lead, [/align][/align]I've also been loading a very long time, probably 35 yrs. or more now.[/align][/align]I agree a damp basement is probably not always the best place, but how damp is damp ? Running water damp, or just humid ? The reason I ask is because I built my shop in my celler when I built my house in 1995. I was able to change the plans and incoporate the shop into them. I built insulated walls to house my whole mess, and added heat and a dehumidifier. [/align]Having your reloading setup upstairs in your living space is a good idea, but, depending on your carpet, it can get pretty messy sometimes. Spent & live primers will drop into the carpet, and if it's a thick pile type, you probably wont find them. And, the static charge generated from a vacuum cleaner will set one off (don't ask how I know). [/align]I guess of the two options you gave, unless you wanted to construct a small room downstairs and control the humidity,I'djust do it upstairs(depending on the Mrs's frame of mind) as you asked. [/align][/align]I've got so much equipment gathered over the years, including casting stuff & moulds, that it just wouldn't be practical to have my shop upstairs. Sometimes I forget thatall folksdon't necessarily gather all the junk I do. [/align]Also, depending on your locale, the presses anddies will still rust even upstairs, just not as bad. If your in area's like Arizona, or N. Mexico, etc., then probably no, and likely neither in the cellar either. [/align]I live way SW upstate New York, and humidity can be pretty heavy in the summer months.[/align]Finger oils andacids will accelerate the rusting issueif there is a sufficient amount of humidity to support it and sometimes you'll see where a thumb or fingerprint hasstarted to rust onto a presses handle, or whatever. Where ever you decide, always wipe the stuff down with an oily rag after each use (avoiding the priming mechanisms) and you'll be good to go. [/align][/align]Hope this helps, [/align][/align][/align]Take care, [/align]Bob[/align]