Reloading questions.

[dwlatham]

I need some basic information for reloading. First off I live in an apartment and don't have the space to dedicate to reloading how sturdy of a table do you need to run a one stage. Powder storage, I don't have a garage is powder safe to store indoors, I know its not explosive like black powder but is it safe or wise, what the best way to store. I ask more questions as they come to me, that in advance for any info.

[mark]

Make a bench out of either 4x4's for legs or 2x4 and some 3/4 " (1 sheet ripped lenght wise and the plywood with the grain running in oposite directions for strenght and either glued with liquid nails or screwed together with some 1 and 1/4" wood screws, im using a old office desk, powder can be stored inside in a cool dry area, away from electrical devices,

fwi its worth, fire code limits the amount of powder one can safely store in their domicile, primers need to be stored seperately, there are plenty of books on how to get started, my rcbs single stage is bolted to the desk and its just about chest level, some like to stand and reload, others like to sit,

Lee makes a handload, but its kind of a pia, you will also need something to store your dies and tools in, maybe a tackle box, for accidental spillage, i have a large non static plastic mat under the table

there are plenty of other methods, but it needs to stand up to the constant stress of stroking the handle

[SonomaHunter]

Originally Posted by dwlatham

I need some basic information for reloading. First off I live in an apartment and don't have the space to dedicate to reloading how sturdy of a table do you need to run a one stage. Powder storage, I don't have a garage is powder safe to store indoors, I know its not explosive like black powder but is it safe or wise, what the best way to store. I ask more questions as they come to me, that in advance for any info.

Smokeless Powder is a hazardous materiel. It's not an explosive, it's a propellant. Meaning it can can't fire and burn easily. Black powder is much more unstable. I've see 300 lbs of black powder go up in flames.My friends lost their truck and boat. I probably have 10 lbs of smokeless powder in my garage. Im not the least bit worried about it. I would store it inside of a steal ammo can, if I were to keep it inside my house.


Dillion 550b

[Mtn. Medic]

While I don't live in an apartment, I store my powders in their original plastic containers on the top shelf of an interior closet.
It would be rare to have more than 4 pounds on hand.

I worry far more about the 5 gallons of gasoline out in the storage shed that I keep around for the lawnmower and snow blower.

[9x45]

First step is to get a good quality reloader, including the tumbler & media, brass separator, and a powder scale, case gage, calipers and bullet puller. The bench can be made in a number of ways, but it must be sturdy enough to withstand the repeated primer seat stroke on a progressive loader. My setup is in the corner of the laundry room made from scrap lumber. Shown is a Dillon 550 manual indexing progressive for .223 Remington, a RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press for large rifle (no dies at the moment), a Lyman large volume rifle powder dump, and a Dillon Square Deal auto indexing progressive for 9mm. To really save money on reloading you need to buy the expendable components in large volumes. I usually buy 20-50 thousand primers at a time and at least 16 pounds of powder so you only pay a single hazardous material shipping charge. Bullets and brass can be bought in smaller quantities of around 2-10 thousand because usually the shipping prices are included and based on weight. Price breaks start around the 25-50 thousand count. Loading data is available on the powder manufacturer websites.

[tanker22]

Store you powder in the original cans. Avoid extreme temperatures. Smokeless powder needs a "release point" if ignited by fire. Original factory containers are designed to do this. Putting powder in old ammo cans con be hazardous since the pressure builds up and there no place for it go except...."BOOOOOM!" Store primers separate from your powder.

[Dutchman]

9x45 has it nailed. Primers, I'll buy by 10's of thousands, usually with a big powder order. It is the hazmat fees that are a killer on the pocketbook.

If you are doing things on the cheap, the lee single stage press (25 bucks) and comes with "Lee Modern Reloading" which is a resource book worth twice that.

[EM2]

Originally Posted by tanker22

Store you powder in the original cans. Avoid extreme temperatures. Smokeless powder needs a "release point" if ignited by fire. Original factory containers are designed to do this. Putting powder in old ammo cans con be hazardous since the pressure builds up and there no place for it go except...."BOOOOOM!" Store primers separate from your powder.

Exactly right, this is the principle which makes a firearm work, when the powder is ignited (because it burns it does not explode) it burns very rapidly and pressure builds up inside the firearm to a point where something has to give and this is when the bullet starts to move it's way down the barrel.

If you store your powder in a container that is not designed for this use then you are just asking for problems should an ignition take place such as in a house fire.

[EM2]

Originally Posted by dwlatham

I need some basic information for reloading. First off I live in an apartment and don't have the space to dedicate to reloading how sturdy of a table do you need to run a one stage. Powder storage, I don't have a garage is powder safe to store indoors, I know its not explosive like black powder but is it safe or wise, what the best way to store. I ask more questions as they come to me, that in advance for any info.

I just started reloading about a year ago and I am be no means an expert but here is my point of view as a novice.

You will want a very sturdy bench because you will be applying a fair amount of pressure to the press handle especially while reloading rifle rounds. Storing powder & primers is safe provided you keep them in their original container until use and store them in a dry cool location. Hopefully you have been saving your brass leading up to this decision to reload as that will save you a fair amount of the cost.

Good luck

[2bikemike]

I reload Shot Shell but I am wanting to get into reloading centerfire rifle and my handgun ammo. I am concerned however that AB 962 is going to make it difficult to get components.

[rudigan]

When you guys shoot at the range, is the range cool with you walking/crawling around picking up your brass? Seems many ranges have some sort of rule against doing this. Obviously a single shot, bolt action, or a revolver is not at issue, but for your semi-auto pistols and long guns.

[Mtn. Medic]

Originally Posted by rudigan

When you guys shoot at the range, is the range cool with you walking/crawling around picking up your brass? Seems many ranges have some sort of rule against doing this.

Probably depends on the range. Our local range is unstaffed and is sort of an only-lonely child of our county parks department. As long as you didn't hold up another shooter, anything you find is free game.

[brightside]

Originally Posted by mark

there are plenty of other methods, but it needs to stand up to the constant stress of stroking the handle

[desertrat]

I would just use the kitchen table and break it down afterwards, or leave it up and eat around it ! You can use C clamps if you need to break everything down after your done reloading (I have done it before, it can be a lot of work, but its worth doing to be able to reload, not recomended for making accurate rifle rounds). Storage of powders, open air, in a cabinet, on a table. Primers I store in an ammo can, the pistol primers I am using right now, I just leave out, I reload enough to not worry about the effects that they will see left out for a couple weeks. Do whatever it takes to be able to reload, it is well worth it and rewarding for yourself and monetarily.

[1buba]

I've had to move from a nice benchand I'm looking for somthing I can fold up and put away when nit in use. I've decided on a black & decker workmate. Google that and reloading, you'll find some great examples.

Those plstic storage things from Wally world are great for storage.

Sorry, short post from phone