Tell us how you stay safe

[Howler]

What precautions do you take when reloading?

I try to keep my bench clean and stay focused when reloading. But not until I broke my ankle a couple weeks ago did I worry about static electricity. The thought of loading a few rounds entered my mind yesterday but wondered how would I move or get away from powder that might ignite. I couldn't. What do you guys do (if anything) to reduce the chance of igniting powder?

[Wingshooter]

I have an electrostatic mat. I also try to touch something else before I handle powder to dissapate any charge

[RED333]

There has been a few tests on this, with modern powder the chance is very slim to none.

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments/sparks/sparks.html

[Caster]

I never drink more than a sixer and always keep the ashtray on the opposite side of the bench from my powder.

[Caster]

....ohh and when casting, keep a napkin around your sammich.

[ttocswob]

This is a concern with black powder loads, someone had a thread on here about that.

 

I've yet to so much as pop a primer.

 

I at least wear sandals while casting :)

[tercel89]

my first rule is not to be naked  when either cooking bacon or reloading :rofl:  but seriously , I try and wait until the kids have left for school and my wife is at work. That way i have NO INTERUPTIONS. That is my biggest thing. I use a regular powder measure and charge each cartridge individually. Last week I got interupted by my little girl then my wife . I came back to my table and accidently loaded a brass case that already had a charge in it. I always load 50 cases at a time then go back and look inside before I put in my bullets so this is what saved my rear-end . So for me it's no interuptions. I haven't noticed any large static build-up while reloading but I am sure it is still there. I always kinda worry about installing primers on my hand primer so I face it away from me towards a wall and I always wear glasses.

[gregintenn]

I've never experienced a static electric shock while reloading. I do it in the basement, and in a garage before that. Neither were heated and cooled, so there wasn't a problem with dry air. I also never had carpet in either. I've found dry air and carpet to be two contributing factors to static electric shocks.

 

Have you ever lit a pile of smokeless powder? Try it outside. I think you'll be quite disappointed. It's more a slow fizzle than a kaboom.

Edited March 15, 2015 by gregintenn

[Caster]

My shop is wood. Wood floors, wood bench, walls & ceiling. Never seen static.

[Static_USMC]

No interruptions and attention to detail.

[Dolomite_supafly]

I never charge a case with powder until the previous case has a bullet seated. That keeps distractions or memory issues from causing problems. I can walk away for days and I will never have to wonder where I am in the process and it is no slower.

Step 1. Grab an empty, primed, case and drop the powder then seat the bullet.

Step 2. See step 1

[gregintenn]

I never charge a case with powder until the previous case has a bullet seated. That keeps distractions or memory issues from causing problems. I can walk away for days and I will never have to wonder where I am in the process and it is no slower.

Step 1. Grab an empty, primed, case and drop the powder then seat the bullet.

Step 2. See step 1

Same here. I only have ONE can of powder on the bench, never leave powder in the powder measure, and charge and seat one case at a time.

[frankmako]

I never drink more than a sixer and always keep the ashtray on the opposite side of the bench from my powder.

 

plus one and I keep the tv on to watch sports and the radio on to hear glenn. 

[Dirtshooter]

Everyone has good tips. I never have a radio, tv, computer etc on when reloading. It is something that requires your utmost attention. I only use a few powders, but only open 1 can, I also mark with a sticky label what is in the powder measure in case I leave it in there as I sometimes do. Keep a good record of what load data is in a particular batch as a few days or weeks or years clouds your memory. Organize your bench for your comfort and ease. When I first started I was sharing our laundry room and my wife asked several times if what I was doing was safe and my reply was/is " this is safer than cutting your grass". I never have a conversation with anyone while loading, if you call or come by I will finish the round I am loading and then we will talk. If you want instruction or tips I will show you. Be careful, have fun. This hobby is probably the most addictive and rewarding of all my hobbies. As I grow older I am even more conscious of labeling batch with all load data so that anyone can duplicate it if they choose.

[Dustbuster]

The reloading area is quiet unless the vacuum is running on the dillon motor.
I wear eye protection, and work on a rubber anti fatigue mat to reduce static discharge issues..
Some of this may be over kill to some but I can focus on loading and not worry about injuries.