
When you actually sit down and
count up the cost of reloading supplies and equipment, it’s easy to quickly
rack up the charges before you even realize it. That’s not to take away from
the fact that, in the long run, reloading can be cheaper than buying factory;
but it does take some time before you recoup your investment.
It’s one thing to buy the
necessary tools and supplies that you need for reloading, but it’s another to
keep them safe and in proper condition. As with anything of value, if you take
care of it, your reloading equipment will last you several years, even if you
bought the lower priced pieces. Taking care of your equipment is not a
difficult or complicated task, but there are some straightforward guidelines
that you need to follow. In this article, we wanted to discuss how you can
ensure that your reloading
supplies, and equipment, stay in good condition over the long term.
1. Get
a dehumidifier
Humidity is a real killer for reloading supplies.
It can lead to corrosion and rusting which is terrible for ammunition and can
also represent a safety concern. This is even more true if your reloading
equipment and supplies are stored in a building, such as your garage, that
isn’t climate controlled.
You should do everything in your power to keep your
storage space as dry as possible. One effective way to achieve this is by
investing in a dehumidifier. This may seem expensive at first but it can save
you money in the long-run, especially when your ammunition will last longer.
2. Keep
the storage space cool
High temperatures are hazardous for ammunition. You
should never leave your reloading supplies inside the car on a summer’s day.
Also, avoid leaving them in other confined spaces that tend to get hot. Far
safer is to stick to cool rooms that don’t experience large fluctuations in
temperature.
While it is unlikely that the heat will be high
enough to cook off, or set off, your ammunition, the problem comes back to
humidity. You should never store your ammo, guns, or reloading supplies in such
a way that would put them in extreme temperatures, either hot or cold.
3. Always
prioritize safety
Safety is another important consideration,
especially if you have children or pets in your home. Make sure that access to
your reloading supplies is strictly controlled. This will prevent damage to
your equipment as well as accidents.
4.
Always clean your equipment
Proper cleaning techniques are the sure-fire way to
cause your equipment to last for many years to come. You can find some articles
on how to clean your equipment on our blog. However, you should always
reference the user guide that comes with your equipment, especially when it
comes to the disassembly and lubricating of your equipment; your user manual
should trump any other articles you read.
Reloading requires not only an invest of money but
of time. Most reloaders spent countless hours at their work bench cranking away
the rounds. No, your equipment won’t last forever, but by taking the proper
steps to ensure you take care of it, you can get many years out of it before
you have to replace it.
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