About setting up shop
 

Stupid question from a newbie here.

Where does most have their reload shop set up at? I got basement,
But it gets quite a bit of moisture in it. I do have a spare bedroom on the second floor that is pretty much empty and is carpeted. I just want the best idea and safest place to build this room. And how many keep fire extingishers on hand in these rooms in case of a bizarre mishap?

RE: About setting up shop
 

I have been reloading for 30 years. I will admit that I never thought about a fire extinguisher. Thank you for the idea!!!!!

You can not keep reloading equipment in a damp place. It must be kept in a heated, dry area. I have equipment that I bought 30 years ago. It is as good today, as it was then. My 12 gauge loader is over 30 years old, I can imagine what it would look like in a damp basement. Good equipment is expensive, take care of it.

I suggest you buy the best equipment that you can, and do not get in a big hurry. Buy lots of manuals, and read, read, read them all first. Tom.

RE: About setting up shop
 

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]

RE: About setting up shop
 

Thanks for the reply guys. The basement does get wet only when it rain and in one corner. But it takes about four days to dry out and I would think that there would allways be moisture down there.Prob to much for a shop. I can use the upstairs spare room then. The carpet isn't the high loop style and I can see usually pretty good if something small falls on the floor. I can actually afford about 400$ now to buy a reload kit. What kind not sure. I have been reading anout Lees and RBC. I am not sure what the difference is though as in quality and specs. I don't think I will be getting into any unpopular calibers when I start. Mostly 243, 30-06, 30-30, 7mmRM,RUM, SWM,STW, And I am undebated about a varmit rifle. I am leaning towards the 6mm or 6.5 RM.I think I could reload one of these to actually shoot flatter and less drop than if reloaded a 22-250. But these are the only rifles I and my kids own of now that will be reloading for. I am not sure what kit would be better for these applications. When you mentioned this. How big is the equipment your talking about? I haven't read anything about casting or moulds. Again thanks guys. One more thing,I am a virgo, We are very precise and picky when it comes to precision and detail.

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.

RE: About setting up shop
 

First of all I would like to know the story about the vacuum cleaner and the primers. Sorry but it does sound funny. I will definitely be adding a fire extinguisher. I added a throw rug years ago.

Here is what I would consider the basics:

At least 5 reloading manuals(not the pamphlets)
Minimum press requirement for quality and strength- RCBS Rockchucker, or press of similar quality. Do not go cheap on your press-it will last you forever if you buy a good one.
Decent quality scale-does not have to be the best.
Decent quality trimmer-does not have to be the best.
Powder dispenser is nice, but not necessary to get started-buy the Lee dipper set with a good trickler, it will be a little slow, but it will do the job. Do not buy a cheap dispenser-wait until you can buy a good one.
Inexpensive set of calipers is OK for now.
Powder funnel-cheap plastic is ok.
Block to hold your casings.
The Primer arm that comes with the press will do fine.
Case chamfer tool.
Dies, powder, primers, and bullets-You are ready to go.

This will get you started loading some good shells. Tom.

RE: About setting up shop
 

2 things to add.......I prefer calipers that measure down to .001, my parents for christmas one year got me a set that only measured down to .01 and I didnt like them. And get several blocks to hold your casings. I got one with my set but bought 3 more, youd be surprised how it keeps the clutter down.

RE: About setting up shop
 

lead,
[/align]As far as kits go, Lyman, RCBS, and Lee all have one. Unless your really strapped for cash (yes, I know it's Xmas....me too), I personally would start with the Lyman or RCBS. Lee's are okay, but they are more or less designed for the loader on a budget. Not to burn feathers or nothing, but I haven't had real great luck with all but a few of their tools, and I've used theirequipment, off and on, for the better part of 25-30yrs. But that's me and not anyone else.
To their benefit, they just recently came out with a cast press called the "Lee Classic". It's more "on par" with the other strength and style of presses. Another consideration, although not as common, is the Hornady equipment. I don't know if they have a kit, but you can check.

The high end presses like Redding's are very strong and suitable for swaging brass and bullets on a regular basis. I don't own one currently, but I plan I getting one, one of these days.

I personallyprefer the Lyman kit, as you have two choices of presses. The "O" frame Orange Crusher II, and the "TMag II" which is a 6 station removable turret. Last I knew, they both came with the press (either/or), the 500 Lyman scale, loading block, the Mod# 55 powder measure, a powder funnel, a lube pad, a current manual, and some other small items (case chamfer, etc.).
They used to come with a die set "of your choice", but I think they did away with that.
Currently I have both the single stage Orange Crusher, and the "T Mag". I use them both a lot, and I couldn't be without them for my needs.

Regarding dies, I like either RCBS's dies, and Lyman's current dies (the older ones were cheaply chromed). I have several sets of Hornady "New Dimension" dies, and I hate em', Seems like you really gotta crank down that decapping stem with the pinch nut, and if you don't tighten it enough it'll push loose. Someone's better idea.....apparently not because they redesigned their new dies. Redding dies are the "Cadillac's" and are quite pricey, but they're great. They are cut very precise internally.
Overall, regarding price and quality, I'd stick with the first two choices I guess.

RCBS's quality is every bit as good and their warranty is excellent.
In my opinion, I feel that Lyman's equipment designs are a little more "thought out" than some of RCBS's, regarding being more "handloader friendly", but that's just me. One case in point was their entry into the progressive press market several years ago. It had a lot of problems as it "seemed" like it was designed in separate sections then put together. The separate areas regarding powder and priming were fraught with complications, and didn't functionsmoothly together.

I had bought oneslightly used, and found out why it was sold. Everythingwas functional, but needless to say, not very smooth.

I had the first model Dillon RL450 back then, and after using it, then picking up the RCBS (Max, I think the name was) progressive, I guess I was spoiled anyway. Since that time, I've bought two other Dillon's and upgraded my old 450 to a 550B.

It's kind of like my uncle told me when I started loading......he said, "Buy it right, and you'll buy it once.......buy it wrong, and you'll get a second chance". I never forgot that, and he was dead right.

When you order the kit, you'll get 90% of all the stuff. Other than whats in the kit, you'll need the dies (naturally), a good vernier caliper is always a plus,
[/align][/align]Other opinions may, and will, vary.....but that's my best advice.
[/align]
[/align]Take care,
[/align]Bob




[/align][/align][/align]

RE: About setting up shop
 

[/align]Well, okay....at the cost of sounding like a total idiot....
[/align]I had half a tube of primers spill when I was filling them ahead of time for my progressive press. It makes things a lot quicker.

Anyway, I forgot to stick one of those hairpins in to keep the primers from falling out and the stick fell over and spilled half of them all over the carpet. Anyway, I thought I got them all.

About two days later, I was pulling the spent primer catcher off of one of my other presses and I had a few loose one's fall onto the carpet. Figuring they were all spent primers, and not knowing that I had missed some live ones, I fired up my old Eureka and started going to town on the carpet.

Well, you know that sound when you pick up hard pea gravel or stones that are on your carpet with your vacuum. That "loud" whack you hear, yeah, well I heard that several times....then all of a sudden "BANG".....sh*t.....what was that ?

After a few minutes it dawned on me that a couple live one's got by me. I was chatting with my local supplier, and I told him about it....he started laughing and said "yep, static electricity".

"That's nothing", he said....."you should'a been around when I was young and stupid and tried to vacuum up black powder I had spilled in my dad's reloading room. He said that he wasn't allowed in there, and snuck in to get some BP for his dad's cannon to fire it off while his dad was at work.

Well Mike's a little on the clumsy side, and the can slipped and fell on the floor. He dumpedabout a third ofthe can on a deep shag carpet and couldn't recover it manually, so he tried to vacuum it up. Well we all know now what happens to black powder when static is around. Afterabout halfway through sucking it up......yep......., Mike said "it ignited" and"POOOOF", caught the carpet on fire and blew thedirt bag (before bagless)right out of the vacuum cover. It smoked outhis dad's reloading room, and the vacuum was toast I think. The carpet had a nice round basketball sized burn mark, and Mike's a$$ was in hot water forquite sometime.
Just damn funny thinking about it.....like stupid pet tricks....

You had to be there to listen to Mike tell it.....FUNNY....I laughed like hell for ten minutes.
[/align][/align]

[/align]Take care,

[/align]Bob

[/align][/align]


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RE: About setting up shop
 

I am not laughing at you. But I am laughing with you. I once took my uncle groundhog hunting. He said he did not want to shoot, but after he watched me bust a couple he just had to shoot. I had the rifle lined up on another hog-so instead of handing him the rifle, I just rolled out from under it. That was when I rolled over a fresh cow pie. Thank God I had a truck. I rode home in the back. Tom.

RE: About setting up shop
 

Nice..........fresh cowpie....man that had to feel good.....betcha you were the brunt of jokes for several holidays to come.....[/align][/align]Sh*t Happens...and life is Funny......just gotta look at the world with a smile and see the humor in life.....makes things a lot more bearable.[/align][/align]Also if you walk aroundwith a smile on your face all the time, folks will think you're nuts and leave you alone.....[/align][/align]Take care, [/align]Bob[/align][/align][/align]

RE: About setting up shop
 

What would be the highest bidyou would place on this if you wanted a gooddiscount??Plus they want 35$ shipping. Thanks again for the help all.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RCBS-ROCK-CHUCKER-SUPREME-MASTER-RELOADING-KIT_W0QQitemZ290061255476QQihZ019QQcategoryZ71120Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

After looking arond for the same item, I guess it isn't a good deal. More expensive after shipping.
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=000449357

RE: About setting up shop
 

I do not know about the price. But it looks like a great kit. I have noticed on e-bay that RCBS goes higher than Lyman. Or any other equipment. I bought a Turret on E-bay for $35, and it was like new. And it is a fantastic press. Tom.

RE: About setting up shop
 

lead,
[/align]
[/align]It's getting real close to new considering any shipping or anything extra. Here's a link to a new kit "on sale" for $224.00 at Natchez Shooter's Supply.
[/align]
[/align]http://www.natchezss.com/category.cfm?contentID=productDetail&brand=RC& amp;category=475&subCategory=475&catLevel= 2&prodID=RC09357
[/align]
[/align]I'd base any bids on this link, or any cheaper offers, as well as like I said, extra other costs.[/align][/align]PS-I just checked the link (little late) you had to Midsouth SS. $219.00 is an excellent price, and it's even better than NatchezSS, which I posted. Ebay auctions get real stupid sometimes and folks need to do research (like you) before they bid. Good luck....you're doing it the smart way.[/align][/align]
[/align]Take care,
[/align]Bob
[/align]

RE: About setting up shop
 

Let me be the one to offer a counter point to buy the best you can afford.

When I left the army to go to college some 30 years ago I was going to loose the use ofthe army suppied reloading equipment (the 6th MTU)and had to buy a set for myself but as new college student I was really strapped for cash and some of my competitive shooting buddies lauged at what I bought. I got a lee reloader press, a lee case trimmer and a plastic lyman scale and a lee autoprime.

30 years later I still use the autoprime and and the hand trimmer(well everyso oftenI need a new cutter for the trimmer). I have a new press and an autoscale but the original lee pressand plastic lyman are still on the bench and stilll work fine. I reload mostly for rifle and 44 mag and I guess to do about 800-1500 rounds a year. Although there wasa few yearsI did 2-4K a year. Except for a few things like a good caliper its not equipment that will make good loads. its a good understanding of the princpals and understanding whichvariables are most important inwhat point of load developmentand error free execution that aremost important.

One thing about equipment, wether its cheap or expensive. it has to be to specs andworking correctly. I once got a set of dies that were incorrectly labeled/boxed and it caused me no end of difficulty. It should have been a 338-06 AI die set.. thats what the box set said, but the dies were really 338-06. accuracy was so-so but I couldn't fit the right amount of powder in, resizing was hell, I almost sent the gun back to the gunsmith with a complaint about his chamber etc. I wasted a whole summer before I figured about what was happening.

Oh, follow all those little safety rules, there important

RE: About setting up shop
 

Thank you.I been reading what I could find on line and haven't found much selection at the gunshop I stopped in today. They had the same kits but for 60$ more and only had couple manuals I picked up. If you think I can't get much better deal than midway,I will go ahead and order that kit tonight.I will have to see if they got the dies that I need for my rifles.I got plenty of 7mms and 30-06 and 243 all so the 30-30 brass from over the years.They are a bit tarnished so I need recomendation on a tumbler to shine them up,if anyone could. And if you or someone could point me in the right direction to get brass for a 22-250. I am getting a cheap 22-250 Howa for cristmas. I wanted the 26 inch barrel but for the price of a 24 inch, I will try it and go from there. Again thanks for the info and help.

RE: About setting up shop
 

If there may be kids near it needs to be in a room or shed that can be locked!

RE: About setting up shop
 

I am counting on them to learn with me as I am learning myself. Our guns are not locked away and neither will this be. If a child is not curious there is less chance of a mishap.But they are old enough to know and understand of the dangers.Quite mature for their ages I might have to say all so.

RE: About setting up shop
 

Lead P,

Do your kids have friends?? Like you, I brought my kids up to know and respect guns and what goes with them. Unfortunately, not everyone does that and one of your kids buddies might be a little currious. Lock your stuff up, S-happens and besides the tragedy that might happen, some lawyer will make you pay for the rest of your life if you leave stuff out.

Doug

PS: Funny (to me) story, My youngest daughter and I went shooting-(she picked up the brass), she was maybe 5-6. Since I reload, I had shown and explained how a bullet worked and what made it dangerous. On the way home we stopped @ a 7-11 for aSlurpee and being a young child she wanted to pay for her own. Imagine the surprise on the middle eastern clerk when she slapped her pocket full of change on the counter including a couple of spent 45acps she had stuck in her pocket. The guy started jabbering so she started to explain to him that there was no danger and why, the guy behind me thought it was priceless...It never happened again tho..

RE: About setting up shop
 

Doug,
[/align]
[/align]NOW THAT"S FUNNY ! I'd have crapped my pants laughing at the look on the clerk's face.
[/align]
[/align]I don't lock up my guns or shop either. Yes, your kids friends would be the problem area's to consider, I agree. Where we live, that's not an issue so much. As a police firearms instructor I taught this stuff for many years to hundreds of officers. What caused me to change my curriculum to include these classes was the fact that many officer's were leaving their guns loaded (dumb) at home, and there were several news stories where officer's kids had been killed with their guns.
[/align]
[/align]Like it was mentioned, curiosity is the biggest reason why incidents happen in the home. The two schools of thought regarding guns in the house, the"keep guns out of the home/away from kids", or "to teach kids about guns & gun safety", are an either/or mentality when dealing with guns around kids. I agree with the latter, and so does the majority of the law enforcement community.
[/align]Yes, keep your guns and ammo locked up, is the mindset, but introduce your children to guns with safety as a prime factor. Take them out to shoot them when they start to inquire, and if you tell them you will take them out this Sat., do it. Let them know that you haven't forgotten them, and that you're fully intent to make a day of shooting with them.
[/align]
[/align]If they know that they can shoot those guns only when they're with you, but are not to touch them without you being there, it'll remove the curious "stigma" attached to it and removes that veil of the unknown.
[/align]
[/align]It's the parent's who say, "Don't you EVER touch them", or who do promise to take them out, but just never seems to find the time, these are issues that supportor allow that curiosity to build to a point whereit can become dangerous. My kids are now older, and my youngest is 12, but they know that all they have to do is ask, and at the next possible opportunity, if not right then, we'll be out at the bench firing.
[/align]
[/align]Their friend's are a very valid point, and I'd guess, that in mostaccidental shootings, they probably are a major component. I think that locking guns in safes is a good idea, and/or the ammo too, but in this house I haven't gotten one (safe)yet. Other than the "friends" issue (which I mentioned isn't a big problem here-we live out in the sticks) it is a real issue in many homes, especially with little kids & even teenagers & their friends.
[/align]The old instructor in me has drummed this into my kids heads regarding their guns, and is a major no-no.
[/align]My reasons for a safe are more for burglar (guns & valuables) and fire protection, but the neighbors know I am well armed, and I think that the fact of such, as well as being a retired Deputy, it makes themfeel safer. They have mentioned this more than once and know I'm only a call and seconds away.
[/align]My kids are aware that if they were home when someone triedto break in, or sensed that there wasn't an adulthome, and who had bad intentions, they have access to my (or their) guns, and have the right to protect themselves if need be. I've taught them well, I hope, and only shoot if they have to.
[/align]The stigma of killing someone, even if it's a "justifiable shooting" can cause nightmares that'll follow you for the rest of your life. But, the alternative can also be a lifelong mental scar, if you survive the ordeal. A gun in hand at such times allows you to control the situation if you are prepared to "go the route", if itcomes to that.
[/align]I've spoken to many with the old bravado in asking "when is it okay to shoot the bad guy ?", I told them "when you have no other choice or alternative".....period.....and be mentally prepared to follow through if your "bluff is called".
[/align]
[/align]Do you really want toshoot & kill some stupid kid because he broke inand you caught him stealing your VCR ? Not me....ever......but, on the other hand,I might let him wonder if I would.....get me ? Hopefully a hard learned lesson there...
[/align]
[/align]Take care,
[/align]Bob
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