Cleaning out a powder measure

happydude

happydude

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In the RCBS manual, it says to clean out the uniflow powder measure, but I can't seem to take it apart. Can't seem to figure out how to get the measuring cylinder out because the measuring screw is in there, which I cannot get out. Help :)
 
When they say clean out the powder measure I think they mean remove the powder. Just unscrew it from its base and dump it back in the can it came from . Then work the lever a few times to make sure it is completely empty, because the next time you reload you may use a different powder. I believe they want you to empty the measure because when the powder is left for a long time in the plastic hopper it can etch or start to mark the plastic, also it is a possible fire hazard.
 
Depends on the poweder as well. Something with nitro in it will a nasty stain in no time.

Loaded some Bullseye with my Chargemaster 1500 and it was stained black.

D_
 
There is also a risk of having some pistol powder mixed into your next batch of rifle loads.:eek: kaboom.......2 0r 3 grains of pistol powder dramatically changes the burn rate of rifle powder.
I got some .243 reloads a few years back from someone who didn't clean out his powder measure and ended up wrecking a nice Savage 99. The brass flowed so much that the .243 case looked like a 30-40 Krag brass, thats after I managed to pound open the lever and run a rod down the barrel to dislodge the brass.:eek: I never knew how many parts were in a Savage 99 lever till that day.I have never shot another persons reloads since that day and have been reloading my own ever since with no problems. I would say a powder measure being properly cleaned is very important.:eek: It only took 6 months for the guy to give me $200 for the Savage lever gun.:mad:
 
Don't know if my RCBS is the same as yours, but when I got it, it was in sorry shape, and I had to completely disassemble it. The drum was retained by a threaded sleeve into which the metering chamber is threaded. The sleeve has a hex head for a wrench. Once it is out, the drum could be removed.
 
on my uniflow, the green powder cylinder can be removed by lightly turning it and giving a pull. just take a clean dry rag, and wipe it out, and the green will become transparent again. Sure looks good when you can actually see the pwer in there...just like when it was new!

Don't use any kind of oil in there!
 
I've eliminated all those odious chores by upgrading to the new Chargemaster Combo. So simple to clean up after use. What a pleasure after all those years using those misreable measures!! EE.
 
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