Author Topic: Plastic powder measures (Read 449 times)

Rum River · « **on:** April 25, 2005, 04:13:38 AM »

Was re-reading some of Skeeter's old stories. Came across one where he felt that Unique powder left in a plastic measure had reacted with the plastic and degraded the powder. I believe the incident occurred in the 60's or 70's.

I haven't heard of this happening in more recent times, has the type of plastic used in modern measures been changed ?

I have to admit, I don't always empty my measure after every use. I'll either label the measure with masking tape with the type of powder currently being used, or just leave the powder container next to the press.

skb2706 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 25, 2005, 08:45:43 AM »

Ol Skeeter was one heck of a writer, great gun kinda guy I can remember reading his articles way back when. My guess is Skeeter was not a chemist...........

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 25, 2005, 08:49:52 AM »

I would say it would not affect the powder. But on a safety note, I never leave powder in my powder measure. IMO it is just bad practice.

roper · « **Reply #3 on:** April 25, 2005, 11:26:15 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1

I would say it would not affect the powder. But on a safety note, I never leave powder in my powder measure. IMO it is just bad practice.

For your information Unique was also used as a shotgun powder and there was problems with a plastic hull made by Wanda Cartridge Company and some of that spilled over to powder measures by the time all got sorted out the problem was with the plastic hull. This problem happened in the late 60 early 70's which is about the time of the articles. Bulleye is know to migrate or chemically attack the plastic of a Powder measure and those warnings were known when I got into reloading back in the 60's back then use to coat the inside with baby powder clean out and that seem to take care of the problem I still do that about once a year. Tom Holland

Racepres · « **Reply #4 on:** April 25, 2005, 12:00:49 PM »

If I remember correctly (yea it may or may not happen) the thing Skeeter was talking abt was the fact that his powder (unique) "discolored" his clear plastic powder hopper, after leaving it in the hopper .... Did it to mine too but can't say that it was unique, and also didn't seem to effect the powder qualities at all.... absolutely did discolor the plastic hopper tho!!! Marty

rickyp · « **Reply #5 on:** April 25, 2005, 02:25:24 PM »

one should never leave any powder in hopper of any kind.

It should always be stored or put back in its original bottle/can.

this is for safety and stop people from using the wrong powder

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2005, 03:29:55 PM »

Yes is does happen, at least with older RCBS measures and "old" Unique. Forgot and left some in a few days and found that it left tiny impressions of the powder kernels in the plastic, with some discoloration. They have since changed the composition of both the plastic and the powder. Have never heard of this occurance with any other powder. Had Blue Dot in a Dillion over a week for some marathon loading and never had a problem.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 26, 2005, 03:46:46 PM »

He is talking about the modern measures. I think by now that problem has been solved.

But I still strongly believe "never" leave powder in your measure.

skb2706 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 27, 2005, 03:51:22 AM »

Ole Skeeter would be rollin over to find out these days almost all powder is packaged, stored and sold in plastic containers........