Reloading in an Apt?

[theriddler]

Im going to start reloading and will be living in an apt. Not sure if ill have a garage yet or not. Is it possible to reload inside? Or is that a terrible idea?

Could open windows for air circulation i suppose

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

You do not want air circulation when you reload. Any slight draft will upset your readings of your scale. If you are making your own bullets like casting lead then you need good air circulation. However most match bullets have a lead core but are encased inside a copper jacket. Lead exposure from inhalation would be very rare with handling match bullets. Not sure why reloading in an apartment would be bad. Just be safe.

 

[desertHK]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

I do my reloading indoor. It is firing a weapon indoor that you have to be careful with proper ventilation

 

[nwsnowbum]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

I think one of the big issues of reloading in an apartment is going to be noise if you are above someone. Mainly your tumbler. As long as you are careful not to bang your press when you are operating it.

When I was in an apartment, the walls were so thin you literally felt like you were a part of the conversation when the neighbors were speaking.

You also want to make sure there are no provisions in your lease that prevents you from storing powder and primers.

 

[rusty815]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Get a nice stable platform and you should be fine. I'm just starting to reload and I live in an apartment, just make sure the windows are closed and you are very safe with the materials, but that applies no matter what.

 

[theriddler]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Oh ok thanks for the input. Ill check out my lease agreement. appreciate the advice

 

[markc.mcconnell]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

I live in an apartment and havent ever had a problem. My press is mounted to a kitchen island that is on wheels and purchased from walmart. I am not sure how to load a picture of it.

 

[opshin556]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcmcconnell</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I live in an apartment and havent ever had a problem. My press is mounted to a kitchen island that is on wheels and purchased from walmart. I am not sure how to load a picture of it.</div></div>

to load a photo on the hide:

easiest way is open photobucket account, upload photos to photobucket, click in last drop down window of photo you uploaded to photobucket, paste on the hide.

good luck!

 

[markc.mcconnell]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Thanks for the help on uploading photos.

 

[markc.mcconnell]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

This is my reloading setup. Powders and primers are stored in a seperate steel container.

 

[EMorr]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

I was recently in the same boat when I started reloading about a year ago living in an apartment; I came to the conclusion that the risk is no worse than owning a firearm when living in apartment.

I have heard of instances where a firearm owner had ND’s or AD’s while in their apartments and when the apartment company found out about the incident they were evicted. I don’t know if these stories are true or just internet rumor but none the less they are a reason to exercise extreme caution.

There are also stories of people having primer tubes and trays igniting while reloading although they are rare, a primer ignition can be as loud as a fire arm discharging and if you are very unlucky and an entire tray went up I would be worried about it setting off the fire suppression system. Either if these things were to happen they would alert others to your activities and may come with consequences from your apartment management.

All of this being said I think as long as you are careful you should be just fine, I have reloaded close to 2000 rounds and have not had a single issue yet. Stay safe and have fun.

 

[Holding High]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Be able to hide everything when your not there.

 

[Mike Sobr]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

A small roll-top desk makes a great place to keep your reloading supplies set-up like scale and tricklers etc. and you can close the top in a hurry and hide everything without having to tear everything down and box it all up.
A small 30 inch roll-top can often be found on Craigs List for cheap and doesn't take up much space in an apartment.
The press can be c-clamped quickly to a solid surface like kitchen counter or Sinclair sells a portable press stand if you need portability.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Apartments have one big problem, nosy neighbors and landlords.

I spent the first decade or so of my handloading experience while living in apartments. I never handloaded in my apartment.

Instead, I put my entire setup into the hospitable basement of a very good friend, and we shared the time and equipment within an environment of complete trust.

Over time, others joined us and these became the core of the Marine Corps League shooting program in NJ.

Think outside the box (or in this case, outside the apartment).

If I had not taken this simple step, I would very probably still been a closet handloading geek, with no shooting friends, and no wealth of knowledge to share here.

Greg

 

[JimGnitecki]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

My wife and I live full-time in an RV of 250 square foot size.

Reloading is no issue at all, provided you think about where you are going to store something before buying it!

A good reloading setup need not be either large nor obvious to visitors, if there is a place to put everything when you are not using it.

Jim G

 

[doc76251]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

I'm with Greg as far as the first years of experience loading in an apartment, but I did load there.

I found it VERY helpful to put my bench/table on top of 4 phone books to deaden the noise of the "thunk - thunk" of the reloading press. The phone book was also handy for the vibratory tumbler which I still use.

Don't load over carpet if you can avoid it. While improbable it is possible to light off powder inside a vacuum cleaner and you will spill powder eventually.

IF you ever touch off a primer(s) they smell just like an M-80 which is easier to talk your way out of rather than explaining how safe reloading is after you've just had an oops.

The only time I ever drew any attention was after I got a squirrel cage type brass separator. There is no other sound like all that brass rolling around inside the cage and it's LOUD.

mcmconnel: I have the same cart sitting out in the garage and wish I had it back when. Seeing your picture just gave me a great idea for my portable bench Thanks!

One last tip. Mount your press to a steel plate and then put T-nuts into the surface of whatever you are using as a bench. That way you can remove the press quickly and "poof" you now have a usable surface again. Beats the hell out of answering the "What's that?" question every time someone comes over.

Cheers,

Doc

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

I'd place my vibrator atop several layers of soft foam, and cover all with a blanket. Attenuates sound transmission.

In a real pinch, pick each individual case out of the vibrator and pour the media back into the bowl. Slower, but it's genuinely quiet. Obviously, doing 500 cases at a time isn't as practical in some situations.

Greg

 

[theriddler]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Thanks for all the input guys. My friends parents own a farm right outside of town. I'll see if he wants to go together on it and possibly put it out there.

Thanks again

 

[Timo Turl]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Check your local fire code. In NYC you are not allowed to reload in apartment buildings nor own powders. This is a fire code provision which I am sure the Mayor is more than happy with.

 

[1idCat]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Before I had a house, I reloaded on my kitchen table. My press was bolted to a 2x6 that reached across the table and was held down by C clamps on each side. Quick setup and take down, and stored in a closet when not in use.

 

[Olivers_AR]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Consider getting brass that is tumbled or find a friend to support brass tumbling. That will cut down on most of the noise and dust.

Like that portable bench posted, make sure that you know your primer and powder limits, buy/build a fire resistant storage box.

 

[JimGnitecki]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'd place my vibrator atop several layers of soft foam, and cover all with a blanket. Attenuates sound transmission.

In a real pinch, pick each individual case out of the vibrator and pour the media back into the bowl. Slower, but it's genuinely quiet. Obviously, doing 500 cases at a time isn't as practical in some situations.

Greg </div></div>

That'll cause the tumbler motor to overheat due to lack of cooling air circulation!

Jim G

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

Jim; I never tried it, was just wingin' a suggestion. Of course; you're right. I should be more careful with my suggestions.

Greg

 

[theriddler]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

If the tumbling is too loud i may just end up buying clean brass or paying someone to clean some for me.

As far as the bench goes i might just start working on plans to build one when i get home.. As far as building one goes what do you all suggest for a top? like how thick, special material?

 

[Brandon05_88]

Re: Reloading in an Apt?

For the tumbler, place a folded towel or blanket under an upside down plastic milk crate. It allows ventilation under the tumbler yet dampens the vibrations. I do ammo in 50 or 100 round batches. I just pull the brass out of the tumbler 3, 4 or 5 pieces at a time.

I've lived in an apartment for 2 years, and my dining room = reloading/gun room. I made a 2'x4' bench for the press with 1 6" shelf above it. I use book cases to hold nearly everything else. After all the annual safety inspections, seasonal AC/heat filter and smoke alarm battery changes, nothing has been said. I keep everything organized and clean.

For my bench, I made the legs and sub-structure out of pine 2x4s. The top is a glued edge pine plank 2'x4'. The shelf was made out of a 1"x6" pine board. I stained it to match my living room furniture. For the press, I placed 2"x2"x1/8" angle iron on both sides of the 2x4 under the top. A 6"x6"x1/8" plate sits on top. The plate is bolted to the angle underneath both front and rear. Press mounts through the plate and angle also. It doesn't flex. Just make sure the bench is heavy enough to keep from tipping over while FL sizing large brass.