[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Powder question

Posted: 5/14/2012 2:43:23 PM EDT

I've been using a Dillon 550B for many years. On occasion I need to leave the machine for a couple of weeks, or longer, at a time, all set up.

Is there any danger of the powder in the hopper absorbing too much moisture during this time? I don't live in humidity (Vermont), but I've always wondered if there would be a potential problem. I am currently using IMR 4198, but also use a lot of Varget.

i *know* I probably should drain the hopper at the end of each session, but that is a pain and I'm sort of lazy.

Any advice appreciated.....

capven

Posted: 5/14/2012 2:56:34 PM EDT

[#1]

I empty my hopper after any session only takes a minute.

suppose you could throw a desiccate in the hopper not sure if that would create any other problems but should handle the moisture.

Posted: 5/14/2012 3:09:42 PM EDT

[#2]

Left hopper full for months no issue. it was covered and the propellants arent like salt but they can absorb some moisture.

Posted: 5/14/2012 3:52:31 PM EDT

[#3]

Some powders will discolor and "melt" the hopper plastic.
My 2 cents, I wouldn't leave any powder in the Hopper , to much PSI to leave something to chance.

Posted: 5/14/2012 5:14:13 PM EDT

[#4]

I don't know about IMR 4198, but I left Titegroup in my Uniflow once overnight.

It etched itself into the plastic of the hopper.

I got it scrubbed out, but it left a visual reminder.

I empty it after every session regardless of which powder I'm using these days.

Posted: 5/14/2012 5:23:44 PM EDT

[#5]

Here is what Titegroup did to my hopper, can't speak for other powders. I prefer the original look myself.

Posted: 5/14/2012 7:39:10 PM EDT

[#6]

Powders can be degraded by exposure to light, there's a good reason powder doesn't come in clear containers. Empty the powder measure, it's easy and only takes about a minute. If you haven't figured out how to empty it easily, let us know and we will tell you how easy it is.

Posted: 5/14/2012 7:45:00 PM EDT

[#7]

Always empty a powder hopper.

1) The biggest reason is you may forget what powder it is and make a costly mistake, or mix powders.

2) The plastic hopper will become discolored and look in poor condition.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Powder question

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Powder question

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Powder question