Powder sticking to powder measure

ripper007 · Member Joined: Mar 05, 2006 Posts: 199 Location: Colorado

A while back I was having problems with Powder sticking to the powder measure.

I figured out what was causing it.

I have a RCBS powerder measure just like what Crackshot had for sale.

when I first got my reloading press. I bought it from a guy, a packaged deal with about 5 or six different dies, RCBS single rock chucker. case timer, RCBS powerder measure, and a few other odds and ends and a Hornady reloading book.

when I got it, he had not used it in years. so, it had a little rusting spots on it.
I took it apart, cleaned it and oiled it .

hear that, oiled it.
I thought I had all the oil out of it. evidently there was still a coating of oil that was not visible. even after I had wiped it all down with a clean rag.

I took a rag dipped in soap and water, washed the insides very good. then I took a dry clean rag, and cleaned it till it was dry. just lubed the out side threading and screws. put back to gether and now, the powder flows threw it with no sticking or build up.

thought I would share this information.

I have heard using dryer fresheners , but I think they have to be plain or something, the ones I used just made the powder stick to the powder measure. and had to rewash, dry and clean with plain white paper towels.

clean machines and tools do make a difference.

SwampFox

You might try Carb Cleaner or Starting Fluid (ether). Starting Fluid also cuts carbon on auto guns and will stop a dog in his tracks, before he bites you.
Best,
Ed

Pumpkinslinger

Seems we've had this discussion before... (I think I started it!)

The problem I had was powder sticking to the plastic parts of the measures. This was both a static and chemical reaction problem. I tried swabbing them with soapy water and letting it dry and it seemed to help. I am wondering about using a silicon spray lube that dries to a film but I'm somewhat worried about powder contamination.

PaulS

Silicone is not a good idea but get a soft cloth and soak it in soapy water.
Let it dry by hanging it in the air. When powder starts to stick to the plastic parts wipe them down with the cloth.

Pumpkinslinger

Thanks Paul

ElyBoy

I have that problem sometimes in the summer with the measuring pan on my Lyman Digital Powder Scale.
I never have found a quick way to fix the once in a blue moon problem.
Like what was said, I think that it is static.

Eric

SingleShotLover

The soapy water trick usually helps, but it might also be a product of your air being too dry. I usually have a mild case of powder sticking during the drier winter months, but no problem as the humidity rises in spring and summer. You might try a humidifier in your loading area.

Vince

Why not use the lubricant that the powder manufacturers use on the powder itself....GRAPHITE.

Wipe out the hopper, then a light dusting of graphite will help.

Cheers, Vince

cdw338 · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 06, 2007 Posts: 4

Take one of the fabric softners sheets that your wife puts in the dryer wiith
your clothes and wipe what ever is sticking with it, and no more problem.

skb2706 · Member Joined: Apr 10, 2006 Posts: 269

Used dryer sheets always worked for me and theres no shortage of those at my house.

Bushmaster

Sure wish I could get powder to stick to my powder measure so I could try all these neat ideas to see if they work. I use a Lee Auto Disk and have never washed it out or wiped it out in over 20 years. Nary a bit of powder ever sticks to it or my funnel.

My question is...How do you get powder to stick to your measure?

Pumpkinslinger

Static, humidity and chemical reactions I reckon... The sticking I get is on the plastic parts, not the metal.

By the way, I tried the food grade silicon spray and it didn't seem to help much.

TheBigJonson

If this is a static/humidity problem, you might try grounding the metal on the powder measure or press. BJ

Pumpkinslinger

Yep, but you can't ground the plastic...

TheBigJonson

Hummnn, still seems like that would eliminate static on plastic touching the metal but...anyway, here's something interesting, even though it's not a global solution. BJ

www.buffaloarms.com/br...,3461.html