Sports Blog

While reloading can be a fun and rewarding hobby, there are several safety rules that must be followed to minimize the risk of injury. These five tips are an excellent starting point to reloading safely. 

Never multitask while reloading ammunition; it increases the likelihood of making measurement errors or skipping crucial steps that only become apparent when you fire your new round. Wait until the children are asleep, relocate the television to another room and avoid conversing with visitors while reloading. 

Wear the Proper Gear 

Despite not being an inherently dangerous hobby, it’s still important to wear the proper gear  and have the right reloading supplies when reloading. You’re dealing with potentially explosive compounds— powders and primers—when you’re reloading, so shop glasses and safety shoes are a must! 

Prioritize safety by setting up a dedicated reloading area that’s free from distractions and other potential hazards. Always make sure to keep the area well ventilated and clean. Never eat or drink near your reloading station, and always wash your hands after handling primers, powders, and lead scrap. Hand sanitizer isn’t effective on lead residue, so make it a point to use soap. 

Finally, be sure to only reload with a reputable reloading manual that’s appropriate for the cartridge you’re working on. Following the wrong reloading recipe could result in overcharging your ammunition, which will damage the case and possibly cause a gun malfunction or fire. Also, only reload with a scale that’s designed for weighing reloading powder. Mechanical scales built for postage or cooking are a serious hazard and should be avoided. 

Clean Up After You’re Done 

Keeping a clean reloading area is important for several reasons. Not only does it prevent a fire, but it can also keep your work neat and organized. This can help you avoid errors such as grabbing the wrong powder or mixing up primers and cases. 

In addition, it can be helpful for future reference to keep a log of each batch of reloaded ammunition you create. Tracking reloading increments and component brands can help you find the perfect combination for your gun. It can also help you troubleshoot, make safe substitutions and build up useful knowledge for your future load development. 

No amount of experience can replace the importance of being diligent in your measurements. Reloading supplies are designed with specific usage instructions and it is never acceptable to rely on guesswork regarding how a product should react. Moreover, deviating from a proven workflow until you are certain to understand every element can put your safety in danger and throw your entire load data off. 

Keep Your Ammo Safe

Reloading is a rewarding hobby, but it’s important to always put safety first. Never rush through the process; take your time and double-check everything before moving on. It’s also critical to keep a detailed reloading log, as this will help you ensure that your ammunition is produced consistently to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. 

Lastly, be sure to store your reloading components in a cool, dry place and away from combustibles and open flame. This will help prevent accidental ignition of your powder, which can be very dangerous. 

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy reloading your own ammunition for years to come! We highly recommend using top quality materials to make the process as easy and enjoyable as possible. So go ahead and rock those sweet shades and earplugs – as long as you’re following these simple safety tips, reloading is a safe and fun activity for everyone!