If you’re new to reloading your own ammo, you can’t forget about buying the best reloading bench.
Too many folks are overly concerned about getting the right reloading press, and that sometimes the need for the best reloading benches may be overlooked.
Pick the spot where you’ll want to do your reloading, and then take that space into account when you pick your perfect reloading bench.
Top 5 Reloading Benches: Comparison Chart
Here’s a handy overview on what you can expect from our list of top reloading bench options:
| Image | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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2x4basics 90164 Custom Workbench |
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Check Price |
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Seville Classics UHD20246B UltraHD Lighted Workcenter |
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Check Price |
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Seville Classics UHD20247B UltraHD Lighted Workbench |
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Check Price |
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LEE PRECISION 90688, Reloading Stand |
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Check Price |
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Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand |
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Check Price |
Top 5 Picks for the Best Reloading Bench
Our list of options covers several styles and types. It has fully-equipped workbenches, reloading stands for presses, and even a hardware system for DIYers.
2x4basics 90164 Custom Workbench
If you’re a DIY enthusiast intent on building your own reloading bench, it won’t be easy. But it shouldn’t be difficult with this 90164 Custom Workbench and Shelving Storage System.
This reloading bench kit gives you all the hardware you need to build your own workbench. It includes all the brackets you need, and you even get 4 legs for the workbench.
For your part, you need to bring your own lumber. Then you also need a saw and a powered screwdriver, and you’re all set.
This will enable you to create your own workbench, and it won’t even take an hour. You get the instructions you need, along with the hardware.
You also only have to do straight 90-degree cuts, which any self-respecting DIYer ought to know about. You don’t even have to deal with angles and miters.
When you’re doing this, you can set the size of the workbench up to an area of 8 by 4 feet. The legs also prop the workbench up to a height of 36 inches.
The brackets are extremely strong, as you can end up with shelves that can support up to a thousand pounds each. These brackets are even resistant to solvent and impact forces.
You can even upgrade the workbench afterwards, as you can buy additional ShelfLinks kits separately.
- Easy work for DIYers
- Customizable work space up to 8 by 4 feet
- Strong shelves
- Can last for decades (virtually lifetime duration)
- You only need 2×4 lumber along with saw and power screwdriver
- You still need to do some work yourself
- Fixed height at 36 inches
Seville Classics UltraHD Lighted Workcenter
Now if the mere thought of do-it-yourself work is anathema for you, and you want everything—then this is what you need. This is the workbench that puts all the others to shame.
Not that it’s extremely big, but it’s large enough for most people. The workbench area is 48 by 24 inches, and you have a pegboard across the surface with the same area along with a set of 23 hooks for your tools and stuff.
You also get a couple of drawers, which slide open easily because of the smooth-working ball-bearing guides. These drawers can each support a weight of 60 pounds.
This work surface is fantastic, as this model gives you a table made of heavy-duty beechwood. It’s set at a height of 37.5 inches, but you can adjust this and also level the feet.
It’s supported by a fully metal frame, which can support a total weight of 500 pounds. That should cover your reloading press and all your equipment and tools.
This metal frame is even powder-coated, and resistant to corrosion.
This also has an LED work light, offering cool white light at 1,000 lumens. It’s even Energy Star compliant and UL-listed.
You even have a power strip with 6 outlets, along with 2 USB charging ports. You can then charge your smartphone as you work, or even some of your tools with rechargeable batteries.
Finally, the feet are padded so they won’t scuff the floor, and the table can stay put. But the table is also heavy at 113 pounds, but that shouldn’t be too heavy for moving.
If the thought of a simple and basic reloading bench puts you off, then this is what you need—you get all the bells and whistles.
- Ample work space
- Comes with steel pegboard
- Easy-gliding drawers for tools, with 60-pound weight capacity
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- Has LED light
- Has 6-outlet power strip with 2 USB charging ports
- May be too heavy to move by yourself
Seville Classics (UHD20247B) UltraHD Lighted Workbench
Okay, so we cheated and listed this again as it’s virtually the same as the previous Seville Classics on this list. But we list another model to emphasize that this comes with a wholly different look.
The first one on this list (the UHD20246B) is the Satin Graphite model. The workbench comes in a lighter color, with the darker color for the metal frame, drawers, and legs.
This particular model (the UHD20247B) is the stainless-steel version.
The durable hardwood is still there for the worktable, and it’s thick at 1.5 inches. This table will last just about a lifetime.
But this time, the pegboard and the drawers and legs are all obviously stainless steel. At least they’ve been treated so that the surfaces are all resistant to fingerprints.
This looks terrific, especially if you’re looking for an industrial look. It looks serious as hell, which may encourage you to take your reloading work a lot more seriously.
- Industrial vibe
- Ample work space
- Comes with steel pegboard
- Has easy-gliding drawers for tools, with 60-pound weight capacity
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- Has LED light
- Has 6-outlet power strip with 2 USB charging ports
- May be too heavy to move by yourself
LEE PRECISION 90688, Reloading Stand
If you don’t have the space for proper workbench, get this compact reloading bench. In fact, you can still get this just for your reloading press and use the rest of your workbench for your other reloading paraphernalia.
This comes with the complete Lee Precision bench plate system, with the pre-drilled base block. Basically, you can fit in all the metallic reloading presses that Lee Precision makes into this stand.
You also have a sturdy steel shelf with two bench plate receivers. You can put in your extra presses or other mounted equipment, setting them up neatly and out of your way.
This has 3 legs, with 8 mounting holes. This allows for mounting accessories. Finally, there’s a concrete block holder here so you can weigh this down properly so it will stabilize.
- Works with all metallic Lee presses, and all presses with a small base
- Compact
- Easy to move around
- Simple to assemble
- Can be upgraded
- Solid materials
- Not a proper workbench
- Needs to be weighed down
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand
This is another reloading stand in lieu of a proper workbench. But it does work as a workbench, only it’s a bit smaller.
This features a foldout design so you can get adjust the dimensions from 13” x 12” up to 39” x 12”. Since you can fold this in, this is one of the portable reloading benches you may want if you like to work in various spots around the house.
The durable center wood is great for your reloading press and powder measure. The side shelves offer extra space for your other reloading tools, like your free-standing trimmers or scales.
With its steel frame build, you get an extremely rigid platform for your press and reloading work. You can also adjust the height, so you can set it from 28.5 inches up to 45 inches high if you like working while standing.
You also have collapsible shelves that you can tuck away when you don’t need them. With the 2 side bins, you can keep your dies, brass, and other tools handy.
- Offers ample adjustable space
- Rigid work platform
- 2 small bins for dies and brass
- Adjustable height
- Folds for compact storage
- Easy to move around
- Quick assembly
- Not a full-size workbench
What Is the Best Reloading Bench?
The best reloading bench for you is one that you can afford, while it allows you to reload ammo efficiently and safely. Its size should be enough to accommodate your ammo and all the accessories, while it also stands at the right height for comfortable reloading sessions.
If your reloading bench is just right, you’ll know it. The best reloading bench allows you to work without interruption, as everything you need is in a single location for easier access.
Best Reloading Bench Ideas
Here are some ideas you may want to keep in mind when you’re setting up your reloading workbench:
Proper Accessories
While the workbench is an integral part of your reloading workspace, you need some more accessories to really optimize your setup.
You can start with a pegboard, with enough space for adjustable pegs. This can help you organize and keep track of various small tools that you can hang for easy access.
You also have to make sure that you have comfortable work stools to use, especially if you plan on using a progressive reloading press for high-volume reloading. Look for seats with lots of padding, as well as ample back support.
Other Uses of Reloading Benches
One of the reasons why buying a reloading bench is so cost-effective is that it can be used for other purposes. Even if you buy another one to accommodate a new press, you can still use the old one for your other hobbies.
This is especially true if your workbench comes with lots of containers for small items. You can use these containers for other stuff, like for your fishing flies.
Advantages of Owning a Reloading Bench
Here are some of the reasons why a reloading bench is just so crucial for your reloading process.
- It defines your work space. That way, you’re able to move around more comfortably without an oops moment, which is dangerous when you’re dealing with such volatile chemicals as gunpowder.
- It’s easier to sort your brass casings when you have a nice workbench.
- A stable workbench allows you to use the reloading press optimally, for best results. Using a reloading press on an unstable work surface is just not ideal.
- You can keep things organized so that you’re able to find the right tools and other items more easily and more quickly.
Things to Consider Before Buying Reloading Bench
When you’re reading reloading bench review articles to find the reloading bench you need, make sure you focus on the following factors:
Type of Reloading Bench
You can get a full workbench, complete with all the trimmings. That means it ha all the storage solutions you need.
However, you may want to build your own reloading bench. There are brackets along with building instructions to make this option a lot easier for you.
Finally, you may just want a reloading stand for your reloading press and other gear. This is your alternative option when you don’t have the space for a full-size reloading bench.
Size of Reloading Bench
It has to be big enough to accommodate all your reloading tools and accessories. The point of the workbench is to have everything you need in one place for easier access.
At the same time, it can’t be bigger than the space you have allotted for it. You may need a small reloading bench, especially if you live in a small apartment.
Stability
This is one of the most important features you need to check out. The workbench has to remain stable, staying in one spot while you’re working while it also doesn’t wobble.
A wobbling workbench isn’t just annoying and inefficient. When you’re working with ammunition, it’s just plain dangerous.
Look for non-slip rubber feet if you can, as these will keep the table from slipping around. Also, these protect your floor which can be crucial when you have nice hardwood floors.
Check its weight capacity as well. The weight capacity should cover the total weight of all your tools so you won’t have to worry about overloading the workbench.
Ample Storage
Aside from having enough work space for your items, it should also have ample storage compartments for all the things you need.
It saves you a lot of trouble trying to find whatever you need when you have the drawers and shelves for your items. Some of these workbenches even come with a handy pegboard.
Other workbenches may not have these drawers, but they may be customized to accommodate drawers should you need more of them.
Height Adjustment of Reloading Bench
The right height of the workbench depends on the height you’re comfortable with. For most people, that’s a height within 35 to 37 inches from the floor.
It’s great if you get an adjustable height workbench, especially if you’re too tall or below average height.
Portability and Storage
If you have to store this out of the way and then take it out when you’re reloading, it better be easy to move. However, don’t go for any lightweight workbench, since that may not be strong enough to handle all of your reloading equipment.
It’s great if it has rollers on its feet, though you need to be able to lock it down in a single spot when you’re using it. Other workbenches have a foldable design for easier portability and storage.
Handy Features of Reloading Bench
You should look for various features that make it much easier for you to reload your own ammo smoothly.
That means the drawers should be easy enough to open when you’re looking for your tools. The work surface should be flat, but your items shouldn’t roll around (and drop to the floor) easily.
Some of the other workbenches even offer built-in lights for ample illumination, as well as power outlets for your various tools. You may even find ultramodern reloading benches with USB ports.
Durability of Reloading Bench
Since you don’t want to keep buying flimsy reloading benches, look for one that’s made from high-strength materials. Look for hardwood if it’s made of wood, though steel may be a stronger option.
Get some with a nice finish, to protect the worktable from corrosion and other forms of damage. The finish also makes the workbench a lot nicer to look at, which may encourage you to spend more time enjoying your reloading assignment.
Ease of Assembly
Make sure you can assemble the workbench once you get it. It can be annoying if it takes too much time and effort to put everything together, simply because the assembly instructions are unclear or incomplete.
In some cases, you may want to just build a reloading bench yourself. But you can buy the accessories you want to make it easier for you to build the bench in the most convenient design.
How to Use a Reloading Bench
Once you have your reloading bench, here’s the best way to set up a reloading bench:
- Set it in the space you’ve allotted for it.
- Assemble the workbench, using your manual. It helps a lot if you watch a YouTube video of how this is done.
- Set it in the right height.
- If possible, mount your reloading press to a wall—we’ve emphasized the need for stability often enough. At the very least, lock the legs in place.
- Now mount the reloading press to the workbench, using bolts and washers. In some cases, you may need to drill holes in the workbench.
- Then you should mount the powder measure in the right location. Usually, that means setting it above the work surface so you can easily drop powder straight into your cases.
- Use the drawers and other storage options for your tools and equipment. Just be careful about storing your gunpowder and primers, since you don’t want to expose them to humidity and sudden temperature changes.
- Make sure you have dust covers for everything, so you can protect your reloading equipment when you’re done. You need to protect your tools from dust and moisture.
Top Reloading Bench Brands
Here are some of the brands that you may want to check out:
2x4Basics
This is an internationally recognized brand while its products are all made in the US. This brand specializes in offering handy accessories for DIY enthusiasts, who may want to build their own furniture (including their own reloading bench).
Seville Classics
This brand is famous in the storage and organization solutions industry for the last 40 years. Their products include shelves, cabinets, and workbenches for various purposes.
Frankford Arsenal
This is a famous brand in the ammo world, and it’s responsible for crucial innovations in the ammo and reloading industry. It started out in the US in 1816, and today it still offers a complete range of reloading tools and accessories.
Lee Precision
This is another famous brand in the reloading community, and its presses and other reloading accessories are all highly regarded. It’s not surprising that it offers reloading benches, especially if you want one to go with your Lee reloading press.
Who Makes the Best Reloading Bench?
That depends on the kind of reloading bench you need to suit your purpose. The brand that gives you the ideal bench will be the best for you.
It may even be argued that you can make the best reloading bench, since you can design one that suits your particular needs. However, this will also depend on your own DOY capabilities!
Final Verdict
So, which one should you get? If you have the space and the budget, just get any of the Seville workbenches.
These are seriously fantastic. It’s like the people at Seville noted what everyone liked and wanted in their reloading workbench, and then proceeded to put in all these features.
These offer ample space, with lots of storage compartments and even a peg board. Then you also get the LED work light plus the 6-outlet power strip and 2 USB charging ports.
This may be the best reloading bench you can get, and you certainly will get your money’s worth—it even looks great!
Featured image by Darron Birgenheier CC BY