Anyone else get headaches when reloading?

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.41 magnum man

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Seems like everytime I mess with the powder I get a head ache. Isn't nitro used in the powder? I know nitroglycerin pills make the top of your head feel like it is coming off. Maybe the stuff is going in through the skin?

I just realized today the connection between the headhaces and the reloading. I am going to start using some nylon gloves while reloading to see if that helps. I am not giving up reloading. IT IS TOO MUCH FUN! Oooh, my head.
 
You are correct it is a known issue - notice double-base powder has more.

You are correct it is a known issue - notice double-base powder is the one to most avoid. You may, or may not, find Ball or spherical powders less annoying. Most people are unaffected but as with lead poisoning and other hazards a check with your physician is well advised.

The early double based powders such as Bullseye (from DuPont at the earliest time then when DuPont hit antitrust Hercules and so it goes) and many others now lost were more likely to affect people and to interact with plastics in powder measures and such - a sure sign that something was happening from contact whatever it might have been. This is not a knock on Bullseye which I have used for many thousand loads.

Ball and its twin spherical were developed to be more stable, and are, and so can be taken to be less inclined to interact with the environment.

For an extended discussion - which itself may have been overtaken by time - see Phil Sharpe on reloading complete with pictures of Angel Buggies. Personally I'm leery of sparking brushes, including some fans, in a gun powder environment, just as I'm reluctant to vacuum powder and primers - ventilation is a necessity but must be carefully done. I've lost only one acquaintance in a powder flare - let's be careful out there.
 
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It's the nitro in double based powder.

Old time 'powder monkeys' had chronic headaches from breathing the fumes from exploded dynamite. (That's why many were drunks, to ease the pain.)

However, it's breathing the vapors that introduces the chemicals into the blood stream - although I suppose one could get some by actually touching the powder. In my loading proceedure, I don't handle much powder, but I can breath the vapors from time to time.

If you use double based powders - and they are very effective - you might consider setting up an exhaust fan in a window so the vapors are vented outside. The other option is to limit your time with the powder. Go outside and breath some fresh air regularly.
 
I've never noticed any headaches...

But, then again, I don't handle any powder...

How are you handling powder enough to be affected by any nitro in it?

There are certainly a lot of ways that you can get too much lead when reloading, and handling fired cases and tumbler media that is dirty are certainly two of them... The lead from the primer residue is certainly not particularly good for you.

Many powders have relatively volatile vapors given off from chemicals used in the manufacturing process. Breathing in these gases does affect some people. Personally, I really like the ether smell of new powders :)...

Trying gloves is certainly a good idea in an attempt to isolate the problem

Good luck...

Forrest
 
No. No headaches here. I never touch the powder and never snort the vapors. When I reload, the powder is either tightly sealed in the original cannister, or in the covered hopper on top of the Lee turret. When the powder drops into the case, it is covered immediately with a bullet. There are usually a few bits of powder loose around the shell holder, but I am pretty careful to keep moisture and contaminants away from the powder (and that means that I keep the powder away from them... and me!).

I, frankly, am not even sure what it smells like!

That said, allergies are peculiar things. It doesn't take much exposure to a chemical to train your body to react to it. For those with problems, I'd advise ventilation that pulls vapors away from you and out of the space that you are reloading in. (and/or a mask that prevents you from breathing those vapors).
 
I avoid touching the powder and keep any powder I have out limited to a small container. I re-close the main containers, mostly out of fear of fire or spilling the thing.

Try gloves and a mask.
 
No headaches here, either. Try an oscillating fan. Also, my reloading technique does not require me to touch powder.
 
+1 on the fan! Allthough mine is not an oscillator. Most handgun propellants are double based regardless of being spherical (ball), or extruded flake. The most common exceptions are from IMR. Is it possible that you're overstressing a bit? I use a plain box fan. I turn it off when weighing powder charges, but other than that, it's on all of the time. I use double based handgun powders pretty much exclusively. I don't remeber any headache issues. That's not to say I don't believe there isn't a potential, but it's been 25 years since I started reloading. Somehow, I can see the initial tension from concentration being a factor in developing headaches. In any case, try a fan.;)
 
Fan in the window, oscillating fan...And just how do you expect my beam scale and electronic scale to hold still for that...If it is the vapors and probably is (who handles the powder anyway...I don't). You would need a mask with organic vapor canisters on it. You might even scare the neighbors when you go outside to dump something. I have a better idea...Take two asprins before starting to reload and call me in the morning...:D

No headache here...:D
 
I have had many folks mention the fan on low and at your back and a window open. I think if you don't have it real close it will be ok.

Handling lead can upset some.
Many things can give you a headache though, might be some tension in you that you are not aware, also.

Good luck in your quest, could be something you eat, having MSG in it also like chips and dip.:what:
 
BM: since you know how to turn the fan on, you probably know how to turn it off while you're weighing charges. Or, did you miss that part?;)
 
Thanks for the info. I guess breathing the fumes would be my problem more than skin exposure. I noticed there have been few grains on the bench sometimes that I lay my arm on, but as for handling the powder, I actually don't. At least not on purpose. Good to be informed that there is a connection between powder and headaches. I will be sure to have better air flow in the shop when loading.
 
how can nitroglycerine cause headaches? it's a vascodialator and is givin orally to heart patients.
 
No problems, and I am pretty sensitive to fumes. I don't handle powder and It is cooped up in the measure or in its cannister 99% of the time.
 
I hate it when I'm wrong....
Here.
Infrequent exposure to high doses of nitroglycerin can cause severe headaches known as "NG head". These headaches can be severe enough to incapacitate some people; however, humans develop a tolerance and dependence to nitroglycerin after long-term exposure.


here's a fun fact:
A recent medical development will include a small amount of nitroglycerin in the tip of a new Durex condom to stimulate erection during intercourse. "The CSD500 condom contains a chemical in its teat, called glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), which is absorbed by the skin and causes blood vessels to dilate." According to anecdotal evidence, Nitroglycerin patches have also found use as treatment for the bite of the Brown recluse spider, which has a vasoconstricting venom. However, research has suggested that nitroglycerin has negligible benefits and might even increase inflammation of the bite wound.
 
Most nitroglycerin transfer from powder will be through skin contact. Nitro is fairly easy to absorb through the skin, which is why nitroglycerin patches can be used for certain heart problems. If there are any solvents being used at the same time, that could increase the rate of absorbtion if the two get together.

Nitroglycerin relaxes the blood vessels (a vasodilator), as does alcohol. Chemicals like nicotine, on the other hand, tighten the blood vessels (as a vasoconstrictor).

One of the causes of hangovers is the body attempting to overcome the decrease in vascular tension, resulting in swings in blood pressure and a "throbbing" headache.

Since powders are typically granular and contain added graphite to aid in flow, inhaling powder is not very easy. Sneezing and coughing would be more of a problem than headaches, unless the powder has turned to dust.

It is probably a good idea to keep the fan off, however.
 
Having used dynamite I can tell you you can get these headaches either by handling it or breathing it. It will be one of the worst headaches you have ever experienced. For me pain killers did not even touch it but after about an hour it would ware off. Have reloaded for over 35 years and never got enough nitroglycerin from smokeless powder to give even the slightest headache. If it is the powder affecting you talk to your doctor about it maybe he can give you some ideas on what to do to limit your exposure.

Joe
 
Have you noticed a difference in headaches with various types of powder? The IMR rifle powders for example seem to be much more solid and less apt to drift around, whereas powders such as unique are flakey and have some dust associated with them.
 
Nitroglycerin is not volatile and you shouldnt be creating that much dust, if you are its an explosion hazzard.
How old are you?, Do you wear glasses? Are you near sighted or have an astigmatism??
Starting to get that I need to take my glasses off to see stuff close up syndrome like me?

I am 46 and I wear glasses, I find I need to take them off when I do things up close, and this is especially true of long reloading sessions, If I don't, I get a headache from the eyestrain.
Do you reload in a basemnet near a heater? could be carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
 
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You don't by chance have a fluorescent shop light hanging over your reloading area? They can also cause headaches.
 
CZ57...Won't work as I WEIGH every powder charge I drop in a case. That's every powder charge...I would wear the switch out in a couple of days...
 
You may also be sensitive to the remaining solvent in the powder.
Acetone and naphtha are two common solvents used to work with nitrocellulose, and produce the typical stink when you smell a can.
Improved ventilation (without a fan) should take care of the problem.
 
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