The Most Honest Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box Review Online
For any reloader, the organization of shellholders can quickly become a chaotic affair. This is precisely the problem that the Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box aims to solve. As an experienced gear specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience across diverse environments, I approach such products with a critical eye, seeking genuine utility and robust design. My own workshop bench, much like many others, has been a testament to the constant struggle against clutter, and the proliferation of various shellholders from different manufacturers only exacerbated this issue. I had considered a simple plastic divider system or even custom-made solutions, but the allure of a purpose-built, stackable box from a reputable brand like Redding was too strong to ignore. Upon its arrival, the initial impression was one of pragmatic simplicity; it’s not a flashy item, but it feels solid and functional, promising a welcome dose of order to my reloading station.
Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing grounds were my own reloading bench, a space that sees daily use and a fair amount of particulate matter from brass prep and powder. The Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box was immediately put to work housing a collection of shellholders, ranging from common .223 Rem sizes to more obscure rifle calibers. The act of simply placing the shellholders into their designated spots was an immediate win, offering a visual confirmation of organization that was previously missing.
The box’s design allows for effortless manipulation; its square opening, as noted in the product description, is indeed easy to grip. This proved particularly useful when I needed to swap out a shellholder mid-process, allowing me to retrieve the correct one without fumbling or knocking over other components. There were no unexpected quirks; the product performed exactly as its simple design intended, providing a clear improvement in bench management.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box has proven its worth as a durable and indispensable organizational tool. It has endured the normal wear and tear of a busy reloading environment, including being moved around the bench and occasionally having small pieces of brass or primers land on it. There are no signs of cracking or structural compromise, despite its lightweight construction.
Cleaning is a non-issue; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually all that’s needed, and if a more thorough cleaning is required, a damp cloth suffices. Compared to other flimsy plastic containers I’ve used in the past for organizing small parts, this Redding box stands out for its resilience and the sheer convenience it offers. It’s a testament to its straightforward design that it remains as functional today as it was on day one.
Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box
Specifications
The Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box is a straightforward product designed for a specific purpose. It is manufactured by Redding Reloading, a company with a long-standing reputation in the reloading equipment market. Each box is sold individually, meaning you purchase one unit at a time to build your collection.
A key feature is its versatile sizing options, available in sizes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 18, and 35. This allows reloaders to choose the box that best suits the number and types of shellholders they possess. The box is a vibrant green color, which helps it stand out on a crowded bench.
The primary function of this storage box is to house reloading shellholders. Its interior dimensions are designed to accommodate a variety of shellholder types, including those from different manufacturers. This means a universal fit for most common shellholders used in reloading.
The square opening is a subtle but important design element. It provides an easy grip for manipulation, allowing users to slide the box in and out of tighter spaces on a workbench or shelf with ease. This practical consideration enhances the overall user experience, making access to your shellholders quick and efficient.
One of the most touted benefits is its stackability. The design allows for secure stacking, enabling reloaders to create a modular shelving system for their shellholders. This vertical organization maximizes bench space and keeps frequently used items within easy reach.
Performance & Functionality
The main job of the Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box is to keep shellholders organized and readily accessible. It excels at this core function, effectively preventing them from becoming lost or jumbled amongst other reloading components. The individual slots within the box (though not explicitly detailed, the design implies separation for each shellholder) ensure that each unit is stored neatly.
Its strength lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. By containing diverse shellholders from various manufacturers, it brings a much-needed order to a potentially messy area of the reloading bench. The primary weakness, if one could call it that, is its singular focus; it’s designed only for shellholders, meaning it won’t accommodate other small reloading tools or accessories.
Considering its low price point and intended use, it more than meets expectations. For the price of a couple of cups of coffee, you get a durable, functional organizational solution that directly addresses a common reloading frustration. It’s not meant to be a high-performance piece of equipment, but rather a reliable workhorse for bench organization.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box is what you would expect from Redding Reloading – solid and functional. It’s constructed from what appears to be durable polypropylene, a common and resilient plastic for such items. The finish is a consistent, matte green that resists fingerprints and minor scuffs relatively well.
Ergonomically, the box is designed for ease of use. The square opening provides a comfortable and secure grip, even with slightly greasy hands after a reloading session. There is no complex learning curve; it’s a grab-and-go item that requires no setup beyond filling it with your shellholders.
Practical design details include the ribbed texture on the sides, which aids in gripping when stacking or unstacking multiple units. The slightly angled lip around the opening also helps guide the shellholders in and out smoothly. These small touches contribute to a seamless user experience.
Durability & Maintenance
Under normal reloading bench conditions, the Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box is built to last. I anticipate it will remain a functional part of my setup for many years, given its robust material and simple construction. It’s essentially a durable plastic container with no moving parts, which inherently lends itself to longevity.
Maintenance is exceptionally easy. Dust and debris can be wiped away with a dry cloth, and any more stubborn grime can be removed with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. There are no specific maintenance tips needed beyond general care for plastic storage items.
Potential failure points are minimal. While dropping it could theoretically cause a crack, the material seems sufficiently impact-resistant for typical bench use. The primary concern would be over-packing it, potentially stressing the plastic, but this is a user-induced issue rather than a design flaw.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box comes as a standalone unit with no included accessories. Its primary “customization” lies in the variety of sizes offered, allowing users to select the quantity that best suits their needs. There are no aftermarket upgrades or modifications typically associated with this type of storage box.
It’s not designed to be integrated with other systems in a way that would require specific accessories. Its utility is self-contained, focusing solely on organizing shellholders. The choice of which size box to purchase is the only real decision point for the user.
Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box
Pros
- Excellent organization for a common reloading component.
- Durable polypropylene construction ensures longevity.
- Stackable design maximizes bench space efficiently.
- Variety of sizes available to fit diverse collections.
- Affordable price point offers great value for money.
- Square opening provides an easy and secure grip for manipulation.
Cons
- Single-purpose design; only holds shellholders.
- No internal dividers to keep individual shellholders perfectly separated (though it works well as is).
- Available in a single, specific color (green) which may not match all workshop aesthetics.
Who Should Buy Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box?
This storage box is ideal for any active reloader who finds themselves accumulating a variety of shellholders from different firearm calibers and manufacturers. It’s particularly beneficial for those with limited workbench space or a desire for meticulous organization. If you’re a hobbyist reloader who frequently switches between different cartridges or simply wants to keep your reloading bench tidy, this product will be a significant improvement.
Those who should probably skip this product are individuals who have a very small collection of shellholders (perhaps only one or two) or those who don’t prioritize bench organization. If you’re looking for a multi-purpose storage solution for a wider range of reloading tools, this dedicated shellholder box won’t fulfill that need.
For those looking to enhance the utility, I’d recommend considering purchasing multiple boxes in different sizes to catalog your entire shellholder collection. This allows for a complete overhaul of your bench storage. Pairing these boxes with other organizational tools, like magnetic trays for brass or powder measure stands, can create a truly streamlined reloading setup.
Conclusion on Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box
The Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box is a simple, effective, and exceptionally well-priced solution for a common reloading problem. It doesn’t try to be more than it is: a robust, stackable container designed to bring order to your shellholder collection. The durability of the polypropylene construction, combined with the practical design of its square opening and stackable nature, makes it a joy to use.
For its modest price of $6.99, the value proposition is outstanding. It directly addresses the frustration of lost or jumbled shellholders, offering a tangible improvement to the reloading experience. The ability to expand your organized storage by stacking multiple units makes it an adaptable solution for any size collection.
I would absolutely recommend the Redding Reloading Competition Shellholder Storage Box to any reloader seeking better organization. If you have more than a couple of shellholders, investing in one or more of these boxes will pay dividends in terms of time saved and reduced frustration. It’s a no-brainer addition to any reloading bench that prioritizes efficiency and tidiness.