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This is part of the About Hunting & Shooting online Reloading Course. Check my Ammo Loading Course Index for links to other articles, and topics to be covered in future additions. Be sure to bookmark it and check back there from time to time, since I'll be adding more as time goes by.
Primers
Primers are the little round do-hickeys that make the cartridge go "boom."
Maybe that's oversimplified, but this isn't exactly rocket science. Primers,
being the source of ignition for the powder, are naturally the most dangerous
component involved in reloading, and should be handled with extreme caution.
- Store primers in their original, marked container. This ensures against their improper use and helps maintain safe storage conditions, since the original containers were designed expressly for that purpose.
- Never deprime live primers. Always fire them in a properly chambered firearm. Even if the shell is without powder and bullet, you should "pop" primers this way, rather than attempting to deprime the cartridge cases with a standard depriming pin. Water and lubes like WD-40 will not reliably "kill" live primers, and should never be used to try to make them safe for depriming.
- During priming, eyeball each and every primer before priming a case. Make sure it's oriented properly and does not get turned sideways or flipped.
- Keep powder and primers out of the reach of children.
- Do not store powder and primers together.
General Safety
Precautions
Here are some safety guidelines to follow while reloading ammunition.
- Wear safety glasses while reloading.
- Do not load ammunition if you're distracted. You must pay close attention to every step of the process.
- Always start with the minimum powder charge in the load data given for the appropriate bullet weight/style. If only maximum charges are listed, start with 10% less powder.
- It helps to develop a routine to help avoid mistakes. Habit, properly used, can be a wonderful thing.
- Examine each and every case for cracks, bulges, splits, or excessive corrosion. Any questionable cases should be scrapped. Use a pair of pliers to pinch the necks closed on any shells deemed unsuitable, so you don't mistakenly load them. Be sure to fire all live primers in your firearm before pinching the necks!
- Do not allow children to play around your reloading area. Kids helping Dad or Mom load is absolutely great, but keep them under close supervision at all times. If this proves too great a distraction, then don't do it!
- Do not allow other people in your reloading area unless they are willing and able to follow all safety guidelines.
- Make sure you read and understand the Work Area and Manuals information.
Using these safety precautions, along with some good ol' common sense, you should have no problem staying safe while reloading. Reloading ammunition is a great way to spend your time and can be very satisfying, but it should never be approached without caution!
Page 1 - Safety, Page One (Powder Handling/Storage)
-Russ Chastain
