Static Electricity?

[Headhog]

Every winter when the cold dry air moves in, I find I'm dealing with the same problem. Inconsistent powder charges from the powder measures on my progressive presses. I'm not talking about great variations in charge weight but rather 0.1 - 0.2 gr. I find myself pulling more cartridges from the press to check charge weight.

For my 9mm and 45 ACP loads I use in action shooting competition, it's not a problem. Knockout pistol accuracy is not critical at 25 yds or less. But, when I'm loading 357 Mag or 45 Colt for my carbines I want consistent charges. At 50 or more yards, I believe these inconsistent charges will impact accuracy greatly.

I believe the problem is cause by static electricity, since I can see powder sticking to the powder reservoir. Also the problem seems to be worse with flake powder as opposed to stick powders. Anybody else experience this and have you come up with a remedy?

Paul

[Sir Henry]

I had that problem and would run a few measurements just to dirty the plastic. One it got dirty it was consistent because the same amount was on everything.

[CT_Shooter]

You can also reduce the static by wiping the plastic reservoir with an anti-static dryer sheet, Bounce.

[ol'pole]

you can get a static mat, it's connected to an earth ground (water pipe)and will eliminate static to anything it's connected to or that sit on it
This item: Rosewill Anti-Static Mat with Grounding Wire. ESD Mat Size 23.6 x 23.6 Inch. 10 Feet Coiled… $19.99. Read some of the Q&A for hook-up options.

[Oldbrass]

Nice tips I have static issues when I use my powder scoops, perhaps I need to comadere the wife's dryer sheets

[John E Davies]

I dislike flake powders in general, tho I do use a lot of Trail Boss. I much prefer ball powders like the Accurate Arms pistol series. They meter MUCH more effectively. If you can find any, try AA5 or AA7 in your 9mm/ .45 ACP and AA9 in the .357 Mag.

John Davies
Spokane WA

[Grunt67]

I made a metal band of aluminum foil, twisted it tight around the reservoir. ran a wire to a ground source. Worked for me.
Also, bought an aluminum funnel. Stay away from plastic as much as possible.

[Headhog]

Thanks folks. There are a lot of great ideas and suggestions I will try in the next few weeks. One of the first is the use of dryer sheets. I already keep some on my bench to toss in with my brass and tumbling media. It draws the dust and dirt from the media and makes it last longer. Never even gave it a thought since one of it's purposes for laundry is antistatic.

I plan to also try to foil and ground since I have a copper gas line right above my bench. Wouldn't take much to put clamp on it and drop a wire down. Being frugal I'll go with the free/cheap fixes first.

Paul