Best Ideas to Make Reloading Safer and Simpler?

[Bill Norris]

Safety FIRST ALWAYS. Do not allow anything or anybody to distract. Keep the re-loading bench clear and free of mixed projects. Follow a pre-set course for each batch. Keep clear and precise notes for everything. ALWAYS put everything back in it's place.

 

[David Milisock]

I went to the new loaden/shooten skool by Mitch McConnell, Diane Feinstein, John Fetterman, it teaches all you need to know about competency.

 

[Murray Brook]

Drinking while driving is a no no, so is drinking while reloading.

 

[jelenko]

Always and I mean always look and I mean take the time to read the powder container to make sure of what it is..

! And, then, think about what you just read.
And, as others mentioned, sticky notes

 

[David Milisock]

Safety FIRST ALWAYS. Do not allow anything or anybody to distract. Keep the re-loading bench clear and free of mixed projects. Follow a pre-set course for each batch. Keep clear and precise notes for everything. ALWAYS put everything back in it's place.

I always waited until the children and grandchildren were older! They can be a distraction when they're youngsters.

 

[jimmymac]

You guys wouldn’t want to be involved in my reloading. I’m jamming music all the time and have been known to have a cold beverage or two. For my BR stuff, this isn’t rocket science. Pretty hard to screw it up.

 

[D-4297]

#1 . Lock Loading room door .
#2 . Pleasent music that doesn't disturb the psyche
#3 . Select the "proper" Powder , and only ONE powder on the Bench at a time .
#4 . Leave phone in another room . And don't go to answer it .
#5 . Check Brass for the correct item , and Verify there are primers in every case .

I have my "Prepped" cases in a Tupperware container I swiped from the wife . About 6" x 9" x 2" , and as each one gets loaded , it goes into a loading block that holds fifty . Three rows of Ten and over to the press , where there is only ONE BOX of the Bullet I'm loading .

Being a Life-long Buckeye Fan , I'm a firm believer in the Woody Hayes KISS theory !

 

[Rsadams]

! And, then, think about what you just read.
And, as others mentioned, sticky notes

It's soooo easy to look at something and not see it.... just going through the motions doing something we have done a million times.... just like looking while driving and not seeing that car you looked right at , it happens....There's been tons of tbone wrecks from just that thing.... Triple checking things or even more never hurt anything....

 

[Cecil S.]

Lots of GREAT advice here from very good reloaders all of them have helped me. My personal advice is dont get in a hurry and read every reloading post from this Form. Dig into the information these guys talk about and the safe procedures for reloading will begin to become second nature. Now granted this takes a little time invested.....But these guys dump a life time of experience freely and that is the GEM of being a Form member. Free information is priceless!

 

[K22]

Here's a few absolutes for me:

1. Take your time - never rush a reloading session or multi-task. Don't try to load too many rounds in one loading session which might introduce fatigue and carelessness.

2. Only the powder you are using on the bench - return all unused powder to the original container immediately after each reloading session.

3. Verify all components are correct before use.

4. Visually inspect cases for fatigue defects.

5. Visually inspect to ensure primers are seated properly - i.e., not too high

6. Visually inspect each case filled with powder to make sure the case is filled and in the case of pistol loads with fast burning powders, that there isn't a double charge. For any powder that meters well without having to trickle, turn all cases upside down and charge one at a time - checking powder measure every 10th round for accuracy.

7. Label all cartridge boxes with the load details.

8. Use published reloading data from reliable sources that have been laboratory tested. Avoid "Sponge Bob's Secret Loads" listed on the internet.

 

[divingin]

#2 . Pleasent music that doesn't disturb the psyche

#4 . Leave phone in another room . And don't go to answer it .

You're old school. Most music is on phones these days.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Inspect cases while new and unfired.
Factory rounds, brand spanking new.

 

[joshb]

Check everything…….three times.

 

[Clancy]

Measure everything, and know the measurements on your Reamer.

One powder on the bench at a time.

Don’t chase speed beyond reason.

Hand inspect every case.

Measure everything.

If a component changes, start over.

Clean your barrel regularly.

Measure. Every. Thing.

Keep good notes.

 

[klamathsteel]

I leave the Whiskey in the cabinet till I'm done. Usually.

 

[Charlie-NY]

Lots of Sharpie written notes on painters tape seems to keep me straight.

This ^^^^^ on the inside lid of the ammo box. Included with the component info is an indication of:

1. x reloaded
2. when the case was trimmed last "3/4" means between the 3rd and 4th reload
3. when the case was annealed last, I anneal every other reload

 

[Charlie-NY]

Here's my best advice:

Only PRETEND to be reloading when your 4-year-old grandson is by your side and begging to help.

 

[Rocketvapor]

I plan out my loads, record actual measurements in my log book.
List load data in box, snap pics of targets, examine brass afterwards.


Make notes of performance in log book.
Plan next load out.
Probably gonna be 85.5 Bergers, with WIN41 primers, and 31.34 to 31.36gr SB6.5

 

[Rocketvapor]

Some operations you can do and not really have to pay much attention.
I'm sitting at the computer, watching the X-files marathon on free TV and trimming brass.
Go through all with a caliper flipping long ones neck up.
Come back with the hand crank trimmer, debur and chamfer.
Flip base up.
About 3/4 the way through 200 for the wife, 200 for me.

 

[ckaberna]

Some operations you can do and not really have to pay much attention.
I'm sitting at the computer, watching the X-files marathon on free TV and trimming brass.
Go through all with a caliper flipping long ones neck up.
Come back with the hand crank trimmer, debur and chamfer.
Flip base up.
About 3/4 the way through 200 for the wife, 200 for me.

What free tv? I’m tired of paying $100+ for satellite. It just keeps going up and up. About ready to ditch them. Heck, I haven’t watched local news in 3 years.