Reload in humid garage?

[Stachie]

Let me first mention that I am haven't begun reloading yet.

Would I be able to reload ammo in a non-climate controlled garage? I live in central Florida; it is usually quite hot and very humid. Would it be a bad idea to reload ammunition in such a place? Unfortunately, I do not have space in my home.

 

[bouis]

It would be a bad idea. Humidity and high/changing temperatures are bad for the powder and the primers. Plus, your press and associated tools will rust.

 

[redneck2]

Your dies will be a ball of rust in a month or two. RCBS seems to rust the worst. Dillon dies don't seem to be as bad for rust. Have no idea why. Also, the ram itself will rust.

I'd try to take the stuff back in the house between loading sessions. Worst case, make sure everything is oiled and watch so the powder doesn't pick up humidity.

 

[qajaq59]

A little care is needed

I load outside, in Florida, about a 100 yards from the beach, and nothing is rusting. However, when I get done everything is wiped down and put away. If you get sloppy the equipment and dies will be trash in no time.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

The first hitch in Houston I loaded in the garage. Even with a lot of care some of my dies took on a stain of rust just from handling while loading. I was astonished how easily RCBS dies will rust in 99% humidity and 99F temps. Just the slightest sweat on them for an hour or so while running a set of 38's through a die in a single stage press is enough to form a stain.

On my second hitch in Houston (now), I moved all of my reloading in doors. I had a bench made into the laundry room so I have a permanent setup.

This picture shows about 1/2 of the bench set up while I am doing 30/30's. I strongly suggest you figure a way to do it in doors to avoid the rust issue.

 

[The Bushmaster]

If you load in your garage you will have to take particular care of your equipment. There are products on the market (LPS-3) that will help. A thin coat on your equipment from a LPS-3 saturated rag would do the trick.

But store your primers (probably not effect the primers, but) and powder inside the house when not loading.

It will be a pain in the ares, but it can be done. And after a while it will be routine. You will plan a reloading session for a bunch at a time.