Stack-on reloading benches???

mike g35 · 08-21-2011, 19:13

Hello, I am getting ready to start reloading and I know what press I want to use (the RCBS rock chucker kit) and what I need for loading. But what I am having a hard time with is the bench. I have seen some Stack-On benches in a mail order catalog and I was wanted to know if they were any good. Are they? And if not then what should I do? I have a 2' x 3' area to work in.

mike g35 · 08-23-2011, 19:25

Still waiting for an opinion on this. I don't want to waste my money so any help will be greatly appreciated.

WiskyT · 08-23-2011, 19:33

I don't think you are being ignored. I just don't think anyone has one, or if they did, they didn't see your post yet. Most build their own benches.

Colorado4Wheel · 08-23-2011, 19:55

Build a bench out of wood.

On a different note.

With the list of guns you have, you don't already reload? And your going to start with a single stage. You should consider that you will probably out grow that rock chucker pretty fast and want a Dillon. All your shooting buddies have one, so you don't want to be left out.

Boxerglocker · 08-23-2011, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

With the list of guns you have, you don't already reload? And your going to start with a single stage. You should consider that you will probably out grow that rock chucker pretty fast and want a Dillon.

With the list he's got, he'll outgrow the SS in a week.

unclebob · 08-23-2011, 20:32

I think everyone needs to load at least 200,000 rounds on a single stage before progressing to a turret or progressive press.

dukeguy · 08-23-2011, 20:33

I'm not familiar with the workbench you listed, but this is the one I built for my reloading bench. The kit makes it simple and you can build it any size you want.

http://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-9016...4153112&sr=8-1

unclebob · 08-23-2011, 20:41

http://www.lowes.com/pd_2218-55738-L...nch&facetInfo=
These work pretty good as a reloading bench.

Three-Five-Seven · 08-23-2011, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by unclebob

I think everyone needs to load at least 200,000 rounds on a single stage before progressing to a turret or progressive press.

Liberals! Where do they get these crazy ideas?

unclebob · 08-23-2011, 20:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three-Five-Seven

Liberal

Not even close. I can not stand liberals.That was about what I loaded on a SS before I bought a progressive. Why? because other than a Star that was about all there was for a press. That was a joke I would not wish that on anyone.

IndyGunFreak · 08-23-2011, 21:02

I'd also recommend the Finley bench.

If you have a few basic tools (a drill and a saw).. You'll build a rock solid bench in no time. Figure out the dimensions you want, then buy the plywood, and have Lowes/Home Depot cut it for you.

A cheap circular saw will go a long way to cutting the 2x4's.

It's really very easy.

freakshow10mm · 08-23-2011, 22:23

I saw the Stack On benches in a Cabela's catalog. They look wonderful. I've got a 2x4 Basix bench that I hate and am looking to replace. I think the Stack On will be the one for the time being.

ImpeachObama · 08-24-2011, 07:53

Like you, I'm cramped for space. I saw elsewhere that someone used a Black and Decker workmate. This is one of the better units, I don't remember the model number but cost around $100 or so. It's sturdy for the application. I used 3/4 MDF, but under the loader I added a second piece. I would recommend doing two full layers of 3/4 underneath if I were to do it again. The sides and shelf were spec'd out just for my needs. A friend of mine had a hole saw bit the size of the plastic bins you see counter sunk into the top which made it nice. Threw some paint on it and called it a day. I'm using the Dillon 550 and love it. I have die sets for a bunch of different calibers. This is probably one of the more popular units being used today.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

RustyFN · 08-24-2011, 10:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado4Wheel

Build a bench out of wood.

On a different note.

With the list of guns you have, you don't already reload? And your going to start with a single stage. You should consider that you will probably out grow that rock chucker pretty fast and want a Dillon. All your shooting buddies have one, so you don't want to be left out.

Quote:

With the list he's got, he'll outgrow the SS in a week.

I couldn't agree more. I always recommend to start with at least a Lee classic turret. With the list of guns you have and shooting competition I would be looking at a Dillon.

sig357fan · 08-24-2011, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpeachObama

Like you, I'm cramped for space. I saw elsewhere that someone used a Black and Decker workmate. This is one of the better units, I don't remember the model number but cost around $100 or so. It's sturdy for the application. I used 3/4 MDF, but under the loader I added a second piece. I would recommend doing two full layers of 3/4 underneath if I were to do it again. The sides and shelf were spec'd out just for my needs. A friend of mine had a hole saw bit the size of the plastic bins you see counter sunk into the top which made it nice. Threw some paint on it and called it a day. I'm using the Dillon 550 and love it. I have die sets for a bunch of different calibers. This is probably one of the more popular units being used today.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Very nice set up! Any issues with full length sizing rifle brass?

My set up is similar in size, roughly a 2 ft by 2 ft top with a 1 inch over hang on 3 sides. The 2 x 4 frame is bolted to the filing cabinet as well as the wall behind it, table leg under the press in direct contact with the floor to prevent flexing, lots of storage in the cabinet.

If you have more room, maybe a two filing cabinet set up? Just a thought.

sig357fan

Attachment 218568

ImpeachObama · 08-24-2011, 14:24

That's pretty nifty 357. Speaking of, I bought my first recently, a G33 and love it. I haven't done rifle yet and probably won't for awhile. I don't get to shoot my Sig 556 rifle very often to make a big deal out of it. Too many people live all around me and I'm sure I'll hit something or someone.

mike g35 · 08-24-2011, 17:13

All the pictures have been a great help. And I have already decided to buy a Dillon Precision and not even mess with the SS I shoot to much for that. Thanks guys.

RustyFN · 08-24-2011, 18:34

Just take your time and load safe. You can run them them trough one at a time until you get the hang of it.

I just noticed your location. I'm arond 80 miles north.

Beanie-Bean · 08-24-2011, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike g35

All the pictures have been a great help. And I have already decided to buy a Dillon Precision and not even mess with the SS I shoot to much for that. Thanks guys.

Yup, the guys here have been a big help, and were instrumental in my selection of the Dillon RL 550B rig you see here:

I originally purchased a Lee LCT, and was going to acquire bits and pieces a little at a time, hoping to finally have a complete reloading rig by the time the winter came around. It's been too hot to do anything much outside here in Texas.

Long story short, I returned the Lee setup the blue rig. Best of luck to you!

ImpeachObama · 08-28-2011, 21:25

I was told over and over that I should start with a Dillon 550 instead of the big dawg 650. Now that I've been loading, I am glad I did. Manual indexing is important for someone to start out, makes you think constantly about what your doing and it is easier to deal with going back to a stage if you messed something up. Speed is not the goal here. No distractions whatsoever and take your time. Focus.

VN350X10 · 08-28-2011, 21:51

Keep in mind that it's impossibe to make your bench too solid !
If you can anchor it to a wall it's a great help. Wall studs don't really move too much.
Shooting competition, you really should check out a Dillon 550.
I shot shilouette for several years, loading on a RockChucker & it came close to making me want to find a new hobby. I was spending far too much time loading instead of practicing. I went to a Dillon 450 & never looked back.

I did keep the 'Chucker, as it still gets used for "sample" loading, but I will tell you, PLAN on getting more space, with this hobby, you'll need it !

uncle albeert

George H. · 09-01-2011, 12:19

Not mine and do not think it is a Stack-On but looks to be the same type:

Here is where this pic was found http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...231150&page=17

Tpro · 09-01-2011, 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpeachObama

I was told over and over that I should start with a Dillon 550 instead of the big dawg 650. Now that I've been loading, I am glad I did. Manual indexing is important for someone to start out, makes you think constantly about what your doing and it is easier to deal with going back to a stage if you messed something up. Speed is not the goal here. No distractions whatsoever and take your time. Focus.

I just can't figure out how manually indexing a press makes you "think" constantly and will make you a better reloader. That is like saying to get a SS press and you will be a better reloader. Soon a case AND bullet feeder will be on my press.IMO the LESS the operator does, the better the outcome.

unclebob · 09-01-2011, 13:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImpeachObama

I was told over and over that I should start with a Dillon 550 instead of the big dawg 650. Now that I've been loading, I am glad I did. Manual indexing is important for someone to start out, makes you think constantly about what your doing and it is easier to deal with going back to a stage if you messed something up. Speed is not the goal here. No distractions whatsoever and take your time. Focus.

It is very simple to make the Dillon 650 manual indexing. One good thing over the 550 is the 550 you can move the shell plate backwards. Whereas the 650 you cannot. What is good about it if you should have a screw up you need to take all the rounds or brass out and dump the power and start over. Too easy to back up the shell plate or take the case out and put it back under the powder measure with powder already under the case. So with the 650 unless you make it manually indexing. It is almost impossible to double charge a case. Unless you do not have the fail safe system or deactivated it. Or physically take the case out with powder in the case and put it back under the powder measure.

mike g35 · 09-01-2011, 14:53

I have been thinking about this and the bench seems like it would work but their are better choices. And I am gonna go ahead and get a Dillon 650 instead of wasting my time on the Rock Chucker SS. I shoot to much to get a single stage.