static and powder

VTR996 · October 4, 2001, 10:37 AM

With cold weather around the corner it seems like there is more static elec.,and with reloading I was wondering if there is a extra caution I should take for a possible ignition or am I just paranoid? My reload bench has a wood top and is metal framed and drawers.

**Mike Irwin** · October 4, 2001, 11:43 AM

Static around powder is never a good thing.

It's more of a concern with black powder, but should be a concern with smokeless, as well.

A humidifier will help keep the static down.

If you have carpet in your loading area, get a can of static guard.

If you really want to take it to the next level, put a grounding jumper on your metal workbench.

Keith J · October 4, 2001, 12:21 PM

Powder measures can be a hazard especially since most use a plastic barrel.

I use dryer sheets to coat the inside of the measure with the anti-static stuff. It keeps static electricity from building and makes the powder flow better.

Most smokeless powders are coated with graphite which aids flow and reduces static electricity by conductivity. This coating is much more uniform that that given to black powder.

October 4, 2001, 10:37 AM	#1
VTR996 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2001 Location: OKLAHOMA Posts: 195	static and powder With cold weather around the corner it seems like there is more static elec.,and with reloading I was wondering if there is a extra caution I should take for a possible ignition or am I just paranoid? My reload bench has a wood top and is metal framed and drawers.

October 4, 2001, 11:43 AM	#2
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,413	Static around powder is never a good thing. It's more of a concern with black powder, but should be a concern with smokeless, as well. A humidifier will help keep the static down. If you have carpet in your loading area, get a can of static guard. If you really want to take it to the next level, put a grounding jumper on your metal workbench. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 4, 2001, 12:21 PM	#3
Keith J Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 469	Powder measures can be a hazard especially since most use a plastic barrel. I use dryer sheets to coat the inside of the measure with the anti-static stuff. It keeps static electricity from building and makes the powder flow better. Most smokeless powders are coated with graphite which aids flow and reduces static electricity by conductivity. This coating is much more uniform that that given to black powder.