H guys I am just getting into reloading, bought all the gear and have prepped hundreds of casings and am going to start the actual reloading now. I was wondering if static electricity is a concern from cold dry winter weather when doing the powder measuring portion of reloading? Can it cause powder ignition, and if so what steps are used to prevent it being a problem?
Static From Cold Dry Weather A Risk When Reloading?
- Thread starter ljones
- Start date
All the powders I've ever used contain some quantity of graphite that should bleed off any static build up. Also by simply touching the reloading press any difference in charge that could cause a spark would be eliminated.
Static always has the possibility of being an issue. Anything that casn create a spark around gun powder/primers could be an issue. New/used dryer sheets can be used to wipe equipment and should help.
http://www.shootingtimes.com/reloading/static-electricity-and-the-reloader/
http://www.shootingtimes.com/reloading/static-electricity-and-the-reloader/
That is the biggest problem: fine powders will hang up when attracted to the reloading equipment and could cause 'short charging' (power is not fully dispensed) and 'over charging' (that hung up powder drops). Accuracy is the biggest victim of it, although one could theoretically get a problem with very small cases when reloading at max pressures and an overcharge happens. Theoretically.
I find the red Lee powder funnel bad for static when I load with H110 for some reason so I wipe with a dryer sheet.
No guarantees but there is a parameter called "ignition energy" and just as it sounds is an indication of how much oomph has to be behind the ignition source. Very low for hydrogen gas, kinda medium for gasoline and higher for diesel fuel. Here's a comparative chart to give yo a feel for it: h ttp://explosionsolutions.co.uk/110411020.pdf
And from the accurate powder Material Safety Data Sheet - "Can ignite due to static discharge (minimum ignition energy 200mJ)." so it seems to be quite "high" meaning a big fat spark would be required?
If you're looking for hazards it may pay to read the whole MSDS document: h ttp://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Single-Base-Gunpowder-SDS-ver.-120115.pdf
Good question OP! Thanks for posting.
And from the accurate powder Material Safety Data Sheet - "Can ignite due to static discharge (minimum ignition energy 200mJ)." so it seems to be quite "high" meaning a big fat spark would be required?
If you're looking for hazards it may pay to read the whole MSDS document: h ttp://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Single-Base-Gunpowder-SDS-ver.-120115.pdf
Good question OP! Thanks for posting.
Other than causing powder to stick to funnels or measuring tool hoppers, I have never
been concerned about static electricity and smokeless powders.
I saw an experiment once where a fellow tried to ignite smokeless powder with an electrical
discharge. He was not successful regardless of the type of powder he tried.
I would be cautious with Black Powder however. Eagleye.
been concerned about static electricity and smokeless powders.
I saw an experiment once where a fellow tried to ignite smokeless powder with an electrical
discharge. He was not successful regardless of the type of powder he tried.
I would be cautious with Black Powder however. Eagleye.
If you are really concern, i have this on the floor of my reloading room.
Silicone rubber coated fiberglass fabric, Used as high temperature fabric blankets and covers, and light welding protection. (orange one)
https: //www.amazon.com/MID-MOUNTAIN-MATERIALS-INC-SAF-17-Industrial/dp/B01HHEIMTC?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffsb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01HHEIMTC
Silicone rubber coated fiberglass fabric, Used as high temperature fabric blankets and covers, and light welding protection. (orange one)
https: //www.amazon.com/MID-MOUNTAIN-MATERIALS-INC-SAF-17-Industrial/dp/B01HHEIMTC?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-ffsb-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01HHEIMTC
Remington wants you to consider their electronic ignition rifles and ammo.
It actually takes quite a serious spark to ignite smokeless rifle powders. I get rid of my garbage stuff by burning it, and one day I decided to try to ignite it with a ferro rod. It took a lot of strikes to finally get it to go, and that stuff burns hot. Shotgun and .22 powder are easier to ignite, but they go up in a flash. I think you would be a long time trying to set it off with static electricity.
That is odd since it only took one spark from my ferro rod to set off the powder I was getting rid of with ease. That is what got me thinking of the possibility of a spark from a static charge doing the same.
Sakoman .308
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Nova Scotia
That is a great tip, Thank You.
The danger is more from dust built up over years of use. If you look after your stuff and keep it clean there should not be an issue
Interesting video I found while researching this topic
https://youtu.be/Nm6PEdBcQ6s
I have never been concerned about static, other than it causes powder to stick in plastic powder hoppers.
But, I have had a powder fire in my loading room. And it was not good.
I had a rug on the floor, and it apparently trapped little bits of powder that the vacuum did not pick up.
I was soldering something and a splatter ignited the powder. It was a slow fire giving off terrible fumes from the melting carpet.
3 extinguishers failed. I finally drowned the fire with water.
I now have a Jerry can of water with a loose lid between my chair and the door. If the worst happens, I can kick over the can and the spreading puddle would fight the fire.
But, I have had a powder fire in my loading room. And it was not good.
I had a rug on the floor, and it apparently trapped little bits of powder that the vacuum did not pick up.
I was soldering something and a splatter ignited the powder. It was a slow fire giving off terrible fumes from the melting carpet.
3 extinguishers failed. I finally drowned the fire with water.
I now have a Jerry can of water with a loose lid between my chair and the door. If the worst happens, I can kick over the can and the spreading puddle would fight the fire.
Well if your worried about it then open the window for a few seconds to let some cold humid air into the room . wear cotton clothes not synthetic clothes. you can buy a cheap humidifier from home hardware to use in your reloading area . as for static and powder sticking in funnels etc I have never tried it but the guys who shoot black powder at my club said they boil the plastic containers for a few minutes and then let them dry. they said it removes static for a period of time . they had all these little containers of black powder so I asked them about static. you have to really respect black powder. after you fill your powder hopper close the lid to your container of powder and put it else where.
just use common sense and you will do fine. also never never reload in a rush . only do it when you have lots of time. check & recheck .
just use common sense and you will do fine. also never never reload in a rush . only do it when you have lots of time. check & recheck .
