Building the Perfect Reloading Room

Are the pictures in reverse chronological order? The bottom one looks like it goes first, dividing wall installed in the foreground looking into the room in the same direction as the first photo, which shows the same area finished. The second photo shows the unfinished wall, hmmm, not sure how it fits in.
 
Lots of cool posts in here

Its not much but its enough for loading
IMG_1016.jpeg
IMG_1012.jpeg
 
Baby boy is here. So not much progress for a little bit. But I was able to get all the QD mounts routered in flush, 5 coats of poly on all the bench tops, some wall control mounted, and shelving installed. Still gotta add a few braces to the shelves, but mostly waiting for entergy to pull the new service to the shop so I can have the AC charged and I can start moving in

C06F21C7-E966-461B-AB25-03503AB7914C.jpeg
 
Baby boy is here. So not much progress for a little bit. But I was able to get all the QD mounts routered in flush, 5 coats of poly on all the bench tops, some wall control mounted, and shelving installed. Still gotta add a few braces to the shelves, but mostly waiting for entergy to pull the new service to the shop so I can have the AC charged and I can start moving in

View attachment 8441115

This looks great! What did you use to cut your tabletops only just a little in order to get a flush fitment with those QD mounts?
 
  • Like
Reactions: southernpew
This looks great! What did you use to cut your tabletops only just a little in order to get a flush fitment with those QD mounts?

Thank you!

I used a small trim router. I measured from the edge of the base/guard on the router to the cutting edge of the blade, added that to the dimensions of the area to be cutout, and made a jig to clamp down in place. Then set the depth to 7/16” and let the saw dust fly!

If you need pictures or more info on it just message me. I can send you better details on how I did it
 
Baby boy is here. So not much progress for a little bit. But I was able to get all the QD mounts routered in flush, 5 coats of poly on all the bench tops, some wall control mounted, and shelving installed. Still gotta add a few braces to the shelves, but mostly waiting for entergy to pull the new service to the shop so I can have the AC charged and I can start moving in

View attachment 8441115
no TV,no frige, no pool table , gasp ,what were you thinking?
 
no TV,no frige, no pool table , gasp ,what were you thinking?
TV and mini fridge were planned into this build. Just waiting for the power company to setup the new service to my building before I start moving in haha.
I just have the lights wired into an extension cord right now, shhhh, don’t tell anyone
 
That’s a wrap. A few more finishing touches but the bulk f it is done.

View attachment 8450745
Are you planning on putting a couch in the middle of that room or just leaving it open? I would look at a island bench with a vice if it were my room. Much nicer to work on/clean guns if you can move around them.
 
Are you planning on putting a couch in the middle of that room or just leaving it open? I would look at a island bench with a vice if it were my room. Much nicer to work on/clean guns if you can move around them.
leaving it open, the roller tool cart is what im using for an island cleaning bench. Just roll it out when i need it and put it back to the side when im done
 
leaving it open, the roller tool cart is what im using for an island cleaning bench. Just roll it out when i need it and put it back to the side when im done

I have a roller for cleaning and odd tasks that I can get out of the way as well as much prefer it that way as well.

I like the space a lot and would definitely not put up a bunch of shelves - just creates a cluttered feeling. I have one shelf above my bench and there is way too much stuff on it. Most components are in cabinets and most dies, gun and reloading tools, measuring things, parts, etc. are in a rolling tool cabinet.
 
I have a 16' x 40' x12' all steel building and when it seems enough, it's not enough room....well technically it's not all for reloading as I use about 1/3 of the space. 3 safes, 1 cabinet for ammo, 3 for reloading supplies and 2 benches together for total length of 10' x 2' deep. Wife wants me to build a building just for guns and ammo, so might do that. Top is drilled and T-nuts under for r/i for vise, progressive loader, barrel vise, case trimmer and for firearm cleaning/maintenance/assembly.
 
Sounds like you should have plenty of space. Maybe post up some pics so folks can chime in and maybe make some recommendations on how to utilize the available space better.
Just a few pics of what I can get
 

Attachments

  • 17199906861855370747526123063001.jpg
    17199906861855370747526123063001.jpg
    339.6 KB · Views: 148
  • 17199906307135010818807135668277.jpg
    17199906307135010818807135668277.jpg
    446.2 KB · Views: 141
  • 17199905800725126485805429799171.jpg
    17199905800725126485805429799171.jpg
    438.5 KB · Views: 142
  • 20220303_105703.jpg
    20220303_105703.jpg
    736.8 KB · Views: 144
  • 20220303_105622.jpg
    20220303_105622.jpg
    707.3 KB · Views: 152
  • 20220303_105443.jpg
    20220303_105443.jpg
    555.5 KB · Views: 151
Just a few pics of what I can get
This brings up the question, what do you use and what do you just keep because you collected it over the years. First thing is to separate what you need from all the extra stuff. I see a number of one-pound jugs that were opened five years ago. Might be a stretch but if you are not using a pound of powder over five years, you can probably get by without it. I would replace the single top bench with one or two that has two or three shelves and much of those odds and ends could be put away. I keep all of my ammo in 20mm cans that are stacked so they don't take up as much space. That's quite the project you have there to try and reduce and organize. Good luck :)
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Top O' Texas
This brings up the question, what do you use and what do you just keep because you collected it over the years. First thing is to separate what you need from all the extra stuff. I see a number of one-pound jugs that were opened five years ago. Might be a stretch but if you are not using a pound of powder over five years, you can probably get by without it. I would replace the single top bench with one or two that has two or three shelves and much of those odds and ends could be put away. I keep all of my ammo in 20mm cans that are stacked so they don't take up as much space. That's quite the project you have there to try and reduce and organize. Good luck :)
Who said he's trying to reduce and organize? It actually already looks organized.
 
He stated in his first post that he didn’t have enough space. Either you reduce, reorganize, or rebuild for a larger space.
Oh, I just took it more as a "it's never enough" comment lol. Not that he actually necessarily needed more room. I think he mentioned he even uses his room for more than just reloading.

But I suppose you could be right, depending on how you read it hehe.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Top O' Texas
When you park a crewcab dually in there it takes up 28-30' alone. Down the sides there are metal racks down both sides for storage and supplies. Doesn't leave much room for the workout equipment for the kids, so I haven't parked inside for 6 years. Might just build them a gym area of their own.
 
  • Like
Reactions: stello1001
I would have a LOT LESS powder if I had more time to reload or do load developments. Having 6 kids and all but 1 does sports is time consuming in a good way. As of this year I'm down to 3 in HS (senior and twins are freshmen). April thru October are my very busy times with farming. The good thing is I haven't done alfalfa in many years as it's very time consuming. When humidity hits right I go 50-60 hours w/o sleep just to keep up. 5 things in order when all comes together when not doing 1............swath, rake, bale, haul and load for buyers as that can be anywhere from a bumper trailer worth to semi load of 600+ bales. Now I just need my neck to get fixed and maybe doing 1 of those implanted nerve blocks?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Cascade Hemi
I would have a LOT LESS powder if I had more time to reload or do load developments. Having 6 kids and all but 1 does sports is time consuming in a good way. As of this year I'm down to 3 in HS (senior and twins are freshmen). April thru October are my very busy times with farming. The good thing is I haven't done alfalfa in many years as it's very time consuming. When humidity hits right I go 50-60 hours w/o sleep just to keep up. 5 things in order when all comes together when not doing 1............swath, rake, bale, haul and load for buyers as that can be anywhere from a bumper trailer worth to semi load of 600+ bales. Now I just need my neck to get fixed and maybe doing 1 of those implanted nerve blocks?
Well what part of Texas are you from? You need help with the farming & stuff?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Top O' Texas
Well what part of Texas are you from? You need help with the farming & stuff?
We are the 1 of the affected where the fire was at back in March. I had 1,500 acres burnt along with 2 tractors destroyed by the fire and lots of other farm equipment. My feedyard was also destroyed and so was most of the 3 center pivots with electrical, hydraulic, some tires and all of the drops w/spray pads. Hoping money will come in from the State and other places to help repairs and total loses. When and if money trickles in, I'll start repairs on whatever can be done? With the 3 that have graduated (avatar is the 1 who graduated this year) that is helping. Thanks for the offer though!
 
  • Like
Reactions: stello1001
We are the 1 of the affected where the fire was at back in March. I had 1,500 acres burnt along with 2 tractors destroyed by the fire and lots of other farm equipment. My feedyard was also destroyed and so was most of the 3 center pivots with electrical, hydraulic, some tires and all of the drops w/spray pads. Hoping money will come in from the State and other places to help repairs and total loses. When and if money trickles in, I'll start repairs on whatever can be done? With the 3 that have graduated (avatar is the 1 who graduated this year) that is helping. Thanks for the offer though!

Oh gotcha. You're way out northwest-ish then. I'm on the east coast in Corpus lol.

I hope it works out for you.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Top O' Texas
Entergy pulled their cables to the shop, but still no meter 🤦🏻‍♂️. I have called the inspector 3 times now, he’s saying he did his part and the power company is saying no he hasn’t. Infuriating doesn’t describe it

Still have more wall control and shelves to build. But with it being so hot, it makes it impossible to do anything for long.

609A0E8E-2567-4C3C-A9FD-ABD939BCE821.jpeg
DA9CA4E4-AAF9-4F31-BDD8-644D5086A3F4.jpeg
9924972B-DB0B-4FF1-939E-A6E1BA7C694C.jpeg
 
Entergy pulled their cables to the shop, but still no meter 🤦🏻‍♂️. I have called the inspector 3 times now, he’s saying he did his part and the power company is saying no he hasn’t. Infuriating doesn’t describe it

Still have more wall control and shelves to build. But with it being so hot, it makes it impossible to do anything for long.

View attachment 8456549View attachment 8456550View attachment 8456551
First get a persons name at the power co who deals with new meter releases. Then get their number. Then Ask the inspector if he will send you a copy of the release. He probably will say he can't, it's electronic but then you can ask him to check and make sure the power Co is getting it and give him that person's name and number. It's common to have issues with the county or whoever and releasing the meter.
 
I would have a LOT LESS powder if I had more time to reload or do load developments. Having 6 kids and all but 1 does sports is time consuming in a good way. As of this year I'm down to 3 in HS (senior and twins are freshmen). April thru October are my very busy times with farming. The good thing is I haven't done alfalfa in many years as it's very time consuming. When humidity hits right I go 50-60 hours w/o sleep just to keep up. 5 things in order when all comes together when not doing 1............swath, rake, bale, haul and load for buyers as that can be anywhere from a bumper trailer worth to semi load of 600+ bales. Now I just need my neck to get fixed and maybe doing 1 of those implanted nerve blocks?
some times powder is magic and you don't won't know till it's been tried
 
  • Like
Reactions: Top O' Texas
some times powder is magic and you don't won't know till it's been tried
i keep getting more guns and so many haven't been shot once:(. i started reloading 40 years ago with only 3 cartridges (really 2 and 1 came a year or 2 later, 270win) and those being 44mag (629), 264wm (pre64) and 270win (rem ?). it was easy as only having 4 powders (296, imr's 4350/4320/4831) and 3 primers (cci's 350/200/250). with the reloading world gone to :poop: it's hit and miss on what's available and now starting over with what IS available. the last 9 or 10 years it's been a collection of newer cartridges (5.56/223wylde, 243win, 6.5gren, 6.5creed, 260rem, 6.5prc, 6.8spc, 300bo, 308win, 300wm, 338lm & 45-70gvt along with 9mm, 357sig, 40s&w, 10mm, 45acp & 50ae), AR builds and building BA's. if i ever decide on any certain powder and primer, it'll all start again as not being available, so the collection of what i do have makes it a +! with blue dot being near to nothing to find makes it nice to have already. my small amounts of rl powders (15, 17, 19, 22 & 25) won't last long (2# or less of each). temp stable powders don't concern me as i don't shoot in wide temp range and only develop in 70+ temps (usually 80-90*). i saw some 17 for sale in okc for $90+/#...........no thanks! i've just moved on to vv powders as they're in stock for all of my cartridges @ reasonable pricing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: misser
Entergy pulled their cables to the shop, but still no meter 🤦🏻‍♂️. I have called the inspector 3 times now, he’s saying he did his part and the power company is saying no he hasn’t. Infuriating doesn’t describe it

Still have more wall control and shelves to build. But with it being so hot, it makes it impossible to do anything for long.

View attachment 8456549View attachment 8456550View attachment 8456551
looks like you're off to a great start! i have my brass in containers like yours, but the cats like them too:ROFLMAO:
 
Just moved into a new place and need to build a new reloading bench, haven't had to do that in 12+ years, haha. My old setup had my press, tumbler, vise and other "shop" related stuff on a bench in the garage and my scale (auto-throw/trickler and A&D scale) on a table inside. Looking to have everything setup in my garage now (as it's really just a shop with a small garage door) and wondering if most people have their scale on the same bench as their press? I can see it making things much more efficient but wonder about the vibrations the press causes (or other just random tasks like banging out roll pins, etc) having a negative effect on the scale (which currently sits on a flat slap of granite). Thoughts?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Top O' Texas
Just moved into a new place and need to build a new reloading bench, haven't had to do that in 12+ years, haha. My old setup had my press, tumbler, vise and other "shop" related stuff on a bench in the garage and my scale (auto-throw/trickler and A&D scale) on a table inside. Looking to have everything setup in my garage now (as it's really just a shop with a small garage door) and wondering if most people have their scale on the same bench as their press? I can see it making things much more efficient but wonder about the vibrations the press causes (or other just random tasks like banging out roll pins, etc) having a negative effect on the scale (which currently sits on a flat slap of granite). Thoughts?
With my new room I designated an area for the scale to separate it but I used to have it all on one and if the bench is solid and you have your scale in granite or something with pads under it I don't think it would mess you up too bad. Ideally I think it's best to separate but depends on the room you have. If you need them to be on the same bench, just make it super solid
 
wondering if most people have their scale on the same bench as their press? I can see it making things much more efficient but wonder about the vibrations the press causes (or other just random tasks like banging out roll pins, etc) having a negative effect on the scale (which currently sits on a flat slap of granite).

I have my scale on a 12x8x4ish granite slab, which sits on rubber hi fi dampers about 8” behind my press, all on a freestanding bench. The AT + IP system has no issues throwing powder while I seat bullets.


…assuming I remember to turn the ceiling fan off. Sometimes I am dumb.