Question on best method for changing powder in my measure

[ballman6711]

Hi all, I currently use w231 and h110 powders for all my loads. Each powder has its own measure with a piece of tape to label what it is. I purchased some vv320 to try but don't want to purchase a third powder measure at this time. I have researched how to switch powders using one measure, and most are of the opinion to just dump the powder back into the original container, cycle the handle until nothing comes out, and wipe things down a bit before pouring the new/different powder into the measure.

Wondering what you all think and how you swap powders using the same measure.

Thanks!

chris

 

[bihj]

The method described in your post works well for me.

 

[whughett]

Works for me. And as I don’t observe any static cling of powder kernels I don’t disassemble or wipe down any thing.

 

[doubleh]

That's the way I've done since I started reloading back in the prehistoric years and it's always worked for me. I've never found any powder clinging so I don't bother to wipe anything down. I do keep the measure completely covered when not in use. My lovely wife sat down at her sewing machine and made covers for all my bench equipment when I first started reloading and the covers are still good today. If I'm not reloading the covers are in place.

 

[ATLDave]

Pretty similar approach here. I'll usually dump, cycle, then take the measure off the press one more time and tap it at various angles to try to make sure there's not a hidden pocket of powder somewhere in the mechanism. Might get a few extra flakes/granules that way. Might tear down and clean the measure once a year or so.

 

[whughett]

Just a thought, your not leaving the powder in the hopper are you. Safety dictates returning powder to its original container after each loading session. Some powders can cause the plastic to deteriorate with prolong storage.

 

[George P]

Dump and if there's a few grains left use the canned air to blow the hopper empty

 

[ATLDave]

Safety dictates returning powder to its original container after each loading session. Some powders can cause the plastic to deteriorate with prolong storage.

And some powder hoppers and powders get along just fine. I leave my 650 with a Lee AutoDrum dispenser loaded full time with whatever my USPSA load for the year is. In 2018 it was VV N320. Last year it was HS-6. The powder only ever got "emptied" out the bottom.

 

[whughett]

Guess I’m just old school.

 

[MutinousDoug]

Modern rifle and pistol powder is not UV stabilized. If you load in the dark or dim light, you wont have much to worry about regarding UV degradation although double based powder is less stable than single based.

 

[Jonesy814]

Why would you not put it back in the air tight, moisture resistant container it came in when not in use?

 

[Bugster]

I use the Lee Perfect Powder Measure, by turning the hopper to the right it is open, to the left it is closed. I only have one powder canister out at a time. When I finish a loading session I close the hopper and use a spent case and throw charges and dump them back in the canister. When it stops throwing powder I take the hopper off and dump it back in the canister. Haven't had any problems with static so I don't wipe it out.

 

[ballman6711]

Thanks for the replies!

The hopper was empty, but had some h110 clinging inside on the metal, none on the plastic. Took it all apart and found quite a bit clinging to the metal. Wiped it out real well and put it back together. Will try the n320 later today and see how it goes.

Thanks again.

chris

 

[Jonesy814]

I store a was of used dryer sheets in my powder hopper. No static cling!

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Used dryer sheets do help. This time of year is bad for static.
I use an artists paint brush to reach down in there to knock the powder loose.
Don't wipe the graphite out of there, it helps keep your measure consistant.

 

[frankmako]

dump the powder out and blow out the powder hopper. i don't keep powder in the hopper. it goes back into the can when i am done. dryer sheets work well for static. do not wipe out the graphite.

 

[deadeye dick]

I use the Lee Perfect Powder Measure, by turning the hopper to the right it is open, to the left it is closed. I only have one powder canister out at a time. When I finish a loading session I close the hopper and use a spent case and throw charges and dump them back in the canister. When it stops throwing powder I take the hopper off and dump it back in the canister. Haven't had any problems with static so I don't wipe it out.

I couldn't say it better. I have the same setup as you. I don't close the hopper when I dump so all the powder in the disk comes out also

 

[375supermag]

Pretty similar approach here. I'll usually dump, cycle, then take the measure off the press one more time and tap it at various angles to try to make sure there's not a hidden pocket of powder somewhere in the mechanism. Might get a few extra flakes/granules that way. Might tear down and clean the measure once a year or so.

This is the way...

 

[lightman]

I take the powder measure off of the stand or off of the die and dump it out. Then I'll turn it back right side up and cycle it a few times. I have a dedicated cheap-o hardware store plastic funnel on my loading bench for doing this.

 

[Whiterook808]

I bought some cheap paint brushes as the hardware store to help along those stubborn kernels that don't want to leave the hopper. They also work for cleaning out my presses.