Static cling in discharge tube

[Steve Ladino]

I always thought that I was completely emptying my RCBS CM before using a different powder. Tilting the machine and pushing the trickle button to get a visual of any powder left in the machine was what I've been doing. Well the other day I was loading R-15 and left it in the hopper till I was done, about three days.
When I dumped the R-15 and the flow stopped out of the gate I pushed the trickle button until the tubes cut out was facing up, what I usually do, and if I see any powder I rotate the tube via the trickle button until none is seen. To my surprise the tube kept filling up and I eventually had to remove all the powder from the tube with a small round riffler file, which was just handy not necessary.
Bottom line is that my first few loads with a new powder were contaminated with the previous powder type, I don't know weather it was static electricity or something about R-15 and how long this has been happening. Just another "never thought that was happening" situation.

 

[rwj]

To avoid that possibility, I use a small shop vac to clean the bench top, including powder dispenser, after completing each loading session.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Wipe it down with a used Dryer Sheet. That seems to knock the crap out of static cling.

 

[F Class John]

This ^ plus I give my tricklers a quick blow out with compressed air if I change powder. I used to do it with my Chargemasters too.

 

[divingin]

Was the powder sticking inside the tube? That tube is aluminum; it shouldn't be very affected by static (and if it is, touching the tube with your hand should be enough to alleviate that.)

I usually empty the hopper and trickle a bit when the level drops below the tube (to get any powder at the tube opening out), then use the paintbrush to catch any remaining kernels in the hopper reservoir, and finally close the drain and throw another charge into the pan to get the remaining powder in the tube out. I've never had a problem with anything left in the tube.

I don't remember what kind of cord is on the CM, but if it's a 3 prong, make sure the ground pin in your outlet is properly grounded.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Store it with a dryer sheet in it

 

[Rsadams]

Store it with a dryer sheet in it

+1.... I started doing this last year myself on all three of my powder throwers....

 

[Steve Ladino]

My discharge tube has a size reduction bushing in the end, Might be a good idea to remove it too and use comp. air when changing powders.

 

[leakeyjohn]

My reloading etc room is in a dry basement room (I know that in many homes those two words cannot be used like that)

 

[Doom]

I had a similar problem with IMR Target when I first opened it. I initially thought static but It seemed wet. Turned out is was acetone and caused clumping.

 

[LHSmith]

I always run a pipe cleaner (for smoking pipes) through when I am done.

 

[SSL]

Can of compressed air and an art brush takes care of the problem.