Beginner Safety Tips

One of our main reasons for having our blog, besides of course the obvious, is to inform our readers and to make knowledgeable reloaders. That’s why you will see so much focus within our articles on safety. While reloading is one of the most exciting and rewarding hobbies an active shooter can have, it can also be a dangerous one, if the appropriate steps for safety are not taken. Some will see this and click on by; those are often the old-timers who have been doing this for many years and believe nothing will ever happen to them- those are usually the ones that find themselves getting hurt.

Stay Focused

Carelessly reloading while attempting to perform another task isn’t only silly but dangerous as well. Never try and multitask while reloading; you are sure to mess up a measurement or skip a crucial step that you won’t realize until you go to fire that round. Wait for the kids to go to bed, leave the television in another room, and don’t converse with visitors in the middle of a reload. Reloading ammunition improperly has serious repercussions; treat the process seriously. If you can’t find a quiet moment, try again the next day.

Never guess, estimate, or eyeball

No amount of experience can substitute being diligent in your measurements. Not only is this unsafe but it will also throw your entire load data off. Being diligent in your measurements is the only way to ensure optimum accuracy and performance.

Also, Reloading supplies have specific ways they’re meant to be used. At no point is it ever acceptable to guess about how a certain product should react. Follow a safe, proven workflow and do not deviate from this workflow until you’re certain you understand every element of reloading. If you get stuck, contact the product manufacturer or your fellow reloaders for help.

Proper Storage

This has been the downfall of many reloaders, hence why it is talked about so much. Always store your reloading supplies properly and securely. If you are in a home where kids and pets are present, ensure that they are locked so that no accidents can happen. It is also wise to use spill-proof containers. While special containers can be purchased, keep in mind that the containers the supplies come in are often sufficient.

Use good Hygiene habits

No, we aren’t in grade school anymore and yes, we are adults, but good hygiene is always a good standard to have, especially when reloading. Lead is extremely toxic, especially if ingested accidentally. This happens often when good hygiene isn’t followed.

It’s best to never eat or drink near your reloading station. If you do have a drink, be sure it’s in a sealable container. When you are done reloading, always wash your hands extensively before touching any other surface. This is also the case with regards to touching your face, eyes, or mouth; never do so during the reload process.

DO NOT USE HAND SANITIZER FOR THIS. While hand sanitizers are great on germs, it is useless for lead. That’s why a strong soap and water should always be used.

Safety is a major concern when it comes to reloading, for newcomers and veterans alike. Remember to keep safety first and always wear the appropriate gear when reloading. Never get lazy and skip a safety step. While it may rarely cost a life, poor safety standards can definitely cause serious injury to the reloader, both during the reloading process and when shooting the reloaded ammo.

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