Powder Throw? Yes or No?

[BLakatos]

I was considering getting a powder throw to help out with loading rounds. Currently, I?m using an adjustable brass powder measure and wanted to speed things up a little.
I was going to order one from Midway, then started reading the questions/answers. It was stated that black powder was not safe to use in a throw, due to static possibly igniting it.
Is this an actual concern or some type of warning like bacon causes cancer or something.
Thanks, Brian

[John Westenberger]

I was considering getting a powder throw to help out with loading rounds. Currently, I?m using an adjustable brass powder measure and wanted to speed things up a little.
I was going to order one from Midway, then started reading the questions/answers. It was stated that black powder was not safe to use in a throw, due to static possibly igniting it.
Is this an actual concern or some type of warning like bacon causes cancer or something.
Thanks, Brian

I was researching about this a few months back. From what I read black powder being ignited by just the little bit of static electricity produced by some plastic rubbing in a powder dispenser was extremely unlikely. To the point that I didn't find a single instance of it actually happening. Seems to me it's just some warnings a lawyer made them put on it. But what also seems to be a common response is "why take the risk?". Some companies (Lyman is the most common) used to make them out of metal, and can be found cheap on ebay, and those are known to be okay with black powder. I'm probably just going to roll with my cheap plastic Lee dispenser this season and just keep the lid off, and not fill it up all the way, just in case!

As always when taking advise from some random idiot on the internet, your results may vary!

[Lou Lou Lou]

Used Belding and Mull powder measures are cheaper than the new versions by Buffalo Arms and the new Belding and Mull company. Designed for black powder
Just my two cents.

[Joseph Plakis Jr, 00302V]

I have been using Lyman 55 powder measures for over 55 years and never had a problem with it exploding.
I would like to point out (please check this yourself) Goex powder came in a 25 pound "plastic bag".
Swiss powder comes in one pound plastic containers. And the list goes on and on. I also store black
powder in plastic containers.
Just don't smoke or load black powder near an open flame and you should be fine.

Joe Plakis jr
Hampton Legion
00302V

[Bob Lintner]

Black powder is safe to use in a plastic powder throw. Doesn't everyone use plastic quick loads? Don't believe this old wives tale. You can send me all your holy black if you doubt me.

[Steve Weems]

Used Belding and Mull powder measures are cheaper than the new versions by Buffalo Arms and the new Belding and Mull company. Designed for black powder
Just my two cents.

I will second Lou Lou recommendation on the B&M. I used several types over the years and after I got the B&M the others including the
Lyman Black powder types are gathering dust.

[BLakatos]

Based on the powder being sold in plastic, etc. I assumed there weren?t any potential issues. In fact, the first time I?d ever seen anything like this was on the reviews.

Having said that, which one do you guy recommend?
Thanks, Brian

[Fred Jr]

I've got 50 years in and have used a Lyman 55 for about 48 years. My father did, my brothers did, my sister did, my uncle did couple nieces and nephews did. Never any problems Don't worry about it!

Fred Herlinger
12TH PA

[PoorJack]

Never had any issues with the Lee plastic wonder and I have a couple of the old Lyman 55s. If you're really worried about it, a wipe down with antistatic dryer sheets can help.

There is a video circulating the internet of a guy trying to set off black powder with static sparks and it's not as easy as you'd think.

[Maillemaker]

I have been using the Lee Perfect Powder Measure for 10 years. No issues.

I also use the RCBS Chargemaster to throw charges. Also plastic, also not rated for black powder.

Here is me trying to set off some black powder using a stun gun.

This is homemade black powder, so no graphite in the mix. Commercial powder that has graphite will be even more conductive and less likely to be set off with electricity.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdHdnnhy5Ro

As with all internet advice, this advice is worth what you paid for it.

[Jim_Burgess_2078V]

Of course not all plastic is created equal (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) and some forms may be more prone to static than others. Be that as it may, I've been using Lee plastic powder dippers to scoop my black powder for 50 years with no issues. Smokeless powders sometimes cling to the dippers due to static but not so much black powder probably due to the graphite.

Jim Burgess
15th CVI