RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

[wburke2010]

well i came into my reloading room after not messing with my equipment for awhile a realized that i had left some powder in my chargemaster and i am trying to clean it out but some of the powder is stuck in the machine on the walls pretty good and its not easy to get it off even using a nylon brush. Anyone have any ideas to make the podwer come off easier without messing up the machine anymore than what it is now.
thanks
walter

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

me thinks someone once used a dryer sheet before the loading process,,,,,or maybe even after to wipe the static 'tricity out of the barrel/hopper.......just sayin

 

[wburke2010]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

Ive never used anything but the little brush that came with it to get the powder out after i was done. Nothing has stuck to the inside before, but then again ive never left the powder inside for more than an hour or so while loading up some rifle rounds. What is in it now is bullseye from loading some 45acp rounds and ive got no idea how long I let it sit inisde but it has almost corroded the plastic it looks like....
walter

 

[jagged77]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

Pistol powders do tend to cling to the walls of the Chargemaster, some sort of static effect I guess although I've always been able to knock them off with the brush. If they're being stubborn and you just want to get it out maybe use compressed air. Bad luck if its corroded anything although I sure it won't effect performance. I clean mine out immediately after use.

 

[former naval person]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

Double based powders such as Bullseye can dissolve into some plastics. That is probably what happened to you. You might try some of the stuff that is sold at auto supply houses to clear up the plastic head lights that have dulled. You'll probably wind up buffing it with that goo plus a lot of rags and elbow grease. Then do like BT suggested and do a final wipe with the dryer sheet. Plus...don't leave the powder in it any more. JMHO

 

[wburke2010]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

Thanks for the ideas, I will give that a try. If i use some kind of spray or liquid like mentioned can it get to the inside of the case? it looks like it is sealed and nothing can get it but I am not positive. I have tried using a brush and cloth to scrub it out but it is more than just stuck to the wall it has corroded to the plastic.
thanks
walter

 

[judgedelta]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

I would suggest calling RCBS, explaining the problem and asking the service tech's advice. They have always been nothing but friendly and helpful and I'm sure that your situation is not the first time this has come up. They may suggest removing the powder reservoir or who knows what. Their customer service is nothing short of the best. That is part of what you are paying for when you buy their stuff. Good luck...

 

[wburke2010]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

I called RCBS today since they were closed last night when I had the problem and the customer service guy on the phone said they were going to send out a new plastic hopper and lid and that I should just scrape out the powder that is left inside the machine and get as much as it out that I can, and that it should not be a problem after that, even though the inside migh be a little rough from the spots where the powder was corroded into the the plastic. I am thinking that a small file will smooth it back out once I get the powder out. RCBS is great on the phone and even thought it was my fault they are sending me the clear plastic hopper for free, not to mention all I called for was adivce and he offered me the hopper.
thanks
Walter

 

[ChrisGarrett]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Double based powders such as Bullseye can dissolve into some plastics. That is probably what happened to you. You might try some of the stuff that is sold at auto supply houses to clear up the plastic head lights that have dulled. You'll probably wind up buffing it with that goo plus a lot of rags and elbow grease. Then do like BT suggested and do a final wipe with the dryer sheet. Plus...don't leave the powder in it any more. JMHO </div></div>

Yep, this has happened a couple/few times to guys posting here. One guy's CM1500 was so bad, I thought it looked like somebody took a blow torch to the insides of the green housing.

I don't think his was left in very long, either. After seeing pics of what can happen, I don't leave sfuff in there for even a day.

Funny, but Dillon must use a different plastic (obviously) as I've left powders in my hopper for a week plus, at times, with only a yellowing of the bottom half of the tube, after 17 years.

Chris

 

[Sidk]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

Oh, thanks. I'll have to remember not to run pistol powder in mine.

 

[dstewart51]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

Also, dont leave the powder in the Chargemaster, empty and clean it out after you done loading for the day.

 

[former naval person]

Re: RCBS chargemaster with powder left in it

Not just "pistol powder". Bullseye is one example of a double based pistol powder. There are also rifle powders that are "double based". What that terms means is that not only is there a nitrocellulose base for the powder, but there has been nitroglycerin incorporated also. The nitroglycerin is the solvent agent. Only experience will tell which powders will "eat" your hopper up. Then, it will be too late. Glad RCBS is taking care of you. JMHO