Author Topic: Reloading and Humidity (Read 417 times)

BRL · « **on:** September 25, 2004, 03:25:51 AM »

I have moved into a new house and really don't have a place to set up my reloader...or a place that my wife will let me keep it set up. Our third car garage is not being used for anything, would that be a good place to reload? My concern is living in Florida and the humidity here. Does reloading in humid conditions negatively effect the finished product? I am not really concerned with ultra high performance or match grade acuracy. I mainly just reload handgun ammo to plink at the range. However, I am concerned about safety. Will ammo loaded in humid conditions increase the risk of a bad round or rounds?

Thanks

Flash · « **Reply #1 on:** October 02, 2004, 02:54:10 PM »

The humidity in Florida can equal the humidity anywhere on the east coast during certain times of the summer season. Unless the fog is so thick that you can't see the powder scale, I wouldn't worry. Keep your powder dry and in a tightly closed container. Never leave powder in a measure for extended periods and store your primers in sealed containers(Tupperware) also. Temperature extremes can lead to condensation when going from one to another so use judgement there also. As an example, having your empty brass in air conditioning and loading them in the humid garage.

BRL · « **Reply #2 on:** October 03, 2004, 11:35:33 AM »

Thanks for your input. I guess the tempurature issue is more of a concern. I will be keeping most of my brass, bullets, powder, etc. inside the house until I load. Should I bring these items out to the garage the night before to reach the same temp as everything outside and to let any condensation evaporate?

Thanks again.

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #3 on:** October 03, 2004, 11:53:00 AM »

Temperature should not be much of a concern if you can make sure the garage temperature does not get over the air temperature. A vent fan will take care of that. You will have rust problems with your equipment unless you install a dehumidifier or store in a sealed container with silica gel or VPI paper. A 20mm ammo box is customary for this.

Flash · « **Reply #4 on:** October 03, 2004, 01:59:08 PM »

Yes, take your components to the garage to stabilize their temperature as this does have an effect on condensation with a high dew point. When the dew point is in the 40's and above, the brass and bullets should reach the ambient temperature before loading. This will prevent condensation, especially in the primer pocket and case interior.

BRL · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2004, 11:50:41 AM »

Thanks for the feedback.

smoky · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2004, 03:51:39 AM »

I would however, pay attention to your reloading equipment, especially the dies. That humidity will cause rust in a short period of time. I recommend a good protecting oil.

Smoky