Powder handling question

[imakmst]

Hey, I'm new to reloading and recently got some Bullseye for .45 ACP, after trying HP38. The HP38 is easy to work with right out of the container but the Bullseye container is tall and thin and hard to reach with my Lee Powder measure. I could use some advice on how to best handle powders. Do I transfer to another container/bowl/dish or what?

I use Lee measures and weigh every charge on a RBCS 505 balance.

Thanks.

 

[Harrison]

Get a powder thrower, it is quicker and more accurate. The RCBS Uniflow is not that expensive, will last a lifetime and accurate.

 

[Skip Sackett]

You can do as you have said. What kind of equipment are you reloading on? Do you have a press or are you using one of the hand tools?

On a press, I would suggest using some kind of volumetric powder measure rather than the "dippers". There are those that are former Chemists too and they use the dippers and weight each charge as well.

That system, while the best at providing consistency in weight is not needed for handgun ammo. I know, some old habits are hard to die. Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy is drilled into the chemist's mind. It just seems prudent to only use it when needed, like developing a load.

Think of this: Once you open your can of powder, you have only one sample to work with, the powder in your can. From top to bottom, it should be mixed well enough to give consistent charges by using the volumetric measuring system. What I mean is this: If 1cc of your Bullseye weighs XXgr then that is what it will weigh for that entire can. Say your charge is 5.0gr and that is XXcc then it will always be XXcc. Now, the next can you buy very well may be of a different lot and now it is XX.5cc = 5.0gr. OK, all you have to do is readjust your powder measure to give you that weight and it will throw 5.0gr +/- .1gr all day long.

Now, unless you have a rock solid grip and shooting technique, similar to a Ransom Rest, you will NEVER see the .1gr difference in your target nor across the chronograph, period.

If it were me, I would look into a Lyman #55 and here is the reason. They work. They are infinitely adjustable without having to change any parts. They can be adjusted to accurately dispense the toughest of metering powders. They are relatively inexpensive.

I hope this helps.

 

[max]

When I first started loading I was using Bullseye and a Lee dipper. I just poured some powder into an empty plastic margarine container.

 

[nicky4968]

FWIW, after 40 years I still use the dippers. And I still weigh each charge. You won't grow horns or go blind. However, if you're looking for production of 100s or even 1000's of bullets at a session, you have to go with one of the mechanical measuring devices. If you're happy to put out 100-150 in an afternoon while listening to the radio, the dippers work well.

 

[Steve C]

When I use dippers, usually when loading a few rifle cartridges and weighing each charge, I pour the powder into a plastic cup or other shallow plastic container that allows for easy dipping.

 

[Cobroller]

Go to the kitchen wares at a large grocery store and get a funnel with a larger opening (on both ends) than your powder funnels. Much easier to get the powder back in your bullseye style canisters.
I also use a heavier container for any dipping, helps prevent spills.

 

[oldman45]

If I may ask from those here that are in the know:

Will static electricity effect powder? Should a person ground themselves before handling powder?

 

[nicky4968]

Will static electricity set powder off? I don't know. However, when using plastic dippers, funnels, bowls, etc., it does become a problem with everything sticking to something else.
Lee offers the solution of dipping the offending parts into clean, cold, soapy dishwater, then allowing the parts to air dry. Works for me.

 

[jbouwens]

When I do my important rifle rounds I sit down with the scale, powder in a fat-bottomed coffee cup, funnel, and lee dipper. Been doing that for lotsa years. It takes time but I expect sub 1/2" groups at 100 yards and this method works for that.

 

[Harrison]

If I may ask from those here that are in the know:

Will static electricity effect powder? Should a person ground themselves before handling powder?

So far a causing it to burn or explode. Smokeless powder, no.

Blackpowder, maybe, to yes. You don't want static electircity sparks when reloading black powder.

 

[H Richard]

The RCBS powder measure is very accurate and lasts several lifetimes. For pistol rounds I adjust the measure and verify up to 10 rounds, then just "throw" the loads. I've been loading 3.8 gr. 231 in 9mm lately, and I may weigh every 100th or so and every one is dead on. For rifle loads, I insist on less than 1/2 minute or better accuracy, so I throw the load into the scale pan then trickle the last couple tenth's for exact loading. I get rewarded at the range when they all go in the same hole.

 

[Bruce51]

static electricity

Here's a link to some information regarding powders and electricity.
I saved this from a previous post.


Static Electricity and Black Powder

Bruce

 

[PDL]

After a couple of light loads out of a powder measure, I now use the measure to fill the scale pan for each round. I've had several powder drops with more than a .1 gr difference.

If I'd only weighed 1 in 10 or 1 in 5 I'd have missed those occasional problems.

Doesn't take much more time to put the powder onto the scale for each round. It's certainly faster than using dippers.

If I were using dippers, I think I'd transfer the powder to an intermediate container. Less chance of spilling or contaminating the whole orriginal container.

 

[oldRoger]

The powder measure is simply an automated dipper. Both are volume measuring devices. The advantages of the powder measure are adjustability, speed, and repeatability. If you are using Bullseye or AA 5, you more than likely will not have the right sized dipper. Many of us made simple dippers from .22lr cases to get the right size dipper for Bullseye in.38 spl 148 gr HBWC.
Far more skill is needed to repeatedly measure powder with a dipper. You should be scooping from a fairly large open top container, I like a simple square top quart refrig. container. Some powder makes what a cook would call a heaping measure, you have to consider whether you want to level (strike-off) the dipper.
All of this is done for you in a powder measure.
Powders vary a lot in consistency using volume measurement systems, basically some pour like liquid and others like a handful of rocks.
With a good measure, some little technique, and a flowable powder, you can make very repeatable charges.

 

[imakmst]

Wow, lotsa good info. I like the plastic square freezer box for getting out qtys of powder for use. And I do have a odler Lyman 55 powder thrower. I haven't taken the time to "calibrate" it yet. Sat morning I loaded 200 rds of .38 spl with the dippers and didn't think it too bad. But maybe it's time to get out that #55. I suppose you calibrate those things with the scale until you get a consistent throw?

 

[cowart]

But maybe it's time to get out that #55. I suppose you calibrate those things with the scale until you get a consistent throw?

Here's a big time saver - to calibrate the measure, throw TEN charges into the scale pan, and weigh that. Divide the result by 10 to get the average charge.

 

[Timber251]

Just a couple of thoughts. First, static electricity can set off powder. In gun school, (CST) it was given as the reason why there isn't an "original black powder plant" still in existence. Secondly, powder can absorb moisture. In high humidity, I would avoid leave powder in an open container/bowl any longer that necessary to complete your loading. The absorbed moisture will add to your charge weight which may make you think a heavier charge is safe. The trouble can occur when you use that same charge during a low humidity day.