Do you ground your press against static electricity?

[mazo kid]

If I find powder sticking to the hopper, powder funnel, etc. I give a couple of wipes with a dryer sheet and the problem goes away.

[John Boy]

There are many that avoid charging black powder with metal or plastic chargers that are not approved by the vendor for fear that potential static electricity will cause an explosion. Yes?
OK, check this out ... Gardner Bender Non-Contact Voltage Tester


In the tester's directions, this is what it states:

Static Electricity - The tester is subject to electrical static interference. If the LED or tone actives a single time, it is detecting the static electricity in the air. When detecting voltage, the LED and tone will activate repeatedly

So, add this tester to your reloading accessories. Time to reload? Pull out your Voltage Tester, press the On-Off button momentarily and if it activates a single time ... well, the decision is yours!

[btroj]

I have never heard of anyone grounding a press or a powder measure.

I suppose it could be a problem but I doubt it. One would think the NRA in the past would have mentioned it. Heck, I haven't seen a word about this in old load manuals or any books by the good old boys of lore.

[7of7]

I have never heard of anyone grounding a press or a powder measure.

I suppose it could be a problem but I doubt it. One would think the NRA in the past would have mentioned it. Heck, I haven't seen a word about this in old load manuals or any books by the good old boys of lore.

Most likely, when the old load manuals were written, and most of the good old boys were younger, there weren't as many lawyers wanting to sue the manufacturers for stupid things.. I think most of the static electricity stuff, is cya.. If they don't warn against it, they can be sued.. I don't worry to much about it at all. I use my RCBS powder measure to measure black powder.. and pre-measure my charges.. works great, and I have had people telling me that I am really quick at reloading my muzzle loader...

[oldtoolsniper]

Maybe they would have wrote about it but when they realized they had discovered a new problem they were on to the next life.

[LabGuy]

I have read in shotgunworld.com reloading forum that it’s not that unusual for shot shell reloaders to do, and recommend grounding of a press to remove static charges to improve consistency of powder drops. But for all I know it’s just an old wife’s tail… I live in Florida not sure what low humidity really is anymore.

[o6Patient]

Yo John Boy- cool tool.
I sent for one; been wanting one to trace out circuits so even if
it doesn't work for static it's something I needed anyway so thx
for the reminder.

[Dan Cash]

A static charge arc could ignite any type of powder. ...

I challenge you to demonstrate your claim. It is very hard to bring myth and superstition to the realm of reality.

[o6Patient]

I challenge you to demonstrate your claim. It is very hard to bring myth and superstition to the realm of reality.

What would you have me do? blow myself up? ..if you don't believe an electrical arch could ignite
gun powder than that is terrific..I firmly believe it can. As I said that is why graphite is on the outside
of gun powder is to prevent static build up..that is fact..research it yourself.

good luck and God bless you

[nekshot]

I sure needed a static charge in my flintlock last hunting season! All jokes aside this is interesting.

[daddyseal]

I sure needed a static charge in my flintlock last hunting season! All jokes aside this is interesting.

I bet~!
But black powder isn't the smokeless kind we use...it's manufactured differently.

[r1kk1]

Check this site. It covers it so well there can't be much argument.

http://www.ctmuzzleloaders.com/ctml_...eignition.html

Good link. This topic was brought up a couple of decades ago on another list. I've never worried about one way or the other. Over time and before the advent of replica powders, the No. 11 for instance, was replaced with a musket cap. Now I've seen 209, sm rifle primed cases, to ignite the newest stuff.

An interesting read is Ned Roberts book, The Muzzle-Loading Caplock rifle.

Take care

r1kk1

[Dan Cash]

05 Patient, you are nuts. What are you a patient of in 06 or any other time.

[o6Patient]

..you may be right Dan
and thank you for giving me the credit for inventing physics, but
I assure you I don't deserve the credit.
God bless

[1bluehorse]

when I bought my first Lee measure, (that was about 1995) and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS, it said to run at least three hoppers full of powder through the measure before using...I've not had any issues with static causing inconsistant charges in the Pro series, or my RCBS measures...the powder does not stick to the hoppers or other parts. I've never grounded (dedicated) a press on my bench and I guess maybe I'm still lucky to be alive..but when loading I wear a tin-foil hat and rubber flip flops so maybe thats the ticket ...I've also read when shooting, if you put a couple rubber washers around the barrel of the rifle it will be more accurate as it will change the barrel "harmonics" ..any other dumb stuff you guys want to discuss...

[o6Patient]

I think daddyseal asked a very legitimate question with this post.
Folks that think it "dumb" probably should look at a different thread.
regards

[KYCaster]

I had issues with static cling when using Lee Auto Disc measures, so I grounded the press and it seemed to help some.

I made brass bushings with various ID's which fit into the largest disc aperture.....that improved the situation more.

I gave up on the discs and replaced them with the adjustable insert......that was a huge improvement, but still had some issues, especially with small charges.

I solved the problem completely by throwing away the Lee junk and getting Hornady powder measures.

Life is good.

Jerry

[1bluehorse]

I think daddyseal asked a very legitimate question with this post.
Folks that think it "dumb" probably should look at a different thread.
regards

I didn't say it wasn't a legitimate question, (how many reports of reloading explosions have you read or heard about that was due to static electical charge) and the dumb part was the rubber washer on the barrel thingy...thank you, but I'll look at and contribute (?) to whatever thread I choose...if you don't like my responses then feel free to carry on to the next reply, I won't be offended...

[o6Patient]

I had issues with static cling when using Lee Auto Disc measures, so I grounded the press and it seemed to help some.

I made brass bushings with various ID's which fit into the largest disc aperture.....that improved the situation more.

I gave up on the discs and replaced them with the adjustable insert......that was a huge improvement, but still had some issues, especially with small charges.

I solved the problem completely by throwing away the Lee junk and getting Hornady powder measures.

Life is good.

Jerry

Life is good Jerry! (as long as one can resist the temptation to battle wits with an unarmed person. lol)

[daddyseal]

I Love This Forum because it is so Active~!
Thanks to all who gave your thoughts and opinions~!!

Yes..."Life Is Good"