Thoughts and concerns about reloading.

[TAB]

This has been my experience as well.  Most reloaders have absolutely no problems, and their reloading set up is safer than the kitchen in their home.  However, it is the one guy out of 100 that gives it a bad name for all.  We have a guy here that is constantly leaving the powder of shells and then double charging.  No one wants to be on the station next to him when shooting trap.  He is also the only one at the club that doesn't flinch when he pulls the trigger.

Over on www.shootingusa.com rcbs has a section under pro tips.  Go there and watch the segments on set up and procedure.  Larry Potterfield also has some that can be viewed on line, as well as many others.  Read the "getting set up and/or started" section in a couple reloading manuals, and you will have a safe and secure hobby area, and you will have an enjoyable and rewarding passtime. 

For me, reloading adds many hours of enjoyment to my shooting.  It gives me the chance to remember past outings and plan for future ones.

Now thats just scary, The persure limits on a shot gun are very low... even something as simple as changing a wad can blow up a gun.

If he is double charging a shot gun, I would not want to be with in 1000 yds of him.   

We have all seen pics of when there is a bore obstruction and the barrel "bananas"  When you double charge a shot gun it does the same thing, only from the other side of the barrel.

[MikeBjerum]

TAB,

What he is doing is scary, but hasn't crossed the danger level.  He's loading a light target load (2.72 dram eq) and 1 oz shot.  Compare that to a heavy hunting load of 4.23 dram eq. and 1 1/4 oz shot.  Pressures are equivilant (we scrambled to check that when it happened). 

I'm not saying it is acceptable, or we should plan on getting by with it, but he is still within a limit that his gun won't blow up over it.

Part of reloading is having the resources available to know not only what you want to load, but also what other loads there are and how they act.  Then you take your equipment and double check your reloading.  I keep my scale next to me at all times and check powder charge about every 50 rounds (for shotgun loads I check shot at the same time). 

Most loads I do are standard loads right out of the book.  But, some loads for different guns are hot or weak.  On both of these I don't let the powder charge varie by more than 0.1 grains due to high pressures or possibility of squibs.

By the way Ulmus - don't mess with special loads without guidence of those that know what they are doing.  It is not for the average guy to experiment with.  However, normal reloading when done properly (just like shooting properly) is no more dangerous than storing ammo.

 

[TAB]

I was speaking in generalizations.  A modern shot gun would handle a light loaded double charge, but I would not try that on a gun made before ww2.  Anyways, I would stay the hell away from that guy.

[Grizzle_Bear]

Reloading your own ammo is safer than driving.

With reloading, you only have to watch out for your own stupid mistakes.

While driving, you have to watch for EVERYBODY ELSE'S stupid mistakes!

Seriously, I don't feel there is any hazard in having primers or powder in the house.  I even have most of a case of Black Powder in the house.  Also an oxy-acetylene torch.  No problem.  The thing that scares me, and that I will not have in the house, is the can of gasoline for the lawn mower.

Grizzle Bear

[DesertMarine]

Can't add much more than what has been said about safety and keeping your head out of your behind while reloading.  Check out www.handloadersbench.com to get more info.  Reloading is the main topic with a lot of knowledgeable people that do all types of shooting from precision shooting to plinking.  Make sure you read up on it first and then get the best equipment you can afford.  You will be better off.

[Sponsor]

[Thanos]

My dad has been reloading for over 20 years and there has never been an explosion in the house...there were some in the back yard...but I don't have to talk about that.

[Ulmus]

Thanks for the responces and the links!  Thery are appreciated big time! 

The reason I was asking about heat for powder and primers is the fact that my wife will probably want them in the Garage and we live in Forida, two hours south of Tampa.  It gets pretty warm in the summer.

All the information that everone gave me will be the starting point of our long discussion about reloading.  It might take a while, but with honest talk,  listening on both sides, and having her see some reloading in person, (along with the cost differences)  I should have her convinced that it's ok to reload.

Thanks again for all your help.

[m25operator]

Ulmus, congrats on learning to reload, it's good for you and may become necessary with ammo prices so high. If you are going to keep you powder and primers in the garage, I would recommend getting a styrofoam cooler and keep your stuff in it, it might need to be pretty good sized as you progress and get more powder or primers. Heat effects powder and primers more than cold.I know it gets hot in Florida like here in Texas. If your garage does not get above 80 degrees, then don't worry about it.

[Ulmus]

Well I talked to my wife about it and I am now going to save up to get a reloading kit.

I'm looking at the Lee Anniversary kit given what you get for the price.

I'll be very happy if I can "build" 50 .38 short colt rounds for $15.00 or less!
My step-son will be saving his brass so I can reload his 30 carbine rounds.

[MikeBjerum]

Congrats ...

Hope we were more of a help than hindrence