jtaustin
Active Member
I've starting removing bullets and powder from unused old ammo from a friend. What is the proper way to dispose of the powder?
Newbee to reloading
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Lefty7mmstw
Well-Known Member
If you can't ID the powder, burn it in small piles with a train of combustible material going to the powder. If you can ID the powder then you may want to save the powder for a later use.
Why are you breaking down the ammo if I might ask?
Why are you breaking down the ammo if I might ask?
jtaustin
Active Member
It was a miscellaneous pile of 300 WM with unknown weights and powders. I'm starting with a new X Bolt 300 WM and want the ammo consistent. Less variables. I'm gathering all the equipment and materials, starting with Accubond 180's and H1000, learning all the procedures, fun new hobby!
Now figuring out which powder measure to get. Suggestions?
Now figuring out which powder measure to get. Suggestions?
RHC
Well-Known Member
Get a decent powder scale first. My powder measure is the RCBS Competition Small Rifle/Pistol. If I'm loading for a big rifle, all I have to do is throw a double charge to get up to that 80 grs of powder or whatever it is.
FearNoWind
Well-Known Member
First choice - RCBS Chargemaster
Too expensive?
Second choice - RCBS Powder Measure 09010 with a good scale (RCBS 10-10 scale and powder trickler)
Barrelnut
Well-Known Member
Sprinkle it on the lawn. It makes good fertilizer. Water it in if you want. No need to start a fire with it...
Gus McCrae
Well-Known Member
I'll give you a real boring suggestion...
Lee powder scoops and a good scale. That's what I use but I don't reload large batches at a time (usually 50-100 rds at a time).
If you get a digital scale, I think having a good balance scale is a must to double check the digital.
chrishatley
Well-Known Member
Yup, what Barrelnut said. Makes good fertilizer. Should make some pretty green spots lol.
Lefty7mmstw
Well-Known Member
LOL, I've gotta chuckle at that one. I had o whole keg of powder go bad a few years back so I tossed it my spreader and fertilized my lawn.
Kennibear
Well-Known Member
Last powder fire I was involved in scorched second degree burns on the right side of my face and right shoulder/ upper arm. Burning powder can flare and the intense flash will start stuff on fire 30 feet away (like me). The total amount of powder involved was about 3#. Spread it on the lawn like fertilizer. NEVER dispose of powder by burning.
BTW, fire extinguishers won't put out a powder fire....
KB
BTW, fire extinguishers won't put out a powder fire....
KB
Lefty7mmstw
Well-Known Member
That's good to know KB!!!
Many reloading books say to burn the bad powder in lots not to exceed 1#. I've had family do it that way and be fine. But one case with an injury is enough for me to re-think the wheel, so to speak. Sierra does list burning the powder on page 112 (current manual) as their way of disposal. I'll fertilize next time too!!!
walkingjay
Member
Get a good scale first. RCBS (O'Haus) beam scale is a good start, you'll not be disappointed. and you'll use it for years, even after you get a measure. Be advised on the powder measure, Some brands/models work better with different types of powder than others -Ball, flake, extruded ect. a lot of good advice is available on this site about that.
I have a 5-0-5, I've used it 30 years. and use it for set-up on my Dillon and MEC (universal charge bar) powder measures.
also, a set of LEE powder dippers makes a great way to throw the rough charge to a scale, than finish to wt with a powder trickler, or by shaking small amount amount of powder a dipper into the scale pan.
I have a 5-0-5, I've used it 30 years. and use it for set-up on my Dillon and MEC (universal charge bar) powder measures.
also, a set of LEE powder dippers makes a great way to throw the rough charge to a scale, than finish to wt with a powder trickler, or by shaking small amount amount of powder a dipper into the scale pan.
jtaustin
Active Member
After tumbling the brass, is it necessary to clean the inside before reloading? Using walnut.
If so, how?
If so, how?
