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.