[.41 magnum man]

Seems like everytime I mess with the powder I get a head ache. Isn't nitro used in the powder? I know nitroglycerin pills make the top of your head feel like it is coming off. Maybe the stuff is going in through the skin?

I just realized today the connection between the headhaces and the reloading. I am going to start using some nylon gloves while reloading to see if that helps. I am not giving up reloading. IT IS TOO MUCH FUN! Oooh, my head.

[RexDart]

I get headaches from the fumes of Hoppes No. 9, but never powder. :confused:

[ClarkEMyers]

You are correct it is a known issue - notice double-base powder is the one to most avoid. You may, or may not, find Ball or spherical powders less annoying. Most people are unaffected but as with lead poisoning and other hazards a check with your physician is well advised.

The early double based powders such as Bullseye (from DuPont at the earliest time then when DuPont hit antitrust Hercules and so it goes) and many others now lost were more likely to affect people and to interact with plastics in powder measures and such - a sure sign that something was happening from contact whatever it might have been. This is not a knock on Bullseye which I have used for many thousand loads.

Ball and its twin spherical were developed to be more stable, and are, and so can be taken to be less inclined to interact with the environment.

For an extended discussion - which itself may have been overtaken by time - see Phil Sharpe on reloading complete with pictures of Angel Buggies. Personally I'm leery of sparking brushes, including some fans, in a gun powder environment, just as I'm reluctant to vacuum powder and primers - ventilation is a necessity but must be carefully done. I've lost only one acquaintance in a powder flare - let's be careful out there.

[Archie]

It's the nitro in double based powder.

Old time 'powder monkeys' had chronic headaches from breathing the fumes from exploded dynamite. (That's why many were drunks, to ease the pain.)

However, it's breathing the vapors that introduces the chemicals into the blood stream - although I suppose one could get some by actually touching the powder. In my loading proceedure, I don't handle much powder, but I can breath the vapors from time to time.

If you use double based powders - and they are very effective - you might consider setting up an exhaust fan in a window so the vapors are vented outside. The other option is to limit your time with the powder. Go outside and breath some fresh air regularly.

[ftierson]

I've never noticed any headaches...

But, then again, I don't handle any powder...

How are you handling powder enough to be affected by any nitro in it?

There are certainly a lot of ways that you can get too much lead when reloading, and handling fired cases and tumbler media that is dirty are certainly two of them... The lead from the primer residue is certainly not particularly good for you.

Many powders have relatively volatile vapors given off from chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Breathing in these gases does affect some people. Personally, I really like the ether smell of new powders :)...

Trying gloves is certainly a good idea in an attempt to isolate the problem

Good luck...

Forrest

[rdhood]

No. No headaches here. I never touch the powder and never snort the vapors. When I reload, the powder is either tightly sealed in the original cannister, or in the covered hopper on top of the Lee turret. When the powder drops into the case, it is covered immediately with a bullet. There are usually a few bits of powder loose around the shell holder, but I am pretty careful to keep moisture and contaminants away from the powder (and that means that I keep the powder away from them... and me!).

I, frankly, am not even sure what it smells like!

That said, allergies are peculiar things. It doesn't take much exposure to a chemical to train your body to react to it. For those with problems, I'd advise ventilation that pulls vapors away from you and out of the space that you are reloading in. (and/or a mask that prevents you from breathing those vapors).

[Cosmoline]

I avoid touching the powder and keep any powder I have out limited to a small container. I re-close the main containers, mostly out of fear of fire or spilling the thing.

Try gloves and a mask.

[strat81]

No headaches here, either. Try an oscillating fan. Also, my reloading technique does not require me to touch powder.

[CZ57]

+1 on the fan! Allthough mine is not an oscillator. Most handgun propellants are double based regardless of being spherical (ball), or extruded flake. The most common exceptions are from IMR. Is it possible that you're overstressing a bit? I use a plain box fan. I turn it off when weighing powder charges, but other than that, it's on all of the time. I use double based handgun powders pretty much exclusively. I don't remeber any headache issues. That's not to say I don't believe there isn't a potential, but it's been 25 years since I started reloading. Somehow, I can see the initial tension from concentration being a factor in developing headaches. In any case, try a fan.;)

[The Bushmaster]

Fan in the window, oscillating fan...And just how do you expect my beam scale and electronic scale to hold still for that...If it is the vapors and probably is (who handles the powder anyway...I don't). You would need a mask with organic vapor canisters on it. You might even scare the neighbors when you go outside to dump something. I have a better idea...Take two asprins before starting to reload and call me in the morning...:D

No headache here...:D

[Harley Quinn]

I have had many folks mention the fan on low and at your back and a window open. I think if you don't have it real close it will be ok.

Handling lead can upset some.
Many things can give you a headache though, might be some tension in you that you are not aware, also.

Good luck in your quest, could be something you eat, having MSG in it also like chips and dip.:what:

[CZ57]

BM: since you know how to turn the fan on, you probably know how to turn it off while you're weighing charges. Or, did you miss that part?;)

[.41 magnum man]

Thanks for the info. I guess breathing the fumes would be my problem more than skin exposure. I noticed there have been few grains on the bench sometimes that I lay my arm on, but as for handling the powder, I actually don't. At least not on purpose. Good to be informed that there is a connection between powder and headaches. I will be sure to have better air flow in the shop when loading.

[davinci]

how can nitroglycerine cause headaches? it's a vascodialator and is givin orally to heart patients.

[Walkalong]

No problems, and I am pretty sensitive to fumes. I don't handle powder and It is cooped up in the measure or in its cannister 99% of the time.

[davinci]

I hate it when I'm wrong....
Here.
Infrequent exposure to high doses of nitroglycerin can cause severe headaches known as "NG head". These headaches can be severe enough to incapacitate some people; however, humans develop a tolerance and dependence to nitroglycerin after long-term exposure.


here's a fun fact:
A recent medical development will include a small amount of nitroglycerin in the tip of a new Durex condom to stimulate erection during intercourse. "The CSD500 condom contains a chemical in its teat, called glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), which is absorbed by the skin and causes blood vessels to dilate." According to anecdotal evidence, Nitroglycerin patches have also found use as treatment for the bite of the Brown recluse spider, which has a vasoconstricting venom. However, research has suggested that nitroglycerin has negligible benefits and might even increase inflammation of the bite wound.

[Mark_from_Iowa]

Most nitroglycerin transfer from powder will be through skin contact. Nitro is fairly easy to absorb through the skin, which is why nitroglycerin patches can be used for certain heart problems. If there are any solvents being used at the same time, that could increase the rate of absorbtion if the two get together.

Nitroglycerin relaxes the blood vessels (a vasodilator), as does alcohol. Chemicals like nicotine, on the other hand, tighten the blood vessels (as a vasoconstrictor).

One of the causes of hangovers is the body attempting to overcome the decrease in vascular tension, resulting in swings in blood pressure and a "throbbing" headache.

Since powders are typically granular and contain added graphite to aid in flow, inhaling powder is not very easy. Sneezing and coughing would be more of a problem than headaches, unless the powder has turned to dust.

It is probably a good idea to keep the fan off, however.

[jrumsey]

Having used dynamite I can tell you you can get these headaches either by handling it or breathing it. It will be one of the worst headaches you have ever experienced. For me pain killers did not even touch it but after about an hour it would ware off. Have reloaded for over 35 years and never got enough nitroglycerin from smokeless powder to give even the slightest headache. If it is the powder affecting you talk to your doctor about it maybe he can give you some ideas on what to do to limit your exposure.

Joe

[Cosmoline]

Have you noticed a difference in headaches with various types of powder? The IMR rifle powders for example seem to be much more solid and less apt to drift around, whereas powders such as unique are flakey and have some dust associated with them.

[Master Blaster]

Nitroglycerin is not volatile and you shouldnt be creating that much dust, if you are its an explosion hazzard.
How old are you?, Do you wear glasses? Are you near sighted or have an astigmatism??
Starting to get that I need to take my glasses off to see stuff close up syndrome like me?

I am 46 and I wear glasses, I find I need to take them off when I do things up close, and this is especially true of long reloading sessions, If I don't, I get a headache from the eyestrain.
Do you reload in a basemnet near a heater? could be carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.

[Eagle103]

You don't by chance have a fluorescent shop light hanging over your reloading area? They can also cause headaches.

[The Bushmaster]

CZ57...Won't work as I WEIGH every powder charge I drop in a case. That's every powder charge...I would wear the switch out in a couple of days...

[Otto]

Take some aspirin.

[brickeyee]

You may also be sensitive to the remaining solvent in the powder.
Acetone and naphtha are two common solvents used to work with nitrocellulose, and produce the typical stink when you smell a can.
Improved ventilation (without a fan) should take care of the problem.

[carnaby]

How can you tell if the powder you are using is "double base"?

[mc223]

I agree with Eagle103 on the lighting as a more likely cause of the headaches. Just hang around your load bench without any powder exposure and see if you get an ache. Reading load manuals and such in too much or poor lighting could certainly be a problem.

[Rock_Steady]

Give yourself a little self-medication. If it really is related to the nitro, have a dip of snuff while you're reloading. :D The nicotine is a vasoconstrictor and should balance out the nitro. ;)

[.41 magnum man]

Well, I am pretty sure it isn't the lighting. I do my reloading in my taxidermy shop, and I have been working in that same light for 7 years with no problems. It only started when I began reloading. I noticed that in the last three times at the loading bench I got a headache, migraines at that.

Rock Steady, I had thought that very thing! I quit dipping over a year ago when I had a granuloma tumor taken off my tongue, and I figure I'll just stay that way. I guess I could smoke, but that probably wouldn't be a good idea while reloading!

[DBR]

Regarding the possible adsorption/ inhalation of nitrates - don't take Viagra within 24hrs if exposed- could cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Half sarcastic/ half real.

Ether is also a common solvent in smokeless powder. It smells good but can cause a headache.

Isn't reloading an interesting hobby?

Nitrile disposable 5 mil gloves are the most effective and economical solution to contact exposure. They also work for those allergic to latex.

[Master Blaster]

What kind of reloading equipment are you using?

Single stage? progressive?
Are you using a powder measure on a press or as a stand alone with a single stage?
My bet is on eye strain as the cause of your headaches, but if it is the nitroglycerin, you would also suffer a drop in blood pressure.

[Ol` Joe]

This is a known hazard. Alliant warns as to it on their lasbels.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d149/1Savage/DSC00836.jpg

[The Bushmaster]

Ain't that sumthin'...Right there in front of us all alone...Still don't get headaches and my blood pressure is still at 120/70 (last physical)

[.41 magnum man]

I went down this morning and deprimed about 50 cases and reprimed them. Fooled around with some other stuff in the shop for a while. Then I got out the powder and reloaded about 18 shells, and what do you know: Cracked vision which is classic sign of migraine coming on. Someone asked what equipment I am using. Lee Classic turret and a set of scales. And, of course, Alliant powder, like Ol' Joe shows above. I never even read the back of my can. "Causes severe headaches." How about that.

[R.W.Dale]

Gettin headaches when reloading................. Stop buying Lee equipment:neener:

[.41 magnum man]

Ha! krochus, just what equipment do you suggest I buy to stop these headaches?

Now, if it your suggestion is more expensive, then that will give me a terrible headache! :D

[The Bushmaster]

Having to have a press for each calibre is what would give me a headache. I like the RED kool-ade...

[bakert]

Agree with jrumsey about the headaches with dynamite, as a young man I worked one year for a company digging new sewage lines. Loading the holes with dynamite, tamping it and hooking the wiring to the blasting caps. Each day I worked with it I had terrible headaches. In all my years as a reloader the only headaches I've had was a few of the dumb mistakes when I first started. Luckily nothing ever serious, just aggravating.

[Master Blaster]

the nitroglycerin in the powder isnt volatile, and if you are handling it correctly (hint not with your bare hands, and why would you touch the powder, if you are pouring it into a powder measure?) you are not touching it with your bare skin. Are you snorting it? throwing some over your shoulder for luck??.

Are you using lee dippers to measure, and spilling some on your hands???

You could try some Vitvouri Oi powders, they are expensive but are all single base with no nitro glycerin IIRC.

[brickeyee]

"You could try some Vitvouri Oi powders, they are expensive but are all single base with no nitro glycerin IIRC."

The 500 series of 'high energy' are double base.

[wolfe28]

Okay, allow me to be overly technical for a little bit; after all, I did get my masters from a department that focuses on cardiovascular physiology.

Anyway, the reason that you get headaches from powder (probably the fumes, you would have to stick powder in your mouth to absorbe enough nitroglycerin to give the above effect;Under no circumstances should this ever be done!) is because nitroglycerine degrades rapidly into nitrous oxide (NO) in the blood stream. NO is a very powerfull vasodilator that effects the smooth muscle of the vasculature, causing them to relax, and therefor, expand. This is a great thing if you are having a heart attack, but it gives you a serious headach because it also dilates the vessels of the brain.

Asprin is a member of the class of drugs known as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflamatory drugs). These drugs lower swelling, and also thin the blood, slowing the clotting reaction. If you get a headach from reloading, and then take asprin, you will probably make the headach worse, not better.

My $0.02 would be the increase in ventilation that others have mentioned, and some tylenol for the pain, if necessary.

D

p.s. I can provide overly boring and hard to understand chemical reactions for how all of this happens if you would like, but that sounds way to much like work for right now.:)

[brickeyee]

wolfe28,
Agreed. I would still vote for the residual solvents for the reasons you have stated.

[.41 magnum man]

Wolfe28, thanks for that informative information! I have been opening my window and leaving the door open, and it seems to help. I can't take tylenol. Bad interaction with other meds I take. But thanks for that. And thanks to everyone for all inputs. I learned some stuff. :)

[Khornet]

......hold 'er right there, pardner. In my practice, medicines are always near the top of the list of suspects when problems develop. Since so few people get headaches from gunpowder, I'd check and see whether any of your meds render you more susceptible. Just a thought.

[BigO01]

How are you charging the cases and handling the powder ? Are you using the Lee dippers and perhaps touching the powder at times when reloading rifle rounds ?

If you are loading pistols I suggest getting the Lee ProAuto disk measure and the powder stays contained in the hopper and then in the case as you charge it .

I would think if the fumes from powder is the cause , a lenghty session at the range would also result in a headache from powder fumes .

Could you perhaps be new and are stressed about the safety factor of reloading ?

[wolfe28]

An interaction between the medication and the fumes could very well be the cause of the headaches. When I posted the info above, I was operating on the assumption that there are no pre-existing pathologies (heart conditions, or anything else requiring the use of medication to alter heart rate or blood pressure). An interaction with the fumes could easily increase the action of some of those drugs. It is kind of the same thing as why you should never mix pain medication and alcohol, you get the multiplyer effect.

The other reason I sight the fumes as the cause (instead of contact with the powder) is because of the rout of administration. Nitroglycerine will pass through the skin, but at a fairly slow rate (nitro patches are often worn by people with heart conditions as a preventative measure). If someone is having a heart attack, they put the nitro pill under their tongue. From there, the nitro is absorbed directly into the blood stream. If you inhale the vapors, the nitro will go directly into the blood stream as well, absorbed through the lining of the lungs (many ALS drugs are often administered through a controlled air way, to get them into the blood stream and heart very quickly).

Anyway, if you are getting a headach when reloading, espically if you are on some sort of blood pressure or heart med, talk to your doctor ASAP to make sure there isn't an interaction going on that could put you more at risk.

Thanks again KHornet, your keeping me honest.
D

[.41 magnum man]

Thanks for the heads up Khornet and Wolfe28,

I definately see a connection with the powder, and I see that the meds could play a role in that.
It evidently is fume related, because I have had better air flow into the area lately and haven't been bothered by headaches during the last couple times.

I will ask my doctor what he thinks about the situation. A shame I might have to give it up and I just was really getting into it. I am having to cut out a lot of things in my life lately due to health problems. *sigh* I wonder what will be next. :(

[Cato the Younger]

I then started using Nitrile gloves, and the problem has gone away- I believe it was caused by exposure to powder on my skin.

[Ranger J]

The only problems I have experienced while reloading have manifested themselves in a lower region.:)

RJ

[Rottweiler]

Eagle may be on to the real cause there

[jmorris]

Only when I think about how much the price of the components has gone up.

[jeepmor]

You might try leaving the cap off (or loose) on a bottle of powder in a well ventilated area and see if the issue goes away. Once that residual solvent outgasses, your problem may go away.

I'm on board with the others in that your meds are making you much more sensitive. Ventilation is everything here.

As for BM, you weigh EVERY charge, man you're dedicated. Do you load any pistols? Pistol takes long enough on a single stage, weighing every charge would more than double that again. I throw 10 charges and weigh. My uniflow is usually only off by about 0.1 to 0.2 grains in 10 charges with nice metering ball and flake powders.

[2RCO]

I get headaches from using the spray Remoil.

[Ala Dan]

I handload to get rid of headaches associated with high blood pressure. :cool: