static discharge during reloading :eek:

[jayd4wg]

just had an accident that could have fared MUCH worse than it did. for the past 2 years i've been using a 1/4 cup rubbermaid disposable cup as a powder transfer, keeping my dipping powder in this instead of dipping from the varget bottle.

on my last charge today with only about 10 grains of powder left in the bowl, i got up to hit the head and when i sat back down and picked up the bowl to empty it into the main canister again, i discharged on the bowl, and what powder was left ignited. I'm glad it was only a little powder and the main tin was a good 8 feet away and closed but it still scared the bejeezus out of me. switching to glass/ceramic bowl immediately. :whew:

 

[MALLARD]

Re: static discharge during reloading

crazy bud

 

[pmclaine]

Re: static discharge during reloading

"Went to the head...discharged on the bowl?" Hope you cleaned it up or your wife will be after you.

I just got a Redding trickler. Solid steel, heavy works great for getting those last few grains. plus no discharge.

Black powder drops are usually made of brass I assume for the static safety. If you could find a brass bowl to dip from that would be ideal.

My mother had a great brass urn that had belonged to her second husband. His father (Colonel 9th TAF) had been given the item by the French Maquis in WWII. The leader of the resistance unit (Lyon) had used the urn to beat the brains in of the local SS commander. Some how after step dad died mom "lost" the urn. I just think she is being a douche to the step bros and I intend they get it back if I come across it.

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: static discharge during reloading

You might also consider some static control around your work area. Some generous use of anti-static spray will help.

Probably a good thing this "accident" occured AFTER you used the bathroom. Otherwise there might be TWO messes to clean up

 

[l115a3]

Re: static discharge during reloading

I always use 1lb factory bottle for storage and transfer powder into my RCBS Chargemaster Combo.


Is it safe?

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: static discharge during reloading

Also a good wipe down with dryer sheets

 

[Trigger Time 23]

Re: static discharge during reloading

I would not think that powder would ignite from static electricity. Pretty scary. I am glad to hear everything is OK and you were not hurt.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: static discharge during reloading

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Trigger Time 23</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would not think that powder would ignite from static electricity. Pretty scary. I am glad to hear everything is OK and you were not hurt.</div></div>
You need to re-read the OP. It did ignite.

 

[High Binder]

Re: static discharge during reloading

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Golfy Sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always use 1lb factory bottle for storage and transfer powder into my RCBS Chargemaster Combo.


Is it safe? </div></div>

Yes

 

[High Binder]

Re: static discharge during reloading

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pmclaine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Black powder drops are usually made of brass I assume for the static safety. <span style="text-decoration: line-through">If you could find a brass bowl to dip from that would be ideal.</span> </div></div>

Nope, Brass conducts electricity (static) just like any other metal. Brass is used because its a non-sparking metal like Al, resists corrosion, is easy to machine and form, and is cheap but durable enough. Don't use a brass bowl.

P.S. Dryer sheets and that static spray work awesome

 

[arnie19]

Re: static discharge during reloading

Brass is used around black powder because it doesnt spark like steel on steel .People have been trying for years to set black powder off with static and never could do it .It isnt hot enough .Strange that it would work on smokeles powder . Arnie

 

[High Binder]

Re: static discharge during reloading

Look at how hard it was for this guy to get Smokeless and Black Powder to light (he had to build a custom rig)...

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_experiments/electric_ignition/eignition.html

 

[aur0ra145]

Re: static discharge during reloading

I work at an avionics broker and I handle a lot of VERY EXPENSIVE avionics. Long story short we use an anti-static pad on the bench and mat on the floor, which are wired together. For this, you could get away with just the bench pad.

Anti-staic pad

But, glass containers is a superb low cost route.

 

[slowkota]

Re: static discharge during reloading

In fireworks factories, they rub a copper plate before touching anything else at their work stations.

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: static discharge during reloading

In addition to the anti-static pad, you could wear an ESD (ElectroStatic Discharge) wrist band. I may have an extra elastic band model that I can send you. They are $10 and up. I like the metal flexable models myself:

http://www.specialized.net/Specialized/0...-Cord-5201.aspx

More info on ESD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrostatic_discharge

 

[jayd4wg]

Re: static discharge during reloading

sad thing is, in my line of work, adtran and cisco send static straps with every router that hits our switch and field operations guys. we have BAGS of them. got a couple today to have around. they work well to keep me grounded to the pipes in the basement.
i did a little more thinking about what happened the other night. wool socks, dry house, newer carpet, walking...insulated chair, you name it. i had ZERO precautions and actually a few things in place to make static a certainty. these things are all removed now to be sure.