Different color containers for Pistol/Shotgun Powder

Some of those Hodgdon containers look nearly identical.

If you're concerned, separate handgun powders from rifle powders with colored electrical tape as a visual reminder.

I like to keep powder in their original container.

Normally, I just read the labels. Part of reloading is double checking everything, and being sure of what is going into what case...

One hint; write the load down on a stickie note. Stick the note on the powder measure. Get out the powder and read the label. Check with the note, correct powder? Keep the powder bottle on the bench, the only powder on the bench, and glance at it occasionally, between charges.

I've just always put powder back into its original container, as well as read and tried to fully understand just exactly what I was doing.

And, without exception it has worked quite well.

The Dot powders all look to similar. Powders should have names not numbers,Unique, Bullseye etc.

How about the old CLAYS which one??

The main reason they are black, is to block sun light.

Use the original containers and don't remove the labels. Sorting them by pistol, rifle and shotgun powders is pointless, as it doesn't prevent an over-pressure load. Mistaking H4198 for H4350, and loading it into a 30-06 is going to destroy a gun just as easily as putting Tightgroup in there.

Just read the label. And then read it again. Maybe even a 3rd time when pouring it into the powder measure.

I suppose if your less observant, careless as it may be, something like that could help prevent a catastrophic event. But personally, I think as reloaders we should be certain and deliberate about the powder we intend to use, and thus reach for.

GS

Always check the label before starting and have only one bottle on the bench at one time. Something we've heard a thousand times but IMO it can never be said enough.

Also, a little trick I learned. Always have the bottle sitting right next to your dispenser and your eyes will naturally go right to it everytime you start dispensing powder. Sounds stupid but try it and I'll bet you do the same thing.

The solution to a problem that doesn't exist. There are many, many things in reloading that you have to be careful about, and using the correct powder is one of them.

Don

I think the idea is nice, but might only further complicate things. Color coding is great for some things, but probably too simplistic for reloading.. I agree with keeping powders in the right container, reading the labels, and only having one powder out at a time.

What happens when you have multiple containers of pistol powder or multiple containers of rifle powder? Now, you would need a different color for each powder and remember which is which (let's see, is H44895 in a chartreuse or terra cotta container ).

It just takes an instance to read the label and that is what it is there for.

I will agree, the manufacturers could do a better job in a few instances of making the labels easier to read and decipher, but that does not absolve the reloader of double and triple checking that he is using the correct powder.

I usually return the powder to the original container. The only exception is when I plan to load the same thing in the morning.

I've noticed that some companies (Accurate Arms, IMR among others) pick a unique color scheme for every different powder. However, the old methods of writing down the load you're using, double checking the label, one powder on the bench at a time, and keeping powders in the original container seems to work pretty well.

I will agree, the manufacturers could do a better job in a few instances of making the labels easier to read and decipher, but that does not absolve the reloader of double and triple checking that he is using the correct powder.

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Couldn,t have said it better....

Yep, I understand and it is a good idea, but, for some folks it don't matter. On a manufacturer's level they are selling as much as they can produce now and mebbe wouldn't want to change over containers or labels...

I would only thee the original container, that way I know what is in there at all times...

Store the containers away from the loading bench and only bring out the one you are using to the bench. When finished return to storage area.with all others. Works for me!

I only load pistol, and have only one powder on hand that seems to work for all of them.
Unique.
But I have seen how many manufacturers use numbers, and I think names would be better. But again, paying attention goes a long way.

You are subscribing to the Bigger Idiot theory.
You cannot stupid-proof everything, and reloading is not for idjits.
Darwin had it right many years ago...these days we just keep denying it, and keep trying to idiot-proof everything. As a result, we end up with bigger idiots...and more lawyers/lawsuits, and higher prices on everything..

The Dot powders all look to similar.

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Yeah, those green pellets look a lot like the red pellets, which look a lot like the blue pellets.
If you are color blind...

While we're at it, we could color code shotgun shells by gauge.