Reloading outside?????

[PONTIACDM]

I'm getting ready to start reloading and I just thought of a problem. I live in a condo and theres really no room. I thought I could build a fold up table mounted on the inside of my garage on a wall. So, my question is will the outside elements like humidity hurt the powder? Is there any other problems I need to be aware of? Any one out there reload outside? thanks

[billy]

Originally Posted by PONTIACDM

I'm getting ready to start reloading and I just thought of a problem. I live in a condo and theres really no room. I thought I could build a fold up table mounted on the inside of my garage on a wall. So, my question is will the outside elements like humidity hurt the powder? Is there any other problems I need to be aware of? Any one out there reload outside? thanks

benchrest guys reload at the range all the time.

[toolman]

As long as you don't leave your powder containers open when it's really humid, you should have no problems. I have a portable stand that I got @ Harbor Freight that I drilled for several different presses and tools. I can move it where I want it and it's got a lower shelf that works well for storage. The only drawback is the top will flex when full-length sizing larger cases, but it's an easy fix to either weld or bolt a plate under the top to stabilize it. Here's a pic of mine:

[GlockMeister]

When I get into it I'll have to do it in my garage. Won't entirely be outside, but just the same, humidity will be a problem in the summer. Glad you brought this up. I'll be curious to see the replies/answer/s? Wonder what other if any issues the garage may have if anything? Wonder if cold/dead of winter can cause problems. Not a heated or insulated garage so heat/humidity and cold may be an issue. It can get very hot in the garage. Have to read the cautions on the powder containers and see what the storing conditions are? Again, thanks for putting the question/s out there.

Originally Posted by toolman

As long as you don't leave your powder containers open when it's really humid, you should have no problems. I have a portable stand that I got @ Harbor Freight that I drilled for several different presses and tools. I can move it where I want it and it's got a lower shelf that works well for storage. The only drawback is the top will flex when full-length sizing larger cases, but it's an easy fix to either weld or bolt a plate under the top to stabilize it. Here's a pic of mine:

Now that looks like a great idea T-man. Thanks for sharing it. It almost looks like a step ladder. Do you think one of the Black and Decker portable work benches would also work? I have to get one now. lol

[billy]

i think you need to avoid extremes of temperature as well as humidity.
i asked the same question about ammo storage and decided to store it in a very well insulated box that was off the floor with dessicant canisters in it.
the box is in a uninsulated metal building that is hot in the summer and cold in the winter but the temp swings are very gradual inside that box.
it gets hot in that shed for a couple hours a day .
hope this helped a bit.

[sonny2u2]

My reloading area is heated/cooled but I still notice surface rust, inside and out, on the dies, (which bugs the crap out of me). What I started doing is to give the die components a spray with your favorite aerosol rust protector, (I use Rem oil because it's relatively cheap at Wally World). You want to be religious about cleaning them before you use them, to remove the oil, but it's a good excuse to clean all that crud out of your re-sizing die anyway. I use rubbing alcohol to clean the dies and remove oil.

[rdale501]

When I first started, I was in a carport. Couldn't reload on a windy day, it blew the scale off. I would keep my primers and powder inside the house. Now I have a garage but I have taken over the family room. Had to battle the wife for a few months, but I got all my stuff in there bench and all. It has a pellet stove, a recliner, couch and love seat, gun safe, and reloading bench. Typical family room. Everyone but her thinks it looks pretty cool, but thats a woman for you.

[runfiverun]

you would be surprised at how much powder primers and dies will
fit into a wood box that will lock and can sit in a closet.

[Farmer]

Hi,
I used to reload in my 3 sided shed and found that my balance scales were not accurate in the breeze, so if you have a good digital set or good powder thrower all will be good.

[irish murphy]

Originally Posted by Farmer

Hi,
I used to reload in my 3 sided shed and found that my balance scales were not accurate in the breeze, so if you have a good digital set or good powder thrower all will be good.

My shed has 4 walls,but can be freezing in winter and bloody hot in summer.The fan has to be turned off for the powder weighing.Havent had a problem with powder storage or primers.I have moisture soakers in my rifle/pistol safes.Your shed would get warm up their and cold to farmer.Ive been to tamworth many times and the temps are extreme.Over 45deg C during the day and under 0C at night.

[Cyrille]

I weigh my powder charges inside, dump the charges in the brass, then seat the bullets outside if the weather's nice. I do my reloading in "stages." Melt lead, mold projectiles outside. Prime brass outside, measure powder charges, dump powder into brass inside, seat bullets outside.

[billy]

murph,
where do you store your powder?
cyrille,
dont you get tired running in and out?

[irish murphy]

My powder is stored in a 2 drawer locker type cupbourd.Ill take some pics for you tomorrow mate.I make sure its not stored against any walls.Its in the middle of the shed under my loading bench away from the walls.

[wunhunglo]

Originally Posted by Cyrille

I weigh my powder charges inside, dump the charges in the brass, then seat the bullets outside if the weather's nice. I do my reloading in "stages." Melt lead, mold projectiles outside. Prime brass outside, measure powder charges, dump powder into brass inside, seat bullets outside.

Cyrille, Easy to see you don't live in Scotland!!

one of the biggest problems with powder is it's ability to absorb water, hence the old saying of "keep your powder dry". I do my reloading in my garage loft but keep my powder & primers in a heated locker.

[gandog56]

I would be worried about the wind blowing out my powder charges before I seated the bullet.

[Cyrille]

Answers: No as I said I do my reloading in stages, melt lead & mold projectiles, then reprime cases while bullets cool, then measure and put powder into reprimed brass, then seat bullets. Not all necessarily in one day. nor necessarily in the order listed! No wind to speak of, perhaps a breeze, I don't reload during hurricanes!
read below my avitar it states my location. And it sure as h-ll ain't Scotland!

[PONTIACDM]

Thank you for all the replies. I was also thinking if I did find space inside That if a primer did go off. My neighbors might call the police, The walls are kind of thin here. I really wish I had bought a house!!!!

[rdale501]

Originally Posted by Cyrille

Answers: No as I said I do my reloading in stages, melt lead & mold projectiles, then reprime cases while bullets cool, then measure and put powder into reprimed brass, then seat bullets. Not all necessarily in one day. nor necessarily in the order listed! No wind to speak of, perhaps a breeze, I don't reload during hurricanes!
read below my avitar it states my location. And it sure as h-ll ain't Scotland!

I thought that was all a person could do during a hurricane, Reload

[gandog56]

Well, it's scary to reload by a kerosene lantern! Open flames and powder do not mix!

[toolman]

Originally Posted by PONTIACDM

Than you for all the replies. I was also thinking if I did find space inside That if a primer did go off. My neighbors might call the police, The walls are kind of thin here. I really wish I had bought a house!!!!

I wouldn't worry about it too much, they just sound like a kids cap gun going off.