New to Reloading

[robin48]

I now have an empty bedroom I plan on doing my reloading in. Is this a safety issue since I don't plan on keeping a large amount of powder on hand?

[56FordGuy]

Shouldn't have a problem. The components of ammunition, separated, are no more volatile than they are as assembled rounds. Manufacturers have warehouses full of the stuff just sitting there.

The most volatile single component is primers, and the greatest danger from them is while you're loading them. Be careful, don't crush them, and you should be okay.

[robin48]

Thanks 56

[frankmako]

no problems.

[DWARREN123]

I use a extra bedroom as my man cave and have had no problems. Just follow safety rules for powder and primers.

[gregintenn]

I've never had a problem.

[Guest canebreaker]

We have a cart, homemade, that can be rolled anywhere in the house. Watch tv or play on pc while reloading. Cabinet of 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood in closet for storing powder and primers.

[Guest Arko]

If you're really still worried, you could store components in a small fire safe cabinet, or store them separately in air tight containers like gasketed ammo cans. No O2=no fire.

I don't reload yet, but plan to do something similar to ease my wife's mind.

[Volzfan]

Watch tv or play on pc while reloading.

That seems like a BAD idea to me. I'm about to start reloading soon myself and almost everyone that has offered any advise has stressed attention to details to avoid mistakes that could be very hazardous.

If you can do it that's great.

[Guest Arko]

That seems like a BAD idea to me. I'm about to start reloading soon myself and almost everyone that has offered any advise has stressed attention to details to avoid mistakes that could be very hazardous.

If you can do it that's great.

I'm thinking that may just have been sarcasm.

[Chief07]

No problems at all says the guy who is puffing on a cigar and watching tv or playing a video game while reloading a recipe garnered from the internet posted by a person who swears it is a great load.

Actually I keep the components stored in a cheap safe more to keep them from falling into the wrong hands, same with ammo. The big thing is not to reload recipes that are not published by reputable powder or bullet manufacturers. The bathroom chemist are responsible for more accidents than storage.

On another note check the homeowners insurance and mortgage papers for rules against storing explosives inside the home. This only creates a problem if there is a fire (started by other reasons) and the components are discovered. Would be bad if the insurance didn't pay. JMHO

I agree.

I've been reloading for over 15 years. Safety first.

My rule of thumb is buy powder by the pound and reload till you are out.

don't keep extra powder around.

I used to reload in the basement, but now it's out in a detached garage.

(Home owners insurance issue).

And like Glock said, follow the book! Don't exceed the maximum!

Good luck. Be safe.

[USMCJG]

If you're really still worried, you could store components in a small fire safe cabinet, or store them separately in air tight containers like gasketed ammo cans. No O2=no fire.

I don't reload yet, but plan to do something similar to ease my wife's mind.

One thing I wanted to mention here. Gunpowder does not need oxygen to burn, it contains oxidizers that provide the oxygen necessary for combustion. Same thing with primers.

ETA- Keeping smokeless gunpowder in a tightly confined storage area is not a good practice. Smokeless powder by itself is very flammable, but it is not an explosive(black powder is an explosive). When it ignites in a tightly confined space(as in the chamber of a gun) is when it takes on explosive properties.

Edited December 30, 2009 by USMCJG

[Guest Arko]

One thing I wanted to mention here. Gunpowder does not need oxygen to burn, it contains oxidizers that provide the oxygen necessary for combustion. Same thing with primers.

ETA- Keeping smokeless gunpowder in a tightly confined storage area is not a good practice. Smokeless powder by itself is very flammable, but it is not an explosive(black powder is an explosive). When it ignites in a tightly confined space(as in the chamber of a gun) is when it takes on explosive properties.

Good point. I guess should have clarified what I meant. I meant a commercial flamable cabinet that not only will limit O2 to other combustibles, but will also contain a fire by providing a fire rated barrier.

[USMCJG]

Good point. I guess should have clarified what I meant. I meant a commercial flamable cabinet that not only will limit O2 to other combustibles, but will also contain a fire by providing a fire rated barrier.

Just make sure it is absolutely fireproof. If the powder inside it reaches the temperature necessary for combustion(~300-350°F) then it is no longer a fireproof cabinet, it is a bomb casing.

[Guest Arko]

Yup. That's what they're made for. Great point though.

[Guest canebreaker]

We love to multitask.

I can't sit in a recliner, so the loveseat works great with feet proped up.

A tray of decapped cases in lap, lee auto primer in hand and a tray to place primed cases into.

Roll loading bench into living room, sit on a dining room chair with pillow on my back.

Loading bench is placed on a bed sheet, so to catch anything that falls. Set scales and measuer to proper gr. of charge. Check about every 10th to 20th case to asure charge is the same. After cases are filled, get up and look into cases using dining room light. Making sure all cases are filled and all look to have the same charge. Then place bullits in cases, then seat the bullits.

Last night we primed 500 cases of .38 spl., 50 .357, 125 .380 auto and 80 9m, while watching 6 episodes of golden girls with flutterby.

She is borrowing the first 4 episodes of lost for viewing tonight. Since all 4 cal. take different charges. I don't know how much reloading we'll do.

I'll set things up and we take turns as not to wear either one of us out.

Since she loves to shoot, she might as well have a share of the fun of reloading.