Solution to cleanly return powder to large containers

[Just Say Moe]

Somehow, I don't think I am the only one that has a hard time returning unused powder back into the 8lb jugs. Somehow emptying my powder hopper, I always seem to spill some.
Tried using a 1lb bottle to empty the hopper, then transferring it to the 8lb. But that turned into another way to spill powder. I also tried using a funnel, but most funnels have too small of an outlet and powder gets hung up. Also, they are not stable enough in the jug mouth and can wobble or fall out.

Wondering through Amazon, I came up with a simple solution. Wish I had done this much earlier. Would have saved a lot of powder and mess cleanups. The concept is to attach a canning funnel to an 8lb powder jug cap that would make returning the powder without spilling a single kernel.

To start, I kept the cap from an old 8lb jug and ordered a funnel with a 1.5" lower section from

Amazon.com

.
View attachment 1620422View attachment 1620424

The funnels lower section actually measures 1.543" at the very bottom and 1.555" at the upper. The opening is 5.1".


Using a 1.5" hole saw drill bit I drilled the top of the jug cap out. Finding the center is made easier by the dimple in the cap. With a little sand paper, I cleaned up the hole.
View attachment 1620426

The funnel inserts into the hole and fits very snugly. Not requiring any adhesive. Of course you could use a hot glue gun, but I didn't find it necessary and this way I can easily remove it and use it on other manufacturers jug caps as well.
View attachment 1620427
So to use this, all I have to do is to remove the sealed jug cap and insert the funnel cap. Worked even better than I had hoped.
View attachment 1620430

I know that this is an overly simple fix, but I am very pleased with how it turned out and thought I would share.

Great idea! I spent a lot of time 3d printing one that works ok

 

[Big Mc]

Must be winter time. People are cooped up.

YUP Tommy Mc

 

[60723]

I use a 100 count Berger bullet box to drain powder into and a spare funnel to put into the original container. I will occasionally see 2-3 kernels of powder on my bench and wonder where they came from.

 

[Martin52]

I cut off the top 1/3 of a plastic Coke bottle, washed and dried it then flipped it upside down. Works perfectly.

 

[old_heli_logger]

Cottage cheese carton, Lee dippers, trickle to final weight. Squeeze said cottage cheese carton and dump

 

[Chiquita]

Large mouth funnel. Can't be that complicated or much involved.

 

[coldboreshot]

Large mouth funnel. Can't be that complicated or much involved.

Agreed. I use an automotive oil funnel.

 

[Timberyote]

I've using the same for over 12 years but they are graphite stained.

I do like the SS canning funnels.

 

[Want2BS8ed]

Flotool 4” Radiator Funnel. Not too big, not too small. Just right. Fits solidly in both 1# and 8# jugs and even the top hole of a Harrels powder measure without wobbling all over the place. Pretty sure I paid less than $1 for it a bazillion years ago…

 

[varget204]

Somehow, I don't think I am the only one that has a hard time returning unused powder back into the 8lb jugs. Somehow emptying my powder hopper, I always seem to spill some.
Tried using a 1lb bottle to empty the hopper, then transferring it to the 8lb. But that turned into another way to spill powder. I also tried using a funnel, but most funnels have too small of an outlet and powder gets hung up. Also, they are not stable enough in the jug mouth and can wobble or fall out.

Wondering through Amazon, I came up with a simple solution. Wish I had done this much earlier. Would have saved a lot of powder and mess cleanups. The concept is to attach a canning funnel to an 8lb powder jug cap that would make returning the powder without spilling a single kernel.

To start, I kept the cap from an old 8lb jug and ordered a funnel with a 1.5" lower section from

Amazon.com

.
View attachment 1620422View attachment 1620424

The funnels lower section actually measures 1.543" at the very bottom and 1.555" at the upper. The opening is 5.1".


Using a 1.5" hole saw drill bit I drilled the top of the jug cap out. Finding the center is made easier by the dimple in the cap. With a little sand paper, I cleaned up the hole.
View attachment 1620426

The funnel inserts into the hole and fits very snugly. Not requiring any adhesive. Of course you could use a hot glue gun, but I didn't find it necessary and this way I can easily remove it and use it on other manufacturers jug caps as well.
View attachment 1620427
So to use this, all I have to do is to remove the sealed jug cap and insert the funnel cap. Worked even better than I had hoped.
View attachment 1620430

I know that this is an overly simple fix, but I am very pleased with how it turned out and thought I would share.

Go to Dollar General,Walmart, etc,get a plastic 5-6 " diameter funnel,problem solved !

 

[Just Say Moe]

Sure, a $1 funnel will work but......​

​

“If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing.”
​

― Ayn Rand

 

[Bc'z]

Just get a LEE thrower, rotate hopper clockwise shuts off flow, work the handle a few times into your pan to empty drum.
Now lift hopper up and set in powder jug turn counter clockwise to open and drain

 

[Dave M.]

Because I use a hopper that is attached to a scale to dispense the initial charge then trickle the balance on my Sartorius scale.

This solution may not be the best for everyone. If you like it great, if you don't then ignore it. Just thought I would share my solution.

As for the elegant's, I don't like building junk, I prefer to try and make something I can be proud of.

I also use the same setup and when I am done I lift the hopper off the auto throw and then open the bottom to let it flow directly back into the jug.

 

[Dave M.]

Just get a LEE thrower, rotate hopper clockwise shuts off flow, work the handle a few times into your pan to empty drum.
Now lift hopper up and set in powder jug turn counter clockwise to open and drain

This is what I do

 

[Texas Solo]

This is a solution looking for a problem.
Any Walmart plastic funnel will work.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Dang i just hold the jug up there and open the chargemaster. The 8lb is a little heavy when its new.