Sticky powder

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:05 am Post subject: Sticky powder

I left some powder in the dispenser over the weekend and was reminded of this occasional problem. Seems the powder attacked the plastic and stuck like glue. Had to scrape it off with a spoon. Anyone have any clever solutions for this? (Besides not leaving powder in the measure of course!)

I did call the powder manufacturer who simply confirmed that the nitro in the powder was reacting with the plastic. THis has happened with two different manufacturers' measures.

I've wondered about using a used dryer sheet to wipe the plastic before use or maybe spraying with a silicone spray but obviously I don't want to do anything to contaminate the powder.

What do you think?

Dawgdad · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:23 am Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

Do not keep powder in the measure..... sure way to forget which one you have in there when you have similar looking ball or stick powders.

(Not that I have ever done that and had to toss a half a pound out before Embarassed

)

shrpshtrjoe · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:36 pm Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

Dawgdad wrote:

Do not keep powder in the measure..... sure way to forget which one you have in there when you have similar looking ball or stick powders.

Bin ther done that Embarassed

. I empty the powder hopper after each session as well.
Joe

Handloader · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:12 pm Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

See if your measure will accept a Dillon powder hopper, Pumpkinslinger. Since my tool heads are set up for only one load per caliber, I keep the powder stored in them between reloading sessions and have not encountered a "sticking" problem with either single or double base powder.

Morax · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:25 pm Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

i donno if the "nitro" would attack the aluminum ones but this is also another option you have by replacing the tube with a alum one..

did you look into a "rubber" one, cant think of the plastic name right now, but rcbs uses it for thier funnels,

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:35 pm Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

Thanks for the answers!

I always leave the original powder container directly beside the measure when I have something in it. I've considered (but haven't done it) writing both the powder type and the current charge weight on a "Post-it" note and sticking it on the measure until I'm done.

I thought about replacing the tube but the problem with the PACT dispenser is that the powder is sticking to the dispenser base.

Handloader · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

PACT should be contacted; perhaps, they have encountered the same problem before and have a "fix" for it or other recommendations.

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:33 pm Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

Thanks Handloader, I planned to call them today. I'll pass on anything they tell me.

Vince · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

Gidday Punkin...been there done that.

I have a Redding Powder Hopper and it did the same. I have to agree quite strongly with DawgDad...empty it out each time back into its factory container....best way to store your powder.

Cheers, Vince

gelandangan · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 12:40 am Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

can try to use baker's paper to line the container..

get some when the wifey not lookin.. Hiding

SingleShotLover · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:47 am Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

One trick I heard of many years ago was to wipe the inside and all contact surfaces with a dish soap solution and allow it to air dry. This not only reduces the static "cling" and build-up, but offers short term protection if you really have to leave powder in the hopper for a short while.

Morax · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:59 am Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

i was sitting here and a thought hit me, when i find out who threw it i will return the favor...

why couldnt you use something like ceramicoat and paint the thing? it would give a good hard smooth finish to where nothing would stick wouldnt it?

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:31 am Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

Called PACT. They basically said "yep, it can do that..." Paint was mentioned as a possibility but they couldn't suggest a type.

I'm not storing the powder in the measure/dispenser, I'm talking about leaving overnight, or even a few hours.

I'll try the dish soap idea and I really like the ceramicoat paint idea! I looked at Midway's site and Cerama-Coat can't be used on plastics. However KG Gun Kote can be applied to plastics and also comes in white and light colors, which I thought would be helpful in seeing that it was clean.

Thanks for all the input! See why folks love this site!

Morax · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:01 am Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

ok ceramicote wont do plastic, hows about that krylon rattle-can specailly made for plastic? suppose to bond at a molecular level or something (gawd i hate rattle cans)

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject: Re: Sticky powder

Morax, I'll check that out too. Whatever I decide to try will be tested first by painting a spot and, after it's good and dry, dumping some powder on it for a few days.