I can do all that plus priming at home and take it with me. A bit of guess work I suppose but not an issue taking too many primed cases.

Then I just need to load powder, easy enough. Then seat the bullet. I couldn't be bothered to take a press to seat the bullets so I bought a Wilson hand die. No need for a bottle press or a mallet, I just press them in by hand and get perfectly repeatable COAL results plus excellent runout. Pleased with that.

I also bought a little set of electronic Lyman scales. I admit I was sceptical. But my loads have sd's of ~9fps so it seems to work with some care.

I batch prep primed brass and can do the rest wherever with the minimum of kit in the boot.

All the other kit has now left the building.

 

[204rips]

I built a mounting plate from 6”x4” timber that holds the press and powder measure and clamps to kitchen worktop or any flat surface, drop me a message if you want pics

 

[Accurate 1]

Thanks all, as I say due to the design of the desk I can’t actually get g clamps on it and under the top of the desk , I’ll have to try and figure something out without ruining the desk

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Put a ply top with the press over the whole desk from side to side maybe not the full depth of the top then use a truck ratchet strap around the complete desk to hold it down onto it.

 

[billgatese30]

I used to use a black and decker workmate many years ago. But it all depemds if you are resizing difficult cases . The rest of it is quite easy.

Another vote for a workmate too. Leaves the bench clear for case trays etc and then tidies back into the garage when done.

 

[LeftHandGuy]

@Accurate 1 why don't you show us a picture of the desk?