Power Pistol powder

[H Richard]

Just an FYI, I had been working on some tests with Power Pistol and a 9mm. I was interrupted by having a back surgery so I didn't get down to my loading room for a couple months. I had left about 2" of powder in my RCBS powder measure, and when I decide to put it back in the proper container, I find it has etched itself into the plastic of the powder measure. The granules were actually attached into the plastic! I had to take a brass brush and scrub the powder out and it has left a uneven surface in the plastic where it had been. I have been using this measure fo rover 30 years and have left numerous kinds of powder in it for periods at least as long without ever having anything like this.

So, if you are using Power Pistol, don't leave it in your powder measure.

[buckshotshorty]

I have heard of that happening with other double base powders as well. I never leave my powder measure full longer than a day or two, if I'm planning back-to-back loading days. Otherwise it gets emptied after my session is done.

[semperfi71]

I too have heard of various powders either darkening the plastic of the container or etching it. I always empty it after every session.

However I am now using Lee powder measures to throw powder charges. Just as accurate and easier/quicker to use.

[Rule3]

I usually do not leave powder in my powder measure but thanks for the heads up. I just started using PP and like it a lot.

If the PP made by Alliant messed up your RCBS Powder Measure ( Uniflow?) The are both under tha ATK umbrella and I would contact RCBS and ask them to replace the powder hopper.

The plastic drop tubes on mine got old and cracked and they sent me new ones in a a few days.

[SWP357]

Nitro Glycerin, I think I've read that Power Pistol it is high in content?

[Titegroups]

Another reason not to leave powder in your measure.

[TAROMAN]

Many years ago I had the same (or similar) happen. What powder, I don't remember, but ever since it gets emptied promptly.
Some of these powders have a pretty strong ether smell and my guess is that volatile compounds like that attack the plastic.

[TheTinMan]

I haven't had any problems with mine except blowing over when it was windy. A sturdy tripod is a must.

The software is simple (antique?) and dumps data into a format you can read into Excel very easily. That way I "copy" and "paste special" -> "transpose" so the data is in vertical columns. Also allows me to label each string of shots. Sure it could be better, but it works (at least in Windows XP).

Don't forget to take notes on what each string is while you're shooting (don't ask why I mention this either). Also, remember to clear all data from the unit after uploading to your computer.

Putting bright tape on one pair of sunscreen supports about 1/2 way up is a common trick to help get the height right and avoid shooting the supports. Aligning a chronograph right takes a little time and patience. Having a helper is a big plus.

Finally, get several 9 volt batteries and always have at least one spare. There's even a compartment in the CED unit for a spare battery. It eats batteries, and getting to the range only to find out the battery is dead sucks.

[David Sinko]

I use Power Pistol quite frequently for heavy .45 ACP and 9mm revolver loads but I always weigh every charge and never use a powder measure. I have heard that Power Pistol is just Bullseye that is cut a different way. So if Power Pistol will attack your powder measure, will Bullseye do the same? Bullseye has been around a lot longer, sees far more use and is more apt to be left unattended in a powder measure.

The only powders I let set in my measures for extended periods of time are Clays, 231 and 700X. I have not known any of these to attack the plastic.

Dave Sinko

[Goldstar225]

I had that happen several years ago with 231. I screwed up and didn't empty the hopper as was and is my standard practice.

[ColColt]

An old practice of mine like others, empty the hopper and clean the drum after use. I have an ancient DU-O-Measure(Ohaus) that's still looking nearly new after 30+ years and accurate as ever.

[rck281]

I had the exact same problem with Power Pistol after 3 or 4 days. I contacted Alliant Powder who already was aware of the problem. Don't you think they could put a warning on the bottle. I called RCBS to order a replacement plastic hopper and I believe they replaced it at no charge. I like to monitor the powder level in the measure when I reload.