Originally Posted by
DoubleBuck
Richard66;
Lots of guys have used binders on their screened powder, to harden the grains and keep it from turning to dust. Personally, I have only used 2% Dextrin, but until last week, it was the fastest (bullet speed) powder I have ever made. I have only corned my powder since.
For years I used 50% water and 50% of 96% Isopropyl alcohol. I thought it helped it to dry quicker. After taking heat for using alcohol in this manner, I did some tests and concluded that for my use, water is just as good for dampening, and I could not tell a substantial difference in the dry times. So, for the last 2 years? I have just stuck with water. Some have said alcohol makes the grains softer, and that may be the case, though I cannot say. And, as others have said about the gum binders, you have to use alcohol. If I was still screening powder, I would still use the 50/50 alcohol mix. For no particular reason. Just because.
If you have soft grained powder, and it becomes a nuisance, try a binder. They work, and can slow powder down to an extent, but also seem to help uniformity. Dextrin is cheap and you can make homemade from corn starch, by baking or slow heating it by skillet until it turns yellow-brown. Go easy, because more than 2% can start to really affect burn rates. I've never tried the gum style binders. But have read they work well. Good luck with your powder, and keep us posted on your results!
I was typing when you posted. Mix the binder (dextrin) when you finish milling, or when you add the water the first time.