Static holding powder

ebell46 · August 23, 2011, 09:31 PM

A few days ago I set up to reload a few dozen 30-06 rounds. As I was setting up my powder measure, its an RCBS uniflow if it makes a difference. Anyway, each drop was throwing drastically different amounts of powder, then I noticed powder was getting stuck to the sides of the hopper and drop tube. I measure on a scale each charge anyway so safety was not a factor, it was just a pain having to add powder to each charge. It has been humid the past few weeks and I keep a dehumidifier running in my loading room. Anybody have some tricks for solving this or should I put up with it till the humidity drops?

Jim243 · August 23, 2011, 09:48 PM

Easy, wipe all the plastic (and metal) parts down with a used or new drier fabric sheet (anti-cling), works every time.

Jim

Also put large washers on top of the powder, it gives consistant pressure on the powder and helps uniform each drop till you get half way down and then you need to add more powder.

ebell46 · August 23, 2011, 09:58 PM

Thanks,
I'll have to try the static sheets and the washers. Will a powder baffle interfere with the washers?

Jim243 · August 23, 2011, 10:23 PM

Washers might interfer with the baffle, never used one, just don't let the powder get down that low then it shouldn't be a problem.

Jim

oldreloader · August 23, 2011, 10:29 PM

I buy the cheap dryer sheets and leave one in the hopper when not in use.

FrankenMauser · August 23, 2011, 10:37 PM

Did you thoroughly clean the Uniflow, before you set it up? They come coated in a preservative that does not play well with powder. (I'm assuming it was new. Feel free to tell me I'm an idiot.

)

You'll also have more issues with static when the humidity level is low.

PA-Joe · August 24, 2011, 06:28 AM

You also have to learn how to double tap on the up and down strokes. This will help settle the powder in the measure and make certain that it all falls out and into the case.

ebell46 · August 24, 2011, 12:50 PM

I did clean the hopper and all parts of the powder measure. I also use a consistent motion with the "double tap". It has thrown consistent charges before, it has just been particularly humid in new England this summer. Ill try the dryer sheets next time I load.

dickttx · August 24, 2011, 05:55 PM

What oldreloader said. I keep a new one rolled up inside each of my powder hoppers.
Good tip on the washer. Think I will try that.

August 23, 2011, 09:31 PM	#1
ebell46 Member Join Date: June 4, 2011 Posts: 38	Static holding powder A few days ago I set up to reload a few dozen 30-06 rounds. As I was setting up my powder measure, its an RCBS uniflow if it makes a difference. Anyway, each drop was throwing drastically different amounts of powder, then I noticed powder was getting stuck to the sides of the hopper and drop tube. I measure on a scale each charge anyway so safety was not a factor, it was just a pain having to add powder to each charge. It has been humid the past few weeks and I keep a dehumidifier running in my loading room. Anybody have some tricks for solving this or should I put up with it till the humidity drops?

August 23, 2011, 09:48 PM	#2
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Easy, wipe all the plastic (and metal) parts down with a used or new drier fabric sheet (anti-cling), works every time. Jim Also put large washers on top of the powder, it gives consistant pressure on the powder and helps uniform each drop till you get half way down and then you need to add more powder. __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum Last edited by Jim243; August 23, 2011 at 09:55 PM.

August 23, 2011, 10:23 PM	#4
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Washers might interfer with the baffle, never used one, just don't let the powder get down that low then it shouldn't be a problem. Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

August 23, 2011, 10:37 PM	#6
FrankenMauser Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2008 Location: In the valley above the plain Posts: 13,424	Did you thoroughly clean the Uniflow, before you set it up? They come coated in a preservative that does not play well with powder. (I'm assuming it was new. Feel free to tell me I'm an idiot. ) You'll also have more issues with static when the humidity level is low. __________________ Don't even try it. It's even worse than the internet would lead you to believe.

August 24, 2011, 05:55 PM	#9
dickttx Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2011 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 500	What oldreloader said. I keep a new one rolled up inside each of my powder hoppers. Good tip on the washer. Think I will try that. __________________ Education teaches you the rules, experience teaches you the exceptions (Plagiarized from Claude Clay)

August 23, 2011, 09:58 PM	#3
ebell46 Member Join Date: June 4, 2011 Posts: 38	Thanks, I'll have to try the static sheets and the washers. Will a powder baffle interfere with the washers?

August 23, 2011, 10:29 PM	#5
oldreloader Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 2009 Location: Magnolia, Arkansas Posts: 251	I buy the cheap dryer sheets and leave one in the hopper when not in use.

August 24, 2011, 06:28 AM	#7
PA-Joe Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2010 Location: NEPA Posts: 909	You also have to learn how to double tap on the up and down strokes. This will help settle the powder in the measure and make certain that it all falls out and into the case.

August 24, 2011, 12:50 PM	#8
ebell46 Member Join Date: June 4, 2011 Posts: 38	I did clean the hopper and all parts of the powder measure. I also use a consistent motion with the "double tap". It has thrown consistent charges before, it has just been particularly humid in new England this summer. Ill try the dryer sheets next time I load.