How Long Can Powder Sit in the Hopper?

[OregonJohnny]

Due to a very busy work and holiday schedule over the last few months, I haven't been able to find any time to reload.

My RCBS Uniflow powder measure is about half-full with Unique from the last time I was reloading, approximately 3 to 4 months ago (maybe more, I can't remember). The plastic lid has been on the powder measure the whole time, and my bench is in the garage, with temps between 40-65 degrees. Of course, this is Northwest Oregon, with a cool, rainy climate (approx. 80% humidity).

I'm wondering if this batch of powder is ok to use again, or if I should "bite the bullet" and throw it out. I guess it's only about $5 or so worth of Unique, but it seems like a waist. Plus, I would like to know, just for future reference.

How long can smokeless powder sit in these conditions and still be safe to use?

Thanks!

 

[PapaG]

Years ago, handguns editor of Shooting Times Charles A. "Skeeter" Skelton, told the story of how he had loaded up some "stout" loads for a friend. I believe they were 44 specials but could have been 357s as Skeeter loved both. Anyway, the friend tried to shoot a range bull that was down and needed to be killed. The rounds went "poop" and bounced off the skull on point blank distance. Skeeter went back and checked his measure, which he admitted had been left with the powder in it for quite some time prior to cooking up the loads. When he dumped the powder he found lots of it adhering, actually melted into the plastic reservoir. He surmised, and I agree, that the chemical reaction between the powder and the plastic caused degradation of the powder.
I concur as we have also found that with certain powders, they do etch and adhere to the reservoir.
My practice, for thirty or more years now, is to empty the measure at the end of each loading session and not leave powder in it. I think, but can't verify, that the nitroglycerine double based powders are the worst. All three of my measures are somewhat "etched" on the inside.
I'd advise against leaving powder in a plastic or poly reservoir for extended periods.

 

[PapaG]

Oh, yeah. Skelton did mention in his article that some friends often asked him for more of those "Skelton cowkiller loads."

 

[OregonJohnny]

PapaG,

Thank you for the info. I figured it wasn't wise, I just wanted to make sure. I'll definitely make it my practice to empty the measure after each reloading session, from now on.

Good thing Unique is plentiful around here, as well as inexpensive. I just hope I haven't ruined my powder measure.

 

[rfwobbly]

Powder CAN sit in the hopper about 4000 years. Upon entering King Tut's tomb they discovered what seemed to be some ancient Unique in his RCBS Limestone Chucker.


However, all powder should be poured back into the can when you finish each reloading session simply for pure safety.

 

[W.E.G.]

all powder should be poured back into the can when you finish each reloading session simply for pure safety.

+1

I have witnessed mishaps that I am sure are a product of the loader/shooter failing to follow this critical safety rule. If a reloader cannot, or will not follow this rule, he should stick with factory ammo.

When the guy blew up his first M1, we chalked it up to bad luck.

When the guy blew up his SECOND M1, we confiscated his ammo, and discovered it to contain BOTH stick and ball powder.

A man who won't empty his powder measure before he retires for the night is an accident waiting to happen.

 

[MarkDozier]

i almost disagee with " man when he retires" except when I know I am coming back the next evening to do more. But I don't leave poweder in the measure for more then a couple of days.
I also don't leave powder in the measure any longer than that so I don't make cowkiller's myself.
As long as your podwer is kept in the jar and properly sealed it should fine.

 

[Historian]

I recently replaced the hopper on my RCBS because Power Pistol had etched it so badly. RCBS recommends that you empty the hopper after each session. Amazing what you can learn by reading the instructions.

Historian

 

[steelslide]

Always empty your measure after each use to prevent the interaction of plastic and chemicals in the powder. Always store powder in a cool DRY location. 80% humidity is NOT good.
Keep all powder in its original container and do not mix powders of any type.
If stored properly powder will last a long time.

 

[buck460XVR]

I recently replaced the hopper on my RCBS because Power Pistol had etched it so badly. RCBS recommends that you empty the hopper after each session. Amazing what you can learn by reading the instructions.

Historian

I was using Lil' Gun one night to load handgun ammo and ran outta time. Put a cloth over the hopper to make sure it didn't get light and went back to reloading the next day. When I finished, I emptied the remaining Lil' Gun and found it had etched my hopper in a matter of one day.

 

[Walkalong]

it had etched my hopper in a matter of one day.

High Nitro content.

As buck460XVR & others have posted, empty it when you are done.

 

[Crashbox]

Yep, leaving powder inside the hopper beyond your loading session is bad news in more ways than one. I found that TiteGroup left an "orange peel" finish in the hopper when I left it for more than one day...

 

[Win1892]

I'll leave W231 or TrailBoss in the hopper on my progressive for a week or so, but I mark the hopper with the contents. These are the only two powders that see action in my Dillon.

My other powder measures, that see use with my single stage presses, are dumped when I am done with the loading session. I use around 25 different powders with these measures and that creates a safety concern.

 

[Walkalong]

TiteGroup left an "orange peel" finish in the hopper

Another high Nitro content power. They are the worst offenders.

 

[OregonJohnny]

So I got home today and promptly emptied the old Unique from the powder measure and threw the powder out. I thoroughly screwed the measuring screw in and out, charged the handle dozens of times, and wiped/blew out the inside of the hopper. Everything seems to be working fine.

I noticed that the months of Unique sitting in there has left the lower portion of the hopper very faintly etched. All I read in the RCBS instructions regarding this was this excerpt:

"Powder should not be left in the measure, as it will deteriorate and may clog and jam the measuring cylinder and etch the powder hopper."

But it also says the powder hopper should not be removed from the main casting. So even if I wanted to replace the plastic hopper, I can't. I would have to replace the entire ($80) powder measure. Is this necessary? Will a slightly etched hopper effect basic reloading?

 

[Walkalong]

Won't hurt a thing, but I am surprised it cannot be replaced. Are you sure?

 

[Stephen A. Camp]

Hello, OregonJohnny. My RCBS powder measure has the familiar green plastic hopper. Though I have never left powder in it when not reloading, it is the same one I've used for decades. It is "etched". So far, I have observed no problems at all in using it.

Best to you and yours.

 

[Seedtick]

Originally posted by OregonJohnny
But it also says the powder hopper should not be removed from the main casting. So even if I wanted to replace the plastic hopper, I can't. I would have to replace the entire ($80) powder measure. Is this necessary? Will a slightly etched hopper effect basic reloading?

Johnny,
While reaching up to the top of the shelves on my bench to get a can of powder I leaned into my Uniflow.

When I sat back down I noticed that my Uni looked like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. CRAP! :banghead:
I tried to straighten it up and it came off in my hand. CRAP! again. :banghead:

I cleaned everything up good and started trying to put it back together.
Long story short...no problem.
I didn't notice any glue residue or anything and it was a tight enough fit that I had to use a soft faced hammer to peck it back in. I've had it out a time or two since and no problems. It takes a few taps around the top to break it loose and it still has to be driven back in. Life is good.

NOW, yours may crumble and or explode into a million pieces if you just lay a rubber mallet within 12 inches of it, as they say YMMV. I am just sharing my limited experience with you.

Good luck.

Seedtick

 

[rfwobbly]

The hopper can be replaced. It is simply tightly fit into the casting and doesn't like to come out unless forced. If they don't get etched from leaving powder in them, then they turn gray from cycling powder through them.

You need to reload more and worry less.

 

[ironhead7544]

Powder left out will go bad as it absorbs moisture from the air. I have a quick detach for my RCBS powder measure that makes it easier to dump.

 

[shooter_from_show-me]

Years ago, handguns editor of Shooting Times Charles A. "Skeeter" Skelton, told the story of how he had loaded up some "stout" loads for a friend. I believe they were 44 specials but could have been 357s as Skeeter loved both. Anyway, the friend tried to shoot a range bull that was down and needed to be killed. The rounds went "poop" and bounced off the skull on point blank distance. Skeeter went back and checked his measure, which he admitted had been left with the powder in it for quite some time prior to cooking up the loads. When he dumped the powder he found lots of it adhering, actually melted into the plastic reservoir. He surmised, and I agree, that the chemical reaction between the powder and the plastic caused degradation of the powder.
I concur as we have also found that with certain powders, they do etch and adhere to the reservoir.
My practice, for thirty or more years now, is to empty the measure at the end of each loading session and not leave powder in it. I think, but can't verify, that the nitroglycerine double based powders are the worst. All three of my measures are somewhat "etched" on the inside.
I'd advise against leaving powder in a plastic or poly reservoir for extended periods.

When I set up my RCBS Pro 2000, I do remember reading in the powder measurer booklet that "they" RCBS strongly discourages leaving powder in the dispenser for said reason.

 

[medalguy]

I load in batches sometimes taking several days to load a large batch. I write the caliber, powder, and charge on masking tape and put this on the side of the powder measure. If there's a significant amount of powder left after a day's session, and I know I'll be loading the next day, I leave it in the hopper. When finished for several days or more, I empty the measure. I've never had a problem and my measure is still pretty clear. The graphite does leave a bit of gray tinting to the plastic column.

 

[greyling22]

I've got 1 turret press set up for 357 only, hopper clearly labeled with the powder inside and the amount being thrown. I let it sit for 18 months one time during a spell when I couldn't shoot much and already had a bunch loaded up. It still worked when I got back to that caliber. Your results may vary, and it probably is best for put it back in the jug when you're done, but I wouldn't worry overmuch if it sits out a couple months. But since you're in a high humidity environment, load a couple and try them out. worst case scenario you load a couple squibs you have to knock out with a screwdriver. I would not dump it back in the canister now.

 

[rfwobbly]

I have a quick detach for my RCBS powder measure that makes it easier to dump.

I have a quick detach too. It's called gravity.

 

[CHALK22]

That is one of the many reason I like my Lee Turret press, I can detach the plate, and dump the powder back into the container. I am still fairly new to reloading (about a year and a half exp) and I just don't want to make myself a kaboom moment. I also found that one of my powder funnels fits perfectly on the top of my powder hopper so that I can pour it back into the container. Makes emptying powder a breeze.