How Do I Clean... Powder Measures???

[8200rpm]

I scored a used Hornady Powder Measure off ebay. The rotor seem to turn with a bit of resistance so I disassembled it. As expected, the rotor is smeared with quite a bit of accumulated powder residue. And, I suspect that this is what is causing some of the binding.

So, what should I do to clean the powder residue? And, what should I use to keep it smooth... graphite powder?

 

[Idano]

I recommend cleaning it with Hoppes solvent, however, I have heard of some people using brake fluid. Whatever solvent you clean it with do not get any on the hopper or else it will turn milky white. Once you get it clean you shouldn't need any lubricant; I have one Hornady and two RCBS powder measures and I have never needed to lubricate any of them. My guess is the original packing grease was never cleaned off and is the reason the powder is sticking to the cylinder, but once you clean it up it should be fine.

 

[GCW5]

I'd agree with Idano, probably packing grease. I take my meisure apart after every use and wipe it all off with a clean, dry rag. I would not use any lube on it.

 

[redneck2]

If you do lube, use something dry (graphite, molybdenum, teflon). IIRC, IMR stock powders have some graphite on them.

 

[Walkalong]

Clean with Isopropyl Alchohol. It will also help static.

I like to very carefully lube my Redding 10X measure with Sentry's Tuf-Glide dry lubricant. One SMALL drop on either side at the top of the inside of the opening that the insert moves in. Work it once. Let it dry. (carrier evaporates). I let it dry overnight. It works much better than graphite and lasts much longer as well.

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

I used denatured alcohol above all the other things mentioned for these reasons:

1. Does a good job cleaning and doesn't leave any oily residue behind. That said, if you have a blued steel rotor, a little oil doesn't hurt a thing as long as you wipe it down good after you wipe it on.

2. The denatured alcohol evaporates better than isopropyl alcohol and won't cause any rusting as long as I keep my skin oils and salts off the steel.

3. It's commonly available and cheap.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Walkalong]

I used denatured alcohol above all

I guess it is time to switch.

But I'm sticking with the Tuf-Glide.

 

[DWARREN123]

I would use dish washing deterrgent and dry completely, no lube!

 

[8200rpm]

Thanks for all the tips!!!

I went the denatured alcohol route because I have a lot of it on hand at the moment, and I want to use it up. Rubbed it on with a little steel wool (0000), and now there is no trace of powder on the rotor.

It worked like a charm, and the powder measure is now silky smooth. No lube, just well fitting metal to metal that glides without any binding.

Thanks again!