Mixing powder ... (by accident)

[rustyinbend]

I always take the powder I'm using off the shelf, and leave it on the bench until I'm done filling cases, and recover the unused powder to its respective container. Did exactly that with an 8 lbs jug of StaBall I was using for loading 6.5-CM cases. Finished loading, and did "other things" leaving the StaBall in my Chargemaster. Came back later, reached up on the shelf, pulled down a 1 lbs jug of MagPro and proceeded to empty my Chargemaster reservoir into it. Put the MagPro back on the shelf, and looked at the empty spot usually occupied by my 8 lbs jug of StaBall, and knew instantly that I'd f**ked up big-time. I'm inventing a new caliber ... 306.5 Win Creed ... so that I don't have to throw away a pound of mixed powder. I call the recommended powder ... "StaPro" ... or maybe "MagBall" ... no ... that last one sounds too much like a bad porn movie.

I guess the good news is that I'm only throwing away 1 lbs of screwed up mixed powder. Thank God it wasn't the MagPro dumped into the almost full 8 lbs jug of StaBall.

Lesson Learned ... ALWAYS empty the powder dispenser into the right jug BEFORE walking away from the reloading bench.

 

[memtb]

“Ouch”! Worse things have happened! Though, with the component prices and shortage.....that’s pretty bad! memtb

 

[rustyinbend]

“Ouch”! Worse things have happened! Though, with the component prices and shortage.....that’s pretty bad! memtb

Yeah ... luckily I've stockpiled a lot of both these powders that I use regularly. I cried ... but only for a little while.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Imagine having to throw away an 8lb jug. I always keep an open 1lb container for powder handling purposes and only fill from the 8lb jug; never fill back to the 8lb. All opened containers need to be marked "open". Powder dispensers are always emptied and cleaned if I'm going to leave the bench.

 

[Anb618]

Redundant safeties.

1) Only fill CM/Dillon from 1lb powder jugs. 8lb jugs get transferred as necessary to empty/nearly empty 1lb jug.
2) All powder stays in a closed door storage cabinet unless being utilized. Nothing on top of nearby tables or shelves, and NEVER on the loading bench (unless in use);
3) Leave 1lb powder container being actively used in the CM/Dillon on top of an otherwise empty shelf directly behind the CM/Dillon. This is the only item in that small cupboard, ever.
4) Painters tape on the CM/Dillon drop with powder name sharpie’d on it. I just keep the tape on the 1lb bottles and move them back and forth.

Even if I screw up one of these, the rest should give me enough pause to prevent making my own very expensive yard fertilizer.

I also mark the lid of every powder purchase with the month/year I purchased them in silver Sharpie. Helps track what is (or should be) my oldest powder.

 

[Huskydriver]

I'm in for your next distracted reloading thread hopefully you still have your face as it currently resides

 

[Choid]

Just make sure you pour it like a black and tan so you can know when to change cartridges.

 

[vinniedelpino]

Imagine having to throw away an 8lb jug. I always keep an open 1lb container for powder handling purposes and only fill from the 8lb jug; never fill back to the 8lb. All opened containers need to be marked "open". Powder dispensers are always emptied and cleaned if I'm going to leave the bench.

And imagine if that 8lb jug was Retumbo, H1000 or RL26... ouch.

 

[SD Carpenter]

I have a pickle jar that says "60% sure varget", we've all been there lol

 

[Jefe's Dope]

Just load one caliber and use one type of powder. Problem solved.

 

[Nbleak21]

Send it!

 

[rustyinbend]

Just load one caliber and use one type of powder. Problem solved.

Kind of a "binary" solution ... but effective.

 

[Eric32]

That's plinking power then it's not ruined just changing the burn characteristics. Blending powder has been a thing before.

 

[Jackomason]

I've got three kids. I know how it can be, some distractions can't be removed haha. But I take it as my responsibility to them and my wife to not kill myself when reloading. Still, accidents happen. Glad you caught it!

I'm sure you could put it in a food processor and make some wicked fire crackers witht the dust. Unlike the post above.... I'm joking.

 

[Cascade Hemi]

Hey Rusty, want to try some 150SMK with that powder mix?

 

[SalomonQST99]

In my case, I have some dud 9mm rounds that I've loaded with either Titegroup or CFE Pistol. Not sure which one. So when I take out the kinetic hammer and recover the powder, brass, and bullet, I know I've thrown the powder into the hopper of whatever I'm loading 9mm with.

 

[Rhed]

Well? Something else to do on your spare time.

How to Do Gunpowder Art: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

If you're tired of drawing and painting, try out the exciting process of creating art with gunpowder and fire! Use acrylic paper, canvas, or wood to create a variety of burn styles. Make some abstract art by spreading the gunpowder at...

www.wikihow.com