Lead problems and where to reload

[Shrinkmd]

I am interested in getting started in reloading, but I don't want to expose myself (or more importantly my kids) to any lead risk. I was originally thinking about setting up in the finished part of the basement, but now I'm thinking corner of garage near the snowblower. Also, no carpet to worry about.

Anyone else decide to move "outdoors" due to concerns about contamination?

 

[50 Shooter]

Unless you're licking your fingers or grinding the bullets and snorting the shavings, there's not much exposure to worry about.

Wash up when you're done and keep the kids out of the reloading supplies and you'll be fine.

 

[ReloaderFred]

There is a lot of hype about lead and how dangerous it is. I've been loading and casting bullets since 1963, and I'm not dead and have suffered no ill effects from it. All it takes is a little common sense and a little cleanliness.

After handling lead, wash your hands. Don't smoke, eat or pick your nose before washing your hands and you won't have any problem.

The lead you're dealing with is in solid form when reloading. Airborne lead is a result of actually firing the loaded round and water soluble lead is caused by the breaking down of the solid lead through highly acidic soils, (low PH of water or soil) and weathering. In soil or water with a PH lower than 7, which is considered to be neutral, the acid causes the lead particles to not adhere to the soil particles and to be easily moved by weather, etc. High PH, over 7, causes the lead particles to tightly adhere to the soil particles and to not be easily moved.

Breathing airborne lead is dangerous, hence the air volume requirements on indoor ranges, where the force of the air is from behind the shooter and blows downrange, taking the airborne lead particles away from the firing line. A properly designed indoor range is no more dangerous than an outdoor range, and is probably a whole lot safer than the drive to the facility.

I've read of some people who wear face masks and gloves when reloading, but this is overkill and not necessary at all. When I load, the first thing I do when I leave the bench is wash my hands in cold water and soap, which removes any lead that may be on my skin. Even though lead is most dangerous when ingested, I use cold water to wash my hands so the pores of the skin won't be opened by the use of hot water. No sense in tempting fate.

Part of the fear of lead is generated by the same groups who want to outlaw firearms. You'll see campaigns about how dangerous lead is to people and wildlife, and they are trying to outlaw the use of lead bullets to hunt with. It's just backdoor tactics aimed at the ownership of guns.

Our club has an Environmental Stewardship Plan in partnership with the EPA, for managing lead on the property. Our plan was developed with the guidelines set down by the EPA, in cooperation with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Anyone interested can obtain the Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges booklet # EPA-902-B-01-001. It's also available on-line at http://www.epa.gov/region2/waste/leadshot.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Sheldon]

There is more danger in the dust from the tumbler than the bullets. The primer residue is pretty nasty stuff from what I hear. I have been wanting to make a hood to fit over my sifter to vent the dust out of my reloading area.....or I guess I could just do that outdoors.

 

[cracked butt]

If you do your decapping and brass cleaning outdoors, you really don't have anything to worry about.

 

[wrangler5]

If you're really concerned about any contact with lead, many handgun bullets are now available with no exposed lead surfaces (either "totally" jacketed or copper plated) and some rifle bullets also have no lead that you can touch. Even with jacketed bullets that have exposed lead at the tip (soft points or hollow points) or base you'll find that you mostly touch the jacketed sides, rarely the lead tips and almost never the lead visible in the base. Only if you load all-lead bullets will you have much finger contact with the substance, and then the common sense washing procedures others have mentioned will be enough to minimize that risk.

If you decide to get into bullet casting, where you work in front of a heated cauldron of melted lead, then you will need to be vigilant about adequate ventilation. I've done all of my reloading work in the basement for 25 years with no special concern for ventilation (and no ill effects on myself or the family), but my casting is done at the front of my garage with the door fully open (as close to outdoors as I can get and still have a roof overhead to protect against rain or other vertically moving objects.)

 

[Lupinus]

you could always install a vent system that use's a piece of really large diameter flexibal tubing and a window fan.

 

[svtruth]

Pb

I seem to remember reading long ago that the biggest source of environmental lead contamination was leaded gasoline, so your overall exposure should still be low.
OTOH, some primers use lead compounds and produce lead vapors when fired.
Good luck.

 

[Reed1911]

Point of note, all primers (unless designated lead free) use lead. Lead styphnate to be more precise.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Before your kids eat that apple after handling reloading components have them wash their little hands and you too, right along with them. set the example. But don't scare them in the prosess. Just make it a habit for them and you. Oh...And feed them so they won't eat the leaded paint of the window sill...

 

[jamz]

My kids are 6 and 3. They both like to play in the basement where I reload. the 6 year old LOVES to help.

I tumble outside, I think that's where most lead comes from. I handle the cases myself till they are clean. I only buy fully jacketed bullets too. More expensive, but I don't want to worry about lead.

I think as long as you keep your area clean, wiped down with a damp cloth every so often, don't use leaded bullets, and are careful with primer disposal, you are okay with the kids. If they do help though 1) they don't touch their mouths or noses while helping, and 2) they wash up right afterward.

Good luck!

-James

 

[The Bushmaster]

Can't do or ask for more, Jamz... All it takes is a little common sense and a lot less paranoia...

 

[fecmech]

Guys--Let's try and keep things in perspective as far as lead is concerned. It is not a good thing for young children to injest lead as it leads to brain damage and other serious problems. That said, from before the turn of the last century until about 1970 all of the homes in this country were painted with lead paint. Yes even the babies room! The babies crib was painted with lead based paint. The childrens school and desk was painted with lead based paint. Cars burned leaded gas ( a much more dangerous problem) until the 70's. Amid all this chaos and surrounded by lead on every front mankind advanced from horse and buggies to the moon! Lead is IMO a minor problem easily managed and overhyped by the intelligentsia. Cast those bullets, load those shells and just make sure you wash your dirty mits when you get done! Sorry for the rant guys I just could'nt hold it in. Nick

 

[The Bushmaster]

And to think I survived all that...

 

[Powderman]

There are two specific hazards with bullet casting--dust and vaporized lead.

The dust comes from lead particles from your molds, and the residue from fluxing. It can be ingested. Lead particles are also present in your gloves, clothes that you wear while casting, and are all over your casting station.

Lead reaches its vapor pressure at about 1100 degrees--a temperature that most lead pots are capable of reaching. If you smelt down surplus lead (read-wheelweights or linotype) and use a pot over a burner, have you ever seen the melt actually get bubbles in it (simmering) or actually achieve a rolling boil? If so, then lead is being vaporized--and can be ingested.

Best bet--do it outside. Next best--next to an open window, with a fan blowing across the pot. Either way, wear breathing protection.

Lead is poisonous to the human body when ingested. Don't take the chance.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Oh for pete sake...I've been working around lead, lead sulphate, Red lead and other lead compounds all my 63 years (in Dec) and the only deteriation of my brain that I've noticed is that the older I get the dirtier my mind gets. And the less I care that I'm a dirty ol' man...

 

[halvey]

For bullets:
you could use latex gloves or use plated bullets such as Berry's. They are about the same price as lead.

If you load single stage you can decap and tumble in the garage. That's what I do for my rifle cartridges.

If you load progressive; well, I don't worry about it! Just clean up afterwards!

 

[fecmech]

Lead reaches its vapor pressure at about 1100 degrees--a temperature that most lead pots are capable of reaching

.
NOT

Powderman--I think you will find that all the casting furnaces sold (Lyman, RCBS, Lee etc.) are thermostatically controlled and temp limited to about 800deg tops. The only way you will ever get near 1100 deg. is over an open flame and you will have to work at that! Nick

 

[USSR]

Agree. You are not likely to reach the temperature at which lead evaporates using any home-based heating source.

Don

 

[cracked butt]

I think you will find that all the casting furnaces sold (Lyman, RCBS, Lee etc.) are thermostatically controlled and temp limited to about 800deg tops. The only way you will ever get near 1100 deg. is over an open flame and you will have to work at that! Nick

That has been my observation as well.

 

[MNgoldenbear]

A material doesn't have to be boiling to evaporate. (Even solids can gas off, or sublimate -- this is what leads to freezer burn and why that tray of ice cubes you forgot about in the freezer has such small cubes of ice left in it.) It is my understanding that most of the neurological damage caused by lead would occur in young children. Adults should guard against high exposure levels, but it's little ones who are more susceptible to damage. Take sensible precautions and you shouldn't have any problems.