I am fortunate to have a fair amount of room in the basement that I can dedicate to a reloading work area. This is my first go at reloading so I want to use the space efficiently but not be crowded. No idea how much space I need since I am just ordering the equipment. What is the ideal size of a bench and surrounding area for including the following?

Single stage press for rifle.
Work surface for scales and other tools.
Future progressive press for handguns.
Bullet casting equipment and tools.
Surface area for formulating loads.
Component storage.
Power storage area.

This is my humble bench,modified from a computer desk.

I dont think you want to cast bullets in the basement unless you have VERY good ventilation.I reload on a 3 foot by 5 foot table . It could be alittle bigger , but it works.

Do not melt lead in an enclosed area...

For reloading bench plans go to:
http://stevespages.com/table3.html

I have about 16 running feet of brench top I use but that has 3 rifle hand gun press's and 4 shot gun loaders on it. I need more room I would like to set up another lee 1000 so I don't have to change die sets.

Go bigger than you think you`ll need. I have a 13.5` x 16` room and feel cramped. I use two benches, a 8`x 32" for my press and loading, and a 6`x32" for cleaning and utility type work.
Don`t go too deep with your bench or you`ll find you have to strech for stuff in the back. I also ran a small lip on the back of my bench to keep stuff that inevitably is spilt from falling behind it.
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This is my 1st attempt at posting a pic, hope it works.......

[ 12-06-2003, 20:42: Message edited by: Ol` Joe ]

My main table is 6ft.long x30in.deep x34in high.
The top is 5 ea. 2x6s and a 6 ft. 1x4 up right backing. the legs are 2x4 and are braced top and near bottom all around with 2x4s. It is constructed with top grade pin lumber. This is about my 4th and last loading table and they keep getting bigger and STRONGER.

If you have the space get one or two of those niffty molded top folding tables from Costco, Sam's Club or Home depot. These you can use for sit down satilite hand operations and such.(Deburring, gun cleaning, and wildcat designing). Mount your quality grinder on anther table other than the reloading table.It can be small but have 270degree accessability.Of greatimportace be kind to yourself and star by designing into your room mucho sheving. OK that's a start for the man with room. Roger

i prefer a bench for the presses, and a second bench for every thing else.

whacha going ta do MeToo? What's the plan?