Proper Powder Handling Methods

[JHard]

I worked up a good load (22.4) and after leaving the powder in the hopper for a couple weeks, I had to come down to 22.1-22.2. I know it could be other factors, but I can't help but think it's the powder losing moisture in the low humidity, mountain desert air.

So is there anything better than returning the powder to the jug immediately after loading, or is this simply a problem I am imagining?

Do loads change in different humidity, more so than weight of a charge absorbing moisture?

 

[LHSmith]

Read the thread "Powder Aeration" in this sub-forum. Powder does not aBsorb moisture, it will aDsorb moisture however. General rule is to never store powder in the reservoir....light alone will affect it over long periods. Also, in a powder measure, it will end up compressing over time resulting in an overcharge. Tuning can change big time when shooting under different conditions.....there is no more a prime example than Vihtavuori N133.....when the relative humidity goes near and below 30%, it simply acts "goofy" -Jackie Schmidt, accomplished short range BR shooter from Texas.

 

[K22]

I believe the best practice for quality and safety is to never leave powder in the hopper after you finished loading a batch. It's just good powder management to return it to its original container. I've always tried to use "fail safe" methods in my reloading to avoid problems.

If left in the hopper you might forget and either add another powder to it contaminating it or forget exactly which powder it is and return it to the wrong container.

If fact, I don't even keep more than one can of powder on the bench at any given time to avoid the possibly of mix ups.

I'm not certain if leaving it in the hopper will damage it but it might collect more moisture than if stored in its container if the reloading area does not have good environmental controls.