Static and Bullseye

[jaybrown]

I was loading some rounds with bullseye yesterday and noticed some static on the inside of my powder measure. The bullseye flakes were sticking to the sides. The day before I was using accurate No. 5 and had no problems with static. Has anyone had this experience with Bullseye or is it just the shape of the bullseye flakes? Thanks. Jay

 

[deadin]

Common problem with small grain "flake" powder. Try washing your plastic funnel and/or powder hopper in a gentle dishwashing detergent. (and drying well )

Dean

 

[Ol` Joe]

Static can be fought by washing as posted above. Wipeing the funnel and measure hopper with a drier sheet will also help. I do both when I find it is starting to be a problem.

 

[jaybrown]

The first set of rounds that I ever loaded was with this pound of bullseye. It did the same thing the first time but worse. So I took my measure and washed it again and whiped everything with a bounce fabric sheet. I used some Accurate No. 5 a couple days ago and no static. Then I put that bullseye back in there last night and the static was back. I think this will be my last pound of bullseye anyway. The No. 5 metered better and no static. Do you know if Unique is a ball or flake type powder. Ive heard that Unique measures really well and is better than Bullseye. Is that true?

 

[deadin]

Unique is also a flake powder, but much larger flakes that don't seem to be bothered as much by static.
It depends on your measure on how well it meters. The flakes are big enough that some measures will try to "cut" the flakes and can be a PITA. Measures with small drums (Lyman 55's, etc.) seem to be more affected than those with large drums (RCBS, etc.)
As to whether Unique is "better" than Bullseye? I personally like Unique but it is dirty when compared to Bullseye. (Leaves a lot of crud in the barrel and chamber).
I've used it for years in my .45 ACP, but recently have started using 231. I use Bullseye, but the main thing I don't like about it is that with small charges (1.5 to 2.0 grs.
in a 32 Wadgun) it is real easy to miss an overcharge while inspecting the load before seating. (It is economical, though )
As for jaybrown's static problem, (you must live in a really dry area) I don't know what to suggest other than wipe down before every loading session or, as he is doing, change powders.

Dean

 

[Ol` Joe]

One thing I`ve found to help is to use Dawn dish soap and simply rinse and air dry, don`t wipe the hopper dry. The light film from the soap I think helps keep it down. I keep a old drier sheet around for touch up when it appears the powder is getting a bit sticky. The humidity does make a difference. I get more problems in the winter when the dry is dry from the cold & forced air then in the summer.