Where is it safe to Reload?

[vanbuzen9]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering about where I can reload at.  When I finally get a press, there might not be room in our basement to reload (my dad is a packrat).  I was wondering if it would be safe to reload in my room.  I have a big room, with plenty of air circulation.  Would this be safe, or would there be airborne lead hazards, and what not? Of course, after I am done with a reloading session, everything would be put away in my gunsafe, accept for the press and tools.  Is this safe? Or should this really be done somewhere else?

thanks for the help,
Preston

[Robert]

Well that would work, but a press in your room could be pretty obnoxious.  People might think you are a gun-nut or something like that.  Your press should be pretty securely anchored.  I have mine bolted on an old door in my shop...and there are times that the leg lifts off of the floor.  I have been considering bolting the leg down.  If I were you...I would volunteer to help your dad clean and organize, in exchange for a small corner of your own in the basement.  He brought you into this world....you are certainly entitled to a little basement space....maybe have a yard sale for all the junk that he REALLY DOSEN'T NEED.

[Catfish]

Your room will work fine. I would not worry about lead in the air unless you plan on melting it and casting your own bullets. I would recomand that you get someone that has been reloading awhile to help you get started. If you are loading rifle ammo you will be working with presure that can run up to 60,000 psi and still be safe. BUT, it is so easy to go from 30,000 to over 100,000 psi and if you don`t know what your doing you could kill yourself. IF IN DOUBT DON`T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!! I`ve been loading since 1965 and play around on the ragged edge with wildcats where you have no reliable data to use for loading and load alot watching for presure sighns, but you have alot to learn befor you even want to think about going there. Never go over book max.`s. If you live in West central Ohio I`ll be glad to help you get started, if not find someone that can, please!

[jhalcott]

you did not say what you plan on reloading (rifle,pistol,shotgun) so I think you would be safe loading in your room. I loaded on my dining room table for some years I used a Lee loader that you used a hammer to size and seat bullets and primers.The first thing you need is a couple loading manuals.READ THEM cover to cover a few times.Get some one who has loaded before to help you when you start. If you can make coffee ,you should be able to reload after a few tries.  Follow the safety warnings and have fun!

[Jack Crevalle]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering about where I can reload at.  When I finally get a press, there might not be room in our basement to reload (my dad is a packrat).  I was wondering if it would be safe to reload in my room.  I have a big room, with plenty of air circulation.  Would this be safe, or would there be airborne lead hazards, and what not? Of course, after I am done with a reloading session, everything would be put away in my gunsafe, accept for the press and tools.  Is this safe? Or should this really be done somewhere else?

thanks for the help,
Preston

Lead is contained in primers but it is also in powder residue and as well as other being present in other reloading components. I have never read any warnings about air-borne lead except when sifting case polishing media after tumbling cases. You need to wash your hands and face after reloading as well as abstain from eating and drinking while reloading to prevent ingesting lead.

If by putting everthing away in a gunsafe you are including powder, this is not a good idea. Powder should not be stored in a strong metal container. Powder and primers should not be stored together. Check with your local fire marshall about storage regulations in your area for smokeless powder.

[Redhawk1]

I would make my son do it in the basement or the garage like I do. It is just to much stuff to have stuffed into a corner. JMHO.  

[glock29]

It seems to me that it would be safe to reload wherever there are no open flames.
The obvious exception to this is bullet casting, which should be done outside to avoid lead exposure buildup.
If you are not casting bullets, I personally would not worry about lead exposure.
(Unless you are planning on CHEWING on exposed lead bullet tips or cast bullets  :roll: )
For sake of safety, one should ALWAYS wash their hands after reloading, because one's hands invariably will come in contact with the lead of bullets.