Anybody reload out in a shed?

I haven't seen anyone mention the cold. I have an RCBS Chargemaster, which dispenses and weighs powder charges. The instructions say not to let it get cold, as that will damage the load cell in the powder scale. If you use a balance beam scale, that will not be a problem.

Yes, beam scale (Redding oil damped or RCBS eddy current damped) hot or cold no difference: simplicity and always accurate.

My chargemaster 1500 doesn't work consistantly under 60 degrees, or when the temperature is fluctuating
When I load in the garage, I turn the heat or a/c before I start so the temp stabilizes. Other than that, the only issue here in North Csrolina is humidity as stated previously. Other units might work differently but that is how mine works.

I use my garage for all my reloading and here in Wichita Kansas we get humid weather and verying temps of -5 to 105. I had some minor rust problems but sprayed Baracade on my press and dies and any other equipment. Haven't had problem since. My garage is heated in winter set it at 40 degrees and keeps everything fine. when working out there in winter and this is when I do most of my reloading then and spring. Keep all ammo in military ammo cans and plastic ammo cans as well. Primers and are in ammo cans. I make sure to trun on Hornady Loc n load powder measure on for at least 30 min to an hour before using. Baracade works well. Spray on every spring good to go. I turn on heat up to 65-70 when in the garage working in winter so Hornady powder dropper is good and warmed up I turn it on for an hour before using it.

I load in my garage, heated but not air conditioned, rare I have loaded precision rds on hand, but do store blasting ammo out here. I do not keep powder out here, but do store 1K primer packs.
I think if you had climate control, air and heat, a free standing shed would be perfect. But keep your cell phone nearby, because now your wife will just call you from the house. Because we will judge you based on how well you do with that, lol

I have my setup in my 14 x 14 shed. Insulated. Small window air for summer space heater for winter. But most valuable is dehumidifier. Drains through the floor. It's been in place for 20 years. 3 years ago I resided it and put Rmax panels taped off all seams. Under the siding. Zero wind can get in. Huge difference in efficiency. It stays at a very low humid 72 year round. I love it

bsaoneshot said:

Been reloading in a shed for years and garages before that. My shed is insulated with heat and a/c. I live in the dry climate of Wyoming, but have temp fluctuations from -30 to 105. I don't leave the heat or a/c on in it, just when in use. I have not had any issues with powder or primers. I shoot long range with several guns, 28 Nosler, 300 win mag, 243 win, 260 rem, 300 Wby, and others. My rounds stay consistent with my shooting app. That being said, I would worry only about humidity depending on where you live for all your components.

Click to expand...

We also live in "dry" Wyoming.....well sometimes dry! We live in the Big Horn River bottom, morning humidities generally run from 80% to 95%, and then as the daytime temperatures rise.....the humidity drops. When have a diversion dam immediately upstream from us, so the river remains open all winter....dumping a lot of humidity into the atmosphere. When the temperature is at or below zero with 90+% humidity.....it's a little bitter! This would be a real challenge in a shed, not very well sealed, and without a dehumidifier! We also enjoy the temperatures you mentioned. So, we get a "double whammy"..... fluctuating temperatures and humidity! memtb

memtb said:

We also live in "dry" Wyoming.....well sometimes dry! We live in the Big Horn River bottom, morning humidities generally run from 80% to 95%, and then as the daytime temperatures rise.....the humidity drops. When have a diversion dam immediately upstream from us, so the river remains open all winter....dumping a lot of humidity into the atmosphere. When the temperature is at or below zero with 90+% humidity.....it's a little bitter! This would be a real challenge in a shed, not very well sealed, and without a dehumidifier! We also enjoy the temperatures you mentioned. So, we get a "double whammy"..... fluctuating temperatures and humidity! memtb

Click to expand...

You could build a shed to any specs needed, they do not have to be just for lawn mowers, lol

Started in a 12X12 shed in 85 worked out great just keep an eye on everything for rust or leaks

If you live in the south, the humidity will be a major problem. Humidifier and A/C can do the job. You do not have to crank the A/C way down - just enough to keep it within reasonable component limits. For added peace of mind, only take out the powder and primers you are going to use from the house. Adds a measure of safety as well with only one powder.

I have found concrete floors to be my worst enemy as far as moisture. 2 years ago finally built a room in the barn. Everything insulated including the floor. Put vinyl flooring down as well for easy cleaning and added a set of old kitchen cabinets for storage. Installed a mini split HVAC system for temp and humidity. About 2K in the project and now have a nice work area after 25+ years of sheds and garages.

Tank308 said:

I have my setup in my 14 x 14 shed. Insulated. Small window air for summer space heater for winter. But most valuable is dehumidifier. Drains through the floor. It's been in place for 20 years. 3 years ago I resided it and put Rmax panels taped off all seams. Under the siding. Zero wind can get in. Huge difference in efficiency. It stays at a very low humid 72 year round. I love it

Click to expand...

They use a dehumidifier in collecting water and filtering it and make drinking water out of thin air much like the Israeli army does. If you are a survivalist this will work on solar power.

I have a small room (about 6x8) in side my metal shop, the shop is uninsulated but the little room is insulated. It gets hot in the summer, in the winter I use an electric oil fill radiator style heater. I set it were it stays about 40 and turn it up when I'm working in there. I do not keep my books, powders or primers in there as I feel the temp. changes are too much and I do not have a dehumidifier in it. Have not had any problems with any stuff. I am in the process of making a better room so I can have every thing in one place. I will have a dehumidifier in it and have it all did right before I finish it and move into it. It's a little of a pain right now but I'd rather be able to do my reloading as is and take my time and make my new room right and not have a new mess.

I've still got and use powder my dad had when he loaded out of the shed. Temp fluctuations were probably the same as now here in Wv . Once in a while he'd have a little rust on the arm of the press but not very often. Keep everything well lubed and stored properly and you should be fine. I am fortunate enough our house had 5 bedrooms and we only utilize 4 on a regular basis . So my guns and reloading equipment has its own room . I'd really like though to knock out a wall and expand another 12 ft in length. Ya know a gun and reloading room 12x 24 would be sweeeet!!!!