powder dump static

R

rebs

New member
I have been using my new powder dump for about 4 months or so and still have a problem with static. I keep a fresh fabric cloth in it and it helps some what but does not eliminate all the static. My charges are accurate but when I go to empty the dump powder sticks to the sides of the hopper. Does anyone else have this problem ?
 
My charges are accurate but when I go to empty the dump powder sticks to the sides of the hopper. Does anyone else have this problem ?
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I did until I dipped the hopper in dishwater (clean preferably) and let it air dry. Do not rinse it off.

That eventually wore off, so I sprayed Static Guard on a clean cloth and wiped the hopper down inside and out and let dry. A lot easier and it works like a champ. It's been quite awhile and I've only had to do it once so far.
 
Plus one for higgite. I use the static guard in funnels. Lee dippers and my powder throwers. Spray on. Let sit for 2 minutes wipe and dry under ceiling fan. No more powder sticking.
 
I don't think it's all static. I find powder sticking to the metal part of the hopper and need to use a tumbler brush (the kind at the end of a stick) to loosen it. The brush fits perfectly. I also use canned air by covering the hopper top with my hand and inserting the tube through my fingers.

You really need to wipe the hopper with the dryer sheet. If you want to wipe the inside just wrap it around the aforementioned brush.

I only load 9mm and only use Power Pistol, so this isn't often a problem for me. My problem is that I don't empty the hopper between loading, so there is often an inch or so of powder at the bottom. This eventually darkens and softens the plastic. Fortunately, they are replaceable. I also learned that I can cut off the bottom two inches and have a brand new clean hopper.
 
I checked the box of fabric softener and it does not say anti static. So I will go to walmart tomorrow and get a box that says anti static and it hopefully will work much better. In the mean time I sprayed the inside of the powder dump with powdered graphite, then tapped it to get out the excess, then filled it with reloading powder and shook it up and poured it back in the jug it all poured out and left np particles behind. But I am going to buy the anti static dryer sheets on my next trip to walmart.
Thank you for the replies, I appreciate your help.
 
I have always used powdered graphite with no issues with static ever...fill tube with about 1/4 in the tube, shake it all around to cover everything then run through the powder drop numerous times till empty. Save the remaining graphite and redo about every 3 months or so...
 
I went down to the basement this morning and poured powder in the hopper, run some through the measure and then emptied it and nothing stuck. Looks like the graphite did the job. But I think I will still get the anti static sheets just in case I need them and they might be good to wipe down my scales.
 
Good to hear Rebs. I've heard about the graphite over the years and finally just bought a 8oz jar of it. It was cheaper that way... but heck I have some for several lifetimes or could lend to some artists!

Anyway, I just dust my powder measures and my Auto-Drum drums with it. No more excessive powder cling. Usually a light tap and the powder goes down. I usually just brush the reservoir but that graphite sticks great to the plastic hoppers. So I don't brush that off at all.
 
Is a powder dump a place to take old powder and dispose of it? Are you getting static from the folks that run the dump?

Sorry, I had to...:o
 
I use graphite lube from a spray can on all interior surfaces of my powder measures. Treat them once and good forever. No static problems and easy to use.
 
The static is back again. Maybe I didn't leave enough graphite in the hopper ? It has been extremely humid here this summer, could it be the humidity ?
I bought the dryer sheets that say static reducer so I will see how that works.
 
It may be humidity. I live in Phoenix and haven't had issues with static in my Dillon. Obviously, humidity isn't an issue in the desert.
 
What you're really talking about is "static cling"...powder particles rubbing together and rubbing along the side of the plastic container in the powder measure...

If it gets too "dry" or if there is really low humidity ...you can get more static not less....so party its about finding that compromise condition. You might try and raise the humidity a little bit in your shop / loading area and see if it makes a difference.

Some cannisters of powder seem to be tougher to get rid of the static cling that others...so I always store 6 or 7 of the anti static dryer sheets inside the powder storage cannister ....and periodically I wipe down the inside and outside of the powder measure on the press with the anti static dryer sheets too. Usually with some patience it just all of a sudden gets better...
 
My funnels get the powder clinging in humid summer and dry winter. Any way I just picked up a can of static cling spray and will be trying it out. It cant hurt. This is a great forum for us reloaders. I have been dealing with this issue for many years.

It's not a big issue but like a lot of your issues we get rid of them through good communications. :cool:
 
I used my RCBS powder measure last evening and it has no powder clinging to the sides when I empty it. It is mounted on the same bench as my LNL powder measure. Why would one have a problem and not the other ? The RCBS I have had since the mid 70's and the LNL is about 6 months old.
 
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