Rifle, shotgun, and pistol shooting are all great hobbies that you, your, friends, and your family can all enjoy after learning the proper safety procedures. But among an assortment of hobbies, marksmanship and hunting can be very expensive due to the cost of purchasing and maintaining each gun in your collection – not to mention the cost of ammo. While guns will always come at a premium price, there is one way to cut into your ammo costs: reloading your own ammo on a reloading bench.
While the skill of reloading ammo may take some time to master, you have an opportunity right now to establish a devoted space in your garage for your future gun maintenance and ammo reloading work. A well-built, spacious reloading bench can go a long way towards making your reloading activities both safe and effective, each and every time you pull out your reloading tools.
Despite their similar appearance to standard workbenches, reloading benches (sometimes called “reloading tables”) generally provide specialized features and storage options that are geared towards managing empty and reloaded ammunition without added confusion. Moreover, many reloading benches even feature built-in compatibility with reloading equipment such as a manual reloading press.
I’m currently in the process of gathering all of my gun maintenance equipment into one location, so a new reloading table is on my radar. I’ve already completed a great amount of research to this end and I am ready to pass on what I’ve learned about these purpose-built fixtures in the form of this guide to the top 10 reloading tables available in 2021.
I only buy hunting and marksmanship equipment that I know will perform as expected and remain durable after years of use. As such, this guide features in-depth reviews of each of these high-performing reloading benches based upon their key credentials. From base specifications to special features, these reviews provide a succinct insight into what I liked and what I did not like about each of these reloading benches.
Best Reloading Bench – Comparison
IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Frankford Arsenal Platinum |
| Check Price |
![]() | LEE PRECISION 90688 Reloading |
| Check Price |
![]() | Olympia Tools 84-906 Hard |
| Check Price |
Top 10 Reloading Benches for Skilled Hunters and Trap Shooters
While I wasn’t able to bring every one of these reloading benches into my home, I was able to travel around and test out each of these models from friends and fellow hunters in my area. They imparted a great deal of knowledge to me, allowing me to provide you with this expert guide to this year’s top 10 reloading benches. I’ve separated this guide into succinct reviews, allowing me to highlight each model’s top features for you in short order.
Whether you’re looking for your first reloading bench or you are searching for a worthy replacement, you’ll find precisely what you are looking for among these top 10 models.
1. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand can be described in one word: versatility. But one word alone doesn’t speak to how easy it is to manipulate this table to fit your needs in terms of space, storage, and transport.
A great deal of this versatility can be seen in this model’s central worktop. While this work surface is a measly 13” x 12” to start, both of its hinge-attached wings can be raised and secured to bring your reloading work surface up to an impressive 39” x 12”. By the same virtue, you can also fold these wings back down in order to facilitate compact storage or transport in a vehicle. At 30 lbs. lifting this reloading table isn’t any trouble, either.
This Frankford Arsenal reloading table stands as tall as you need it upon an adjustable 1.5” thick tubular steel mount. Because this mount can be adjusted to heights between 28.5” and 45”, I discovered that I could use this reloading table while standing tall as well as sitting comfortably.
When loaded, this Frankford Arsenal model has a tendency to wobble slightly. But that shouldn’t dissuade you from giving it a try if you appreciate this model’s extra commitment to versatility.
- Lightweight and easy to fold up for storage and transport
- Adjustable height allows for use when sitting or standing
- Twin front-facing bins for simple shell organization
- Tends to wobble when fully loaded
2. Stack-On SORB-48 Adjustable Height Pro Reloading Bench
As far as a standard reloading bench goes, the Stack-On SORB-48 fits the bill pretty well. With a fairly standard set up and just a few unique features, folks looking for a no-frills ammo reloading space will find this model to meet their needs.
At its base, this model features a durable birch worktop that is tough enough to resist impact dents while still soft enough to be drilled for mounting holes. This worktop and the bench as a whole can hold up to 500 lbs., which is far more than you’ll need during regular gun maintenance and ammo reloading sessions.
Unlike a regular workbench, the Stack-On SORB-48’s worktop can be adjusted up and down to heights between 29″ and 41”. As a result, you’ll be able to easily set it up to fit your precise height and raise it up even higher if you need greater access to the full-length bottom shelf.
Overall, this model assembles fairly quickly and doesn’t drive a heavy price tag. New ammo loaders can turn to the Stack-On SORB-48 with certainty to serve as their first reloading.
- Durable birch top can be modified to mount a reloading press
- Adjustable height between 29″ to 41″
- Top and bottom shelves for convenient storage
- Flat top allows loose shells to roll around
3. Edsal ST72 15 Gauge Steel Work Bench
In its traditional arrangement, the Edsal ST72 is designed to act as a standard workbench. But as a good friend of mine discovered, it actually serves as much better reloading table for folks who disassemble their guns for routine cleaning. That’s because of this model packs in a massive 72” x 5” worktop that provides space for multiple projects at once, including both cleaning and reloading.
Through and through, the Edsal ST72 is very durable as well. Constructed from 15 gauge steel throughout, this model is able to hold a great deal of weight across its worktop and dual shelves, located above and below the worktop respectively. These shelves serve a unique secondary purpose as full structural braces. Their implementation prevents the metal frame from bowing out at the base over time, ensuring that it maintains its primary form factor.
If you’re in the market for extra space on your reloading table, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a roomier model than the Edsal ST72. With just a little assembly, you’ll have this model prepared to handle every ounce of your upcoming gun maintenance and ammo reloading work.
- Built from sturdy 15 gauge steel
- Spacey top and bottom shelves
- 72”x5” work top for multiple simultaneous projects
- Some assembly required
4. LEE PRECISION 90688Reloading Stand
When I first saw this reloading bench, I thought perhaps it was missing some very important components. But as it turns out, I was simply overlooking some of the LEE PRECISION 90688Reloading Stand’s key features. While it does, in fact, lack a flat worktop surface by default, it can be adapted to include a worktop surface as well as reloading press (using the pre-set bolt arrangement).
This model’s tripod arrangement also stands out. In many ways, this architecture provides better weight distribution than four-legged tables of a similar size, especially after applying extra anchor weight to the built-in, centrally located concrete block holder.
In truth, the LEE PRECISION 90688 lives and dies on its customizability. While it does include has eight pre-drilled holes on each leg for mounting accessories, this model tends to only accept Lee brand accessories without needing to make structural changes. Even so, this model is great for folks who already own a variety of Lee brand equipment.
- Eight pre-drilled holes on each leg for accessory customization
- Stabile tri-pod architecture with concrete block holder
- Optimized for Lee brand equipment and accessories
- Lacks a flat work surface without modification
5. Olympia Tools 84-906 Hard Wood Workbench
The Olympia Tools 84-906 Hard Wood Workbench is yet another model that is listed as a “workbench” that serves far, far better as a reloading bench. Several key design qualities play into this enhanced adaptation, including this table’s raised edges. These slopped edges prevent tools and materials from rolling off the table – especially ammo casings, which are exceptionally prone to roll away dangerously if they are knocked over.
In addition, the Olympia Tools 84-906 gives a would-be ammo reloader more options when it comes to mounting a reloading press. That is because this model includes pre-drilled holes in two rows down the center of the whole table, allowing you more choice when it comes to mounting any gun maintenance or ammo reloading appliance.
This reloading bench does suffer from some molding problems, however. Prospective buyers should plan to install the Olympia Tools 84-906 only in dry, non-humid locations or else risk damaging the table’s clear lacquer.
- Raised edge to prevent components from rolling away
- Pre-drilled mounting holes down the horizontal center of work surface
- Four leg-mounted pegs for safe cord storage
- The wood surface is prone to molding
6. BLACK+DECKER WM425-A Portable Project Center
BLACK+DECKER WM425-A Portable Project Center can handle all kinds of DIY projects, ammo reloading included. Though this model primarily acts as a wood vice grip, it can be easily converted into an effective reloading bench by simply inserting the purpose-built worktop surface. This surface, in fact, is pre-drilled with an assortment of holes, meaning that you can leave your reloading press attached to it when you convert back to vice grip mode.
At a size of 29.2” x 8.9” x 29.5”, you might expect the compact BLACK+DECKER WM425-A to be flimsy. But instead, this model’s heavyweight steel design is capable of holding up to 550 lbs. at once – more than some reloading tables four times its size!
Should you need to transport this reloading bench, you’ll be able to easily do so given that the BLACK+DECKER WM425-A can fold up flat. I had never seen that before on a reloading bench, so I knew that this model must be among the best for marksmen and women on the go.
- Pre-drilled worktop for easy mounting of reloading press
- Compact form factor can fold up flat
- Weight limit of 550 lbs.
- Lamination tends to come off work surface quickly
7. UltraHD Lighted Workcenter
When you get down to it, the UltraHD Lighted Workcenter isn’t the most distinct reloading bench option on the market today. That is until you discover, as I did, that it is fully equipped for modern electrical appliances. That includes a built-in fluorescent light fixture of its own, which can really make a difference if you’re accustomed to working in a windless garage.
This model’s sturdy steel frame is also worth noting, as it doesn’t require extra braces to remain steady and secure over long-term use. This stability is further assisted by a set of leveling feet that come standard with the table.
While this UltraHD model does include two pull out drawers, they are certainly not the best due to their occasional misalignment. Even so, they are better than the shelf-only approach taken by many of its competing reloading benches.
- Enhanced visibility with built-in light fixture
Sturdy steel frame - Two pull out drawers for easy storage
- Some components are misaligned
8. Windsor Design Workbench
Ammo reloaders looking for compartmentalized storage space need not look any further than the Windsor Design Workbench. That’s because this model proves a great deal of space for everything from reloading press equipment (on the bottom storage shelf) or an assortment of specialized maintenance tools (in the four large, front-facing pull-out drawers).
Other than storage, the Windsor Design Workbench’s other main selling point is its durable hardwood construction. This includes a full hardwood work surface which has been pre-drilled to allow for seamless appliance mounting when it’s time to reload ammo.
This model does suffer from some stability problems, however, so a prospective buyer should also purchase a set of shaped rubber feet in order to prevent the whole fixture from sliding about.
- Built from durable hardwood
- Four spacious felt-lined drawers
- Pre-drilled holes on the worktop for easy hardware mounting
- May require rubber feet for added stability
9. Seville Classics UHD20247B UltraHD Lighted Workbench
The Seville Classics UHD20247B takes the standards of stainless steel reloading benches and takes them to the next level. That’s because nearly every inch of this model has been treated to allow it to perform effectively without wearing down and falling apart over time.
This can be seen, for example, on the stainless steel drawers, which have been treated with an Ultra Guard coating that prevents fingerprints from holding onto the spotless surfaces. These drawers also open and close easily on smooth ball-bearing tracks. A powder-coated finish also covers this reloading bench’s entire exterior, preventing it from corroding due to ambient air humidity.
I was especially impressed with this model’s built-in power strip, as well. In addition to six fully operational outlets, this power strip also includes two USB plugs so that I can charge my cell phone while taking care of some gun maintenance. That’s the kind of added value I really appreciate.
- Adjustable leveling feet for maximum stability
- Durable stainless steel construction throughout
- Easy-to-openbill-bearing drawers
- Think finish on the wood worktop
10. Goplus Steel Workbench Tool Storage Work Bench
Finally, theGoplus Steel Workbench Tool Storage Work Bench stylish blue exterior caught my eye immediately. As I looked closer at its specifications, I also learned that this blue coating isn’t just for looks. In fact, this coating acts as a waterproofing agent that prevents rust from taking hold of this model’s supports and welded joints.
The Goplus’s non-slip rubber feet are a minor addition, but one that can really go a long way towards preventing unwanted floor scratches. Folks who keep their reloading bench inside the house should seriously consider this model if they are trying to avoid undue damage to their interior floors.
- Stylish blue coating
- Powder-coated finish water and rust resistance
- Non-slip rubber feet to prevent floor scratches
- MDF worktop is flimsy
Conclusion
Altogether, there are a great many options when it comes to buying a new reloading bench. While some offer great durability and others offer a great amount of storage capacity, every last model I found offered a budget-conscious price point that I couldn’t ignore. As such, I can’t simply declare one of these models as the best reloading bench of 2021.
While I continue to shop for my next reloading bench, I’m also going to commit some time to review some reloading bench maintenance best practices. That way, I’ll know my new bench will last for many years to come.