Ideal No. 5 Powder Measure

[cwbuff]

In my research, I did see that certain powder measures were not safe for black powder due to risk of static electric discharge. Why that is not a problem with smokeless powders, I don't know. In particular, the instructions with my RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 Powder Scale and Dispenser state that it is not "suitable" for black powder. I "assume" it is the plastic parts. That said, if you google "Harrell's Precision black powder measure", which some consider the top of the line, some of them have a plastic container. So it may be the type of plastic. Perhaps some more experienced black powder reloaders will know what the issues are.

[JBinIll]

This has pretty well been debunked.If there was a danger with static how come GOEX recently switched to plastic powder containers?

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...r-Black-powder

If it really worries you and you've got an old Lyman/Ideal No.55 laying around you can get brass replacement hoppers,it's a lot bigger and looks old timey.I've got an Ideal No.1 set up with a brass hopper-

http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.as...58639&CAT=4497

[John Sukey]

Lyman makes an all aluminum BP powder measure. They also have an aluminum "drop tube" for it. The reason for the drop tube is to compress the BP so you can duplicate the originasl grain weight

[BudT]

KIK BP is in plastic containers. I dont shoot Swiss so I dont know about that one.

[cwbuff]

I have an RCBS 1500 Chargemaster scale/dispenser. In the RCBS catalog it states "NOTE: Do NOT use with black powder!" I sent RCBS an email asking them what the issue is. When I get and answer I will post it.

[JBinIll]

Black powder doesn't react well with electrical shorts.That type of scale is an entirely different matter when it comes to BP over the hand operated types.

[Doug Rammel]

Jon

For static electricity go here.

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_...ks/sparks.html

[cwbuff]

I learned that it is not the static that is the problem (as far as RCBS is concerned), it is that the dust from BP is corrosive to the sensitive electronics.

[jon_norstog]

Wow! Thanks, CW. I guess I'll stop worrying and just make lots of BP ammo.

jn

[cwbuff]

I'm using my Ideal #5 to measure to get me close and then using my electronic scale to weight the loads. I use a Lee dipper to trickle the powder into the scale pan to hit the desired weight. I am not using the automatic dispenser.