Ergonomics of reloading

DavidAGO · November 18, 2008, 07:24 PM

Having now loaded a few rifle and handgun bullets after a 25 year layoff, I noticed something. I was 25 years younger then. Pulling down that lever three or four times for each cartridge was easier back then.

How do some of you have your bench and chair set up? I first had the chair at a comfortable height for the bench, but that made my neck hurt to bend over to check the scales. I then set the chair lower; better for the scales, but made my shoulder hurt pulling the lever on the Rockchucker press.

Where do you long-timers at this have your chair set for comfortable reloading?

David

TEDDY · November 18, 2008, 08:09 PM

I wiggle back and forth,course I am older 84 yrs so I move more.

dmazur · November 18, 2008, 08:21 PM

I found that the Dillon "strong mount" works to elevate the press so you can see it without bending over, and it also seems to put the lever at a better height.

I liked it so much I built a similar mount for my Hornady 366 press. It similarly gets the lever at a better height, and it also permits putting a box under the press to catch the finished shells.

Both mounts have the same hole pattern, so I use a single location on the table. It only takes 4 bolts to switch from rifle/pistol to shotshell.

For all of you bifocal wearers, you don't want it too high, or you will be straining your neck to tilt your head back so the bifocals work.

I also use an adjustable office chair, so I can adjust the height of the chair so it "feels right". While it has rollers, the carpeting keeps it from scooting out from under me every time I pull the handle. If you have hard flooring instead of carpet, a chair with rollers might not be a good idea.

P5 Guy · November 18, 2008, 08:29 PM

Throw all the powder charges and then to the press for bullets seating and crimps. Set stool accordingly.

crowbeaner · November 18, 2008, 09:50 PM

I have a different routine for reloading; I FL size on the single stage and then load my ammo on the progressive unless I'm using long grained extruded powder, then each round is loaded on the SS. I set the press up so the reach is comfortable, and when my obese derriere is tired I take a break. The height of my bench doesn't change, so once I set my presses up, I'm good to go. I have been known to clamp the RCBS to the kitchen table from time to time and prime some rifle brass if I don't have a big batch to do however; it makes my wife feel better because I'm right there where she can see me instead of wondering where I might have gotten off to without permission.

Sevens · November 18, 2008, 10:18 PM

I tried out my buddy's Rock Chucker-- a very fine press and I really like the way the lever toggles at the top of the ram. It's got a very solid build and it's smooth as silk, very nice press.

But you know what... you can't change the handle for the range you need to use it, which I find myself doing often with my Lee Classic Cast. When I'm doing easy stuff with small cases, like flaring 9 or .45, I have the ram up quite a way so I have a very short throw with the lever, and the lever stays high.

When I'm doing something like FL sizing rifle brass, I have it adjusted for a long throw with the power at the bottom and the ram at the top.

Can't do that with the Rock Chucker, and that's a real detraction of an otherwise fine press.

Having that lever in a comfortable range helps out with the ergos at my bench.

rwilson452 · November 18, 2008, 11:40 PM

I too use the Lee Classic Cast for all my rifle stuff. the adjustable lever arm is really nice. Big load of pistol stuff I do on my Loadmaster. although you can't adjust the length of the lever arm the angle is adjustable. I custom made my reloading bench to a height I like.

Casimer · November 19, 2008, 12:37 AM

My press is mounted low such that the arm is typically just below my sternum when the resistance peaks - so I'm above the press and pushing down through the last leg. The bench that it's mounted to is only about 2.5' high.

This is a pretty good set-up IMO as it allows you to use your weight to press down, and if a case gets stuck you can kick the arm up w/ your thigh - I'm kind of lazy

FrankenMauser · November 19, 2008, 01:27 AM

I had my bench built to my prefered height. (I reload sitting, too.) I know that doesn't help your situation, and I have the same problem you do. However... that's one of the ways I solved the ergonomics problem. It takes care of my legs and keeps my back straight for the press height. The only bad part is working with the scale. I haven't gotten past the 'hunching' problem.

Putting the scale on an elevated platform would probably work, though.

Thirties · November 19, 2008, 12:21 PM

For best ergonomics don't use a chair. Either stand up to operate, or sit on a bench stool.

my humble opinion

Ranger325 · November 19, 2008, 12:42 PM

I don't know much about ergonomics. I have a Dillon SDB on a strong mount and reload standing and have not had any issues. I added additional plastic bins on the sides on the mount - one on the right for clean brass and one on the left for bullets (rather than buy the Dillon aluminum tray). This seems to reduce movement during the process.

Regards,

BigJimP · November 19, 2008, 12:44 PM

My metallic press is a Dillon - and I use a strong mount to raise it up. The table top is cabinet height / and I use a "bar stool" / standing puts too much strain on my feel and back .... bar stool height is a good compromise.

On shotguns, I went to MEC hydraulic presses - so I operate the press with a foot pedal - vs pulling a handle. Here's a couple of photos of my setups - if it helps give you an idea.

Attachment 38478

Attachment 38479

CBP · November 19, 2008, 02:49 PM

My press is mounted fast to a steel office desk, this sets it at a good height for me. The scale is on another stand, L-shape arrangement, so it is totally isolated from the bumps when I operate the press. The stand is an old typewriter stand, then I took an old wooden box and set the scale on that. This way it is at eye level for me. I use an office swivel chair, so I can easily spin when checking the powder loads. The desk is nice because I load the drawers up with bullets, dies, powder, etc. Also, plenty of room to spread out on the top of the desk. You can pick up a desk and typewriter or printer stand at an office surplus or state surplus store pretty cheap. A milk crate with a piece of plywood on the top should put the scale at about the right height.

dmickey · November 19, 2008, 03:25 PM

To avoid bending down to read the balance beam scale, I use an electronic scale/powder dispenser instead! I use the older model of the RCBS combo unit. I would upgrade to the newer, faster model but I keep waiting for the older unit to stop working!

November 18, 2008, 07:24 PM	#1
DavidAGO Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2008 Location: Magnolia, AR Posts: 340	Ergonomics of reloading Having now loaded a few rifle and handgun bullets after a 25 year layoff, I noticed something. I was 25 years younger then. Pulling down that lever three or four times for each cartridge was easier back then. How do some of you have your bench and chair set up? I first had the chair at a comfortable height for the bench, but that made my neck hurt to bend over to check the scales. I then set the chair lower; better for the scales, but made my shoulder hurt pulling the lever on the Rockchucker press. Where do you long-timers at this have your chair set for comfortable reloading? David

November 18, 2008, 08:09 PM	#2
TEDDY Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: MANNING SC Posts: 837	setting seating I wiggle back and forth,course I am older 84 yrs so I move more.

November 18, 2008, 08:21 PM	#3
dmazur Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2007 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 1,310	I found that the Dillon "strong mount" works to elevate the press so you can see it without bending over, and it also seems to put the lever at a better height. I liked it so much I built a similar mount for my Hornady 366 press. It similarly gets the lever at a better height, and it also permits putting a box under the press to catch the finished shells. Both mounts have the same hole pattern, so I use a single location on the table. It only takes 4 bolts to switch from rifle/pistol to shotshell. For all of you bifocal wearers, you don't want it too high, or you will be straining your neck to tilt your head back so the bifocals work. I also use an adjustable office chair, so I can adjust the height of the chair so it "feels right". While it has rollers, the carpeting keeps it from scooting out from under me every time I pull the handle. If you have hard flooring instead of carpet, a chair with rollers might not be a good idea. __________________ .30-06 Springfield: 100 yrs + and still going strong

November 18, 2008, 09:50 PM	#5
crowbeaner Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Upstate SC Posts: 1,943	I have a different routine for reloading; I FL size on the single stage and then load my ammo on the progressive unless I'm using long grained extruded powder, then each round is loaded on the SS. I set the press up so the reach is comfortable, and when my obese derriere is tired I take a break. The height of my bench doesn't change, so once I set my presses up, I'm good to go. I have been known to clamp the RCBS to the kitchen table from time to time and prime some rifle brass if I don't have a big batch to do however; it makes my wife feel better because I'm right there where she can see me instead of wondering where I might have gotten off to without permission. __________________ If you want your children to follow in your footsteps, be careful where you walk. Beware the man that only owns one gun; he probably knows how to use it. I just hope my ship comes in before my dock rots.

November 18, 2008, 10:18 PM	#6
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I tried out my buddy's Rock Chucker-- a very fine press and I really like the way the lever toggles at the top of the ram. It's got a very solid build and it's smooth as silk, very nice press. But you know what... you can't change the handle for the range you need to use it, which I find myself doing often with my Lee Classic Cast. When I'm doing easy stuff with small cases, like flaring 9 or .45, I have the ram up quite a way so I have a very short throw with the lever, and the lever stays high. When I'm doing something like FL sizing rifle brass, I have it adjusted for a long throw with the power at the bottom and the ram at the top. Can't do that with the Rock Chucker, and that's a real detraction of an otherwise fine press. Having that lever in a comfortable range helps out with the ergos at my bench. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

November 18, 2008, 08:29 PM	#4
P5 Guy Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2005 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,804	Throw all the powder charges and then to the press for bullets seating and crimps. Set stool accordingly.

November 18, 2008, 11:40 PM	#7
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	I too use the Lee Classic Cast for all my rifle stuff. the adjustable lever arm is really nice. Big load of pistol stuff I do on my Loadmaster. although you can't adjust the length of the lever arm the angle is adjustable. I custom made my reloading bench to a height I like.

November 19, 2008, 12:37 AM	#8
Casimer Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2007 Location: Pennsylvania, USA Posts: 1,918	My press is mounted low such that the arm is typically just below my sternum when the resistance peaks - so I'm above the press and pushing down through the last leg. The bench that it's mounted to is only about 2.5' high. This is a pretty good set-up IMO as it allows you to use your weight to press down, and if a case gets stuck you can kick the arm up w/ your thigh - I'm kind of lazy

November 19, 2008, 01:27 AM	#9
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	I had my bench built to my prefered height. (I reload sitting, too.) I know that doesn't help your situation, and I have the same problem you do. However... that's one of the ways I solved the ergonomics problem. It takes care of my legs and keeps my back straight for the press height. The only bad part is working with the scale. I haven't gotten past the 'hunching' problem. Putting the scale on an elevated platform would probably work, though.

November 19, 2008, 12:21 PM	#10
Thirties Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2001 Location: Where the Red Sox meet the Black Bears Posts: 561	For best ergonomics don't use a chair. Either stand up to operate, or sit on a bench stool. my humble opinion

November 19, 2008, 12:42 PM	#11
Ranger325 Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 2005 Location: NW Ohio Posts: 428	I don't know much about ergonomics. I have a Dillon SDB on a strong mount and reload standing and have not had any issues. I added additional plastic bins on the sides on the mount - one on the right for clean brass and one on the left for bullets (rather than buy the Dillon aluminum tray). This seems to reduce movement during the process. Regards, __________________ Ranger325 "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. " George Orwell

November 19, 2008, 12:44 PM	#12
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	My metallic press is a Dillon - and I use a strong mount to raise it up. The table top is cabinet height / and I use a "bar stool" / standing puts too much strain on my feel and back .... bar stool height is a good compromise. On shotguns, I went to MEC hydraulic presses - so I operate the press with a foot pedal - vs pulling a handle. Here's a couple of photos of my setups - if it helps give you an idea. Attachment 38478 Attachment 38479 Last edited by BigJimP; December 14, 2016 at 07:30 PM.

November 19, 2008, 02:49 PM	#13
CBP Member Join Date: August 20, 2007 Posts: 16	My press is mounted fast to a steel office desk, this sets it at a good height for me. The scale is on another stand, L-shape arrangement, so it is totally isolated from the bumps when I operate the press. The stand is an old typewriter stand, then I took an old wooden box and set the scale on that. This way it is at eye level for me. I use an office swivel chair, so I can easily spin when checking the powder loads. The desk is nice because I load the drawers up with bullets, dies, powder, etc. Also, plenty of room to spread out on the top of the desk. You can pick up a desk and typewriter or printer stand at an office surplus or state surplus store pretty cheap. A milk crate with a piece of plywood on the top should put the scale at about the right height.

November 19, 2008, 03:25 PM	#14
dmickey Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2006 Posts: 124	To avoid bending down to read the balance beam scale, I use an electronic scale/powder dispenser instead! I use the older model of the RCBS combo unit. I would upgrade to the newer, faster model but I keep waiting for the older unit to stop working!