Not only can reloading your own ammunition be a cost-saving hobby, it can be a rather exciting one as well. In fact, many reloaders started for the sheer enjoyment of the experience. However, if not done properly, reloading can be a dangerous pastime. It’s recommended, before you begin reloading for yourself, that you research and study the entire process to ensure you have a thorough understanding and can adequately perform each step.

As a disclaimer, this article is not intended to be an exhaustive safety guide. Instead, we will address a few of the major issues beginner reloaders face.

Always wear eye protection

This goes without saying while shooting, especially so when shooting reloaded ammo. What most beginners fail to realize, though, is the chance of flying debris from reloading. This isn’t always from pressing the bullet into the casing. Often, tiny particles of lead and powder can be thrown into the air without you knowing it. It these find their way into your eyes, it could cause severe discomfort and sometimes injuries to the eyes

Always wash your hands afterwards

Though this is good advice after any project you do, it’s especially needed after you are done reloading. You will be working with lead and gun powder, as well as other cleaning chemicals. If you put your hands in your mouth or rub your eyes without washing your hands, you are exposing yourself to harmful amounts of lead.

Never Have food or uncovered drinks on your workstation.

No, this isn’t for cleanliness, though that’s always needed. Rather, this is to ensure your food or drinks don’t get contaminated by lead without you realizing. As mentioned above, lead particles can go airborne without you knowing and, if your food or drinks are left uncovered, this lead can land on them. That’s why it is best to get into the habit of not having these items near your reloading station.

Keep a detailed log of all reload batches

Unless you’ve been mentored by the best in the field, it’s inevitable that you will, at some point, have a bad load. The last thing you want to depend on when trying to trace a problem is your memory. A detailed log will be organized and include every bit of information regarding the load. This will include:

• Lot Numbers
• Brands
• Depths
• Weights
• Number of times the brass has been used

With this information, you can quickly find the problem in the load and rework your system to fix it.

Store properly and out of reach of kids and pets

Some beginners feel the need to purchase additional storage compartments for their supplies. This isn’t necessary as the containers the products arrive in are often sufficient for storing. Plus, this allows you to keep the information needed from the manufacturer. The key to storing your supplies is finding a cool, dry place that is out of reach from any children or pets. I emphasize pets because they tend to like climbing.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that reloading is a hobby you can enjoy for many years to come.