Leaving powder in Chargemaster hopper = melted plastic

[G37]

Sooooo...

I didn't read the manual for my RCBS Chargemaster 1500.
Does it state to never leave powder in the hopper?

Hopefully it does as the powder I left in mine has "melted" the plastic a bit creating a permanent stained-rough texture.

Is this normal for powder to do to certain plastics?

Anyone else experience this?
I guess I've just learned the hard way.

Everything still works... it just looks ugly.

 

[CeeZer]

According to Explosives' Act you are not supposed to leave any powder in the hopper when you are done loading either.
If the hopper is new, there may be some reaction with powder as there are active chemicals in both - powder and fresh plastic.
I'd not worry about it.

 

[dan belisle]

Yup, it will do that. That's why you empty it back into the powder container when you're done loading. - dan

 

[G37]

Damn, thanks all.
Didn't know about the explosives act either now I do hehehe
~Cheers

 

['Boo]

Damn, thanks all.
Didn't know about the explosives act either now I do hehehe
~Cheers

No you don't.

The Explosive Regulations are where you will find information on the legalities about possessing and storing gunpowder. The Explosive Act regulates the manufacturing of explosives.

 

[Ganderite]

Fresh power still has some solvents in it that attack plastic. That is why it has that smell.

 

[KDX]

I kind of like the smell of Benchmark.

 

[DOUGLAS D]

I never leave powder in my 1500 when I'm done a session but if I do have one complaint on the Chargemaster is that it is a bit of a PITA to empty out.

I've gotten better but I've spilt a lot of powder out of that side dump when I first started using the unit.

 

[Ganderite]

A PITA to empty out?? I find it kinda neat. But I don't fill the hopper to the top if i am only making a quarter hopper of ammo.

 

[msg.drew]

What kind of powder was it...?

Powder is packaged in plastic containers and it normally dosen't eat that plastic.

 

[Obtunded]

I have been using a Chargemaster for years and I routinely leave powders in it. I have never seen any ill effects.

...the internal workings of the chargemaster are another story, and I have a separate post about that...

 

[smokeeter]

I empty the powder out of mine when I'm finished using it , but I also wrapped some clear plastic film ( like that for sheet paper in 3 ring binders) and I cut it to fit the circumfrence of the hopper and placed it inside the hopper, it acts as a liner and protects the plastic hopper from any reaction with the powder.

 

[IM_Lugger]

never happened to me! what did you use?