Powder Sticking to Measure

[mbruce]

Just to start out -- I did search the forum using the search tool and it returned 100 pages...after 20 mins of scrolling thru I must just flat out ask --

What do you do to reduce the powder from sticking to the powder measure? wipe it down with a dryer sheet -- what scent is best -- spring breeze? j\k on the scent...but is this a problem that you just deal with based on the makeup of the powder or is there a solution that will reduce the amount of powder sticking to the measure?

Thanks!

 

[nplaggie07]

You can use a dryer sheet as you stated. When I get a new measure I like to run a hopper of powder through it to give it a nice coating. It seems to work well for me.

 

[rcmodel]

One of these should do it.
*Used dryer sheet.
*Static-Guard spray from the grocery store laundry aisle.
*Graphite lock lube from the hardware store.

I use the Static-Guard.

But just the other day, I started to get the dreaded static cling in both my aluminum and plastic scale pans.
Static-Guard didn't stop it.

I finally cleaned both pans with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and no further problems.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

I keep some Isopropyl Alcohol in the cabinet above my bench in a small dropper type applicator bottle. It has been a long time since I've used it.

 

[RB98SS]

Seems that some powders are worse than others. I don't know if it's just me but the only powders I seem to have stick in the measure is Power Pistol and to some extent Bullseye. Interesting that they are strikingly similar in texture. No other powder is an issue and I have used at least a dozen others. I have not found a remedy to alleviate the "sticking" at all with PP.

 

[jgh4445]

I found one method that seems to work really well. Wash the hopper with some Dawn or other type dishwashing liquid, DO NOT rinse and then let it dry naturally. I'm using powder measures and funnels I did that to 20 years ago that still have no problem with static clinging.

 

[Jim Watson]

I had some Midway spray mold release that did not work too well on bullet molds, I could not get a thin enough coat. But it will sure kill the static cling on powder funnels, pans, and measures. Turns them black, though; it is mostly graphite.

 

[Walkalong]

I have an old can of that somewhere. You're right, it did not work well for its intended use.

 

[GP100man]

When ya wash em in dawn it just gives the graphite that manufactures apply to the powder something to cling to & it works !!!

 

[GURU1911]

Anti-static problem solver

Gentlemen: This is what i have been doing for many years to deal with this problem. I teach this to all my reloading students:

Static charge in the hopper / power pan on the scale:
1. Clean pan / hopper with gently spray-wipe cleaner. Dry surface with clean paper towel or soft rag.
2. Lightly spray the pan / hopper with a misting of "mother's showtime detailer" or "meguier's ultimate quick detailer" & let it sit for about 30 seconds. Dry with clean soft towel.
3. Repeat step 2 again.
4. If possible, do this before you retire for the night, so the spray coating can "cure" for best results. Problem solved !!!!!

Quick wipe=down after gun handling: Grab that bottle of mother's or meguires & spritz a light mist on the weapon or on a clean cotton rag. Wipe down & buff dry.

No charge for the lesson fellows !!!

 

[788Ham]

I seem to have more problems with extruded powder, static-wise. Never thought about the rubbing alcohol, thanks for the tip guys!!

 

[Seedtick]

Here's what works for me....

I use a used dryer sheet to wipe down the outside of my measures.
Also, I re-charge the dryer sheet with a little shot of Static Guard when I think it needs it.

But I think the thing that helps the most is treating the inside with powdered graphite.
If it has been a day or two since I've used a particular measure I'll give it another dose before I start throwing charges.

I put 3 or 4 tablespoons of graphite in it and turn it over and around until it has covered everything good and then run it through the measure before putting it back into it's container.

Then I go clean up because at this point I have it all over me.

Okay, it's not that bad but there is potential for a mess.

This is what I use -> Finely Powdered Graphite

Since I started using the graphite it doesn't seem to take nearly as long for my charges to settle in. So far I have use this method with Lee, RCBS and Dillon measures.

HTH

Seedtick