Reloading Safety

Reloading isn’t inherently dangerous, but it is important to remember that you are working with explosives, so proper precautions must be taken. Most of the reloading safety precautions are common sense, but there are a few things that are unique to reloading that require special consideration. Reloading accidents and injuries are rare and by following basic safety practices; you can make reloading a safe and enjoyable hobby for life.

Pay Attention

The most important safety rule in reloading is to always pay close attention to what you are doing. Reloading isn’t an activity that should be performed when distracted or preoccupied. Don’t watch television or otherwise allow yourself to be distracted while you are reloading, as you may make a mistake. The biggest mistake you could make would be to overcharge a case to the point that you blow up your firearm which could result in injury or death. Any time that you are working with primers or powder, you need to be particularly careful as these are the components which pose the greatest hazards.

Component Storage

Store Primers and Powder Separately

Keeping components organized and in their original packaging is another important safety consideration. While bullets and brass can be identified separate from their packaging, powder and primers cannot. Keeping both primers and powders in their original packaging ensures that you can always identify the components you are using. When you do remove powder and primers from storage for use on the bench, only get one type out at a time and double check to be sure they are correct for the loads that you will be loading. Never attempt to mix different powders.  Powder and primers should be stored separately to minimize the amount of explosive material in any one place. Store powder and primers separately, in their original containers, away from ignition sources, in a location that is inaccessible to children or unauthorized individuals. Proper component storage is akin to proper firearm storage. It is your responsibility to make sure they are only accessible to responsible individuals.

Lead

Lead exposure is another important consideration when reloading. When most people think of lead exposure, their first thought is the lead in bullets. While most bullets are made of lead, they aren’t the biggest source of lead exposure in reloading. The biggest source of lead exposure comes from primers and primer fouling. The compound used to make primers contains lead which becomes vapor and dust during the firing process. The dust from spent primers and powder fouling from the interior of cases is the largest source of lead exposure to reloaders. The operations which expose reloaders to this residue the most are decapping fired primers, cleaning brass, and cleaning primer pockets. Your amount of exposure will be directly related to the number of rounds you reload. While this exposure is minimal, it is important to be aware of it and take the proper precautions. Washing your hands after reloading and avoiding inhaling tumbling dust will greatly minimize your exposure. Adults are less susceptible to the harmful effects of lead, but young children are very vulnerable to it. If you do have young children in your house, take precautions to limit their lead exposure. Hand washing and keeping your reloading area clean and tidy will go a long way towards limiting lead exposure. Also, don’t let spent primers or their dust accumulate. Routinely clean out your spent primer collection system and the area around your press.

Safety Glasses

Always wear safety glasses while reloading. Safety glasses are inexpensive and your vision is irreplaceable. The chance of a primer detonation during reloading is extremely slim, but there is a chance. Your eyes are the most fragile part of your body so keep them protected while reloading. It may not be something as dramatic as a primer detonation that could potentially damage your eyes. In reloading, you are shaping metal using pressure and force, so you never know when something may go flying through the air. Though it is extremely unlikely that you will ever have an accident while reloading, the small safety step of wearing safety glasses is well worth it if it prevents even a very tiny potential risk.

Use a Loading Manual

Always use published load data

Always use a loading manual published by either a bullet or powder manufacturer. Only load powder charges that fall within the maximum and minimum limits published in a manual. Data from friends or people on the internet should not be used without verifying it against published data. A load that is safe in one firearm may not be safe in another. Whenever changing components, or trying out a new rifle or load, always begin at the minimum and work up slowly and incrementally. Never begin loading with maximum loads. Discontinue firing a particular load at the first signs of excess pressure. You can always pull bullets and salvage the components from unfired rounds, but you cannot put back together a damaged body or a blown up gun.

When in Doubt, Throw it Out

Inspect your cases frequently and discard any that appear to have damage. Before discarding cases, crush the mouth and neck with a pair of pliers so that the case won’t somehow wind up being loaded again by accident. Remember that the case is what seals the chamber and contains the pressure of the firing process. While cases are one of the most expensive components, they are cheap compared to the cost of your firearm or an injury. If a case seems damaged or out of the ordinary for any reason, discontinue using it immediately.

Safety is the number one rule in all shooting sports. Reloading needs to be respected and treated with the same regard for safety. Taking proper safety precautions will insure that you can enjoy a lifetime of reloading without fear of injury.