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Where to setup reloading shop?
#5740543
05/12/15 04:54 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 399
RCINTX
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 399 |
THF Experts,
I currently do not reload, but am getting close to taking the plunge. I have been researching, reading, and repeating that process for about a year now but have not been confident enough to act. My cousin, who is an avid reloader, is moving next month to within a couple of hours of me and is excited to teach me the ins and outs, so I think I may finally get started.
My question is, where should I setup shop in my house? Are there any heat/humidity/safety issues that I should keep in mind? I have a separate shop that has a corner that would be perfect for a reloading setup, but the shop is uninsulated and the the environment is not controlled at all. My second option would be in the basement. I have plenty of room there, but worry if the humidity could cause issues? I could possibly find room in the garage, but am not sure that would be any different than the shop.
Thank you in advance for your opinions.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5740565
05/12/15 05:07 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,158
wp75169
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,158 |
Humidity drives me crazy. It's not the existence of it but when it varies dramatically with the heat or AC cycling. It wreaks havoc on my scales. I don't know that any constant humidity will hurt anything. Just keep your powder sealed and take care of your equipment.
To keep the humidity from cycling I usually turn the air off. Or set the thermostat where it will not cycle off. They also sell dehumidifiers that work pretty good.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5740576
05/12/15 05:14 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481
redchevy
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 39,481 |
I like to keep mine in a climate controlled area, aka in the house.
Before I had my press dies etc in the garage and kept my scale powder and primers inside, but prefer all to be kept inside.
It's hell eatin em live
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5740586
05/12/15 05:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502 |
I would definitely choose the most controlled environment available. If I had to use my garage I would probably only reload about four months out of the year. Unacceptable!
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5740595
05/12/15 05:27 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 604
red bluff
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 604 |
There are always safety issues to consider. Lockup your powder and primers to keep them away from people if others live in your home. You don't need any help from the kids mixing stuff. Years ago when I lived in Lubbock the humidity was not an issue. so I'd probably be in the basement.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5740610
05/12/15 05:37 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 234
bobsumner
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 234 |
I am a garage type of guy, reloading does not match my indoor decor.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5740859
05/12/15 08:26 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 406
Rocklock
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 406 |
I've had seperate rooms off the garage climate controlled. After moving 9 years ago now just in the garage. No problems so far. TC
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5740979
05/12/15 09:55 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,308
Precision_Shooter
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,308 |
I have a "Hobby Room" where I do all of mine. It's a small 4th bedroom and is perfect for my needs.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5741022
05/12/15 10:28 PM
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,416
tenyearsgone
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,416 |
In Texas? Inside!
I'll take a small desk in the corner of my bedroom before I'll suffer out in the hot garage. You really can keep your setup small.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: bobsumner]
#5741049
05/12/15 10:48 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502
RiverRider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,502 |
I am a garage type of guy, reloading does not match my indoor decor. My equipment was the first thing set up in this house. All the decor had to be matched to IT.
"Arguing with you always makes me thirsty." -Augustus McRae
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5741289
05/13/15 12:56 AM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
GLC
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872 |
Spare bed room, aka man cave.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: GLC]
#5741417
05/13/15 01:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,083 |
My equipment and supplies are set up in an insulated steel structure that is not climate controlled 24/7. I have a light layer of rust on many of my dies Primers are in an ammo can, powder is in its' jugs and some is inside a filing cabinet. It is not ideal, but I can make precision ammo all year. If available I would pick the most dehumidified, climate controlled environment I could.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5741521
05/13/15 02:59 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,431
Big Fitz
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,431 |
In Lubbock I would not hesitate to use the basement. As mentioned, you can always add a dehumidifier if needed but can't imagine that would be needed often in Lubbock.
I was wrong...on anything technical. Fitz............. is right, ya know............
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5742254
05/13/15 05:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,160
Judd
#1 Creedmoor Fan
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#1 Creedmoor Fan
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19,160 |
I took over the spare bedroom and still would like a bigger layout. I don't want to be loading in the garage dripping sweat all over my stuff.
Don't let your ears hear what your eyes didn't see, and don't let your mouth say what your heart doesn't feel
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5742584
05/13/15 09:24 PM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,389
BassCat'99
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,389 |
In a securable location and no air movement when using a powder scale. Plenty of light is always nice.
22 Creedmoor
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5743181
05/14/15 02:29 AM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,009
bluetopper
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,009 |
I have a small reloading room off the garage. I put a window unit A/C in the wall and I have a propane tank with heating element in there. I only turn them on when I'm in there for a while.......no problems.
Last edited by parisite; 05/14/15 02:29 AM.
Uprisings started or quelled, tornadoes rerouted, elections rigged.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: GLC]
#5743672
05/14/15 03:57 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,364
Choctaw
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,364 |
Spare bed room, aka man cave. +1.
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5743797
05/14/15 05:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 399
RCINTX
OP
Bird Dog
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OP
Bird Dog
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 399 |
Thanks for all the responses. I would like to keep my setup small at this point as I only intend to reload for a few calibers. I'll start doing a little measuring and see what will work. I think you guys are right about being indoors. That will allow me to use it year round and not make the "its too hot/cold" excuse. Maybe I should just insulate, heat/cool the shop? It is also attached to my covered cooking area and really is the "man-cave". I'll run that by the wife!
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5744388
05/15/15 12:23 AM
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,389
BassCat'99
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,389 |
If you go with the shop, I got a heat/ac unit combo like in some motels. Works fine, I just turn it off when using scale.
22 Creedmoor
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Re: Where to setup reloading shop?
[Re: RCINTX]
#5745561
05/15/15 08:11 PM
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 356
Reloader-7
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 356 |
You have basements in Lubbock??? I have a 10'x 12' portable building. It is secure and I can heat and cool it when I am loading. You want a location that you can secure and others will not be mixing/moving your components and tools. Try to get a space large enough that you can operate comfortably, and plan for the future. You may start with one or two calibers, but (if you are like most of us) will soon enlarge your number of calibers and your stock of powder, primers, bullets, cases, tools and equipment. The corner or small table that you start with will soon not be enough. Plan for growth. And you can never have too much shelf space or storage bins. Leave room for them. Humidity has not been a problem as I don't have powder open unless I am using it so it is not exposed to humidity for any length of time. I have never had a problem with primers due to humidity. I've got primers that were given to me years ago that have been stored in a garage and are stored in my shop now. They fire as reliably as the new ones. Welcome to the addiction. If you are accuracy and/or detail oriented, I'm sure that you will enjoy it.
1911 - for the times when 911 just isn't fast enough.
"No man's life, liberty, or property is safe when the legislature is in session." - Will Rogers
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