need responses from handloaders

bwa

June 19, 2002 20:12

1)Do air temperature and relative humidity have any effect on the volume or weight of powder charges? If so, how does one allow for it in setting the size of the charge?

2)Do the same factors have any adverse effect(s) on loading equipment? I have to reload in the garage, in which there are large changes in temperature and humidity over the course of the year. I can take the press, powder measure, etc. in the house when I'm finished, but it's kind of a bother and I'd rather just leave them set up so that I don't have to repeat the ritual the next time. What do you say?

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  gunphreak

  June 19, 2002 22:17

  Humidity is not something you want your powder or primers exposed to. Does it affect the weighing process. Not significantly. Can it affect your press?? That depends. Do you want your press rusting?? If it is made of steel, it will.
  
  I have my equipment set up in the house. It causes no problems. I store all my powders and primers somewhere else. I never keep explosives in the house, but I assemble ammo in the controlled conditions of my hobby room. I have reloaded over 10,000 rounds of ammo and never once had even so much as a primer going off.
  
  Death to Tyrants!!!
  
  -Gunphreak

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  Laredo Lefty

  June 19, 2002 23:54

  I have reloaded 40,000+ rnds over the years, all of it my garage. The weather here in Cal goes from dry to humid, and it has never been a problem with primers or powder. Keep your components in their original containers in a cool,dry place and you should have no problems.
  If you keep your reloading machine clean, and properly lubed it should last for years. Wipe it down from time to time with a light oil, especially on the unpainted areas.
  The info in the reloading manuals takes into consideration variations in humidity. Follow the published data for your reloads, and stay between the starting and max loads for the caliber your are loading.

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  kwwoody

  June 20, 2002 06:18

  bwa:
  here in south Texas it is very humid. I have to keep my reloading equipment in the garage. But powders and primers I keep inside where it is cool. I keep my presses cleaned and well oiled (like my guns) and have very little rust except for some surface spots.
  
  Woody

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  Nighthawk

  June 20, 2002 07:13

  Another way to help keep your powder stored is to use the little silicone packets that usually are packed with shoes or clothing items.My wife does enough shopping to keep me supplied,so I dont have to buy them.During the summer months when its humid I will run a dehumidifier.Seems like it works.
  
  Good Luck.
  
  Rugster

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  Shootist3006

  June 20, 2002 08:23

  Most modern powders are hydroscopic - they absorb moisture. That said, if you keep powder in a sealed container and don't leave it sitting out in the powder measure/dispenser there should not be a problem. Even at high humidity levels, powder will only absorb 5 to 10% of its weight in moisture, keep it closed when not in use and it should be fine.
  
  Quod principi placuit legis habet vigorem.Semper Fidelis

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  bwa

  June 20, 2002 15:45

  Thanks fellas for your input. Just to clarify: I don't store powder in the garage; I was inquiring about the possible effect of humid conditions during the actual process of loading. I was loading yesterday when it was a little more humid than the last time, and it seemed as though the charges were weighing slightly more, though the measure was set the same as before.
  
  Re the equipment: I assume that the dies are stainless. Am I correct in thinking that no oil is required(nor desirable) on them? Also, would silicone spray be a suitable substitute for oil on the parts of the press which are vulnerable to rust? It's easy to work with, isn't messy, and gets into the corners where one's fingers won't reach.
  
  Thanks again for sharing your expertise and experience.

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  daddo

  June 20, 2002 17:17

  I would like to mention, the powders in the original containers are not explosive, but will ignite quickly. Store them in the house if you like, in a safe place.
  Changes in temp. is not good for anything.

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  varmit hunter

  June 20, 2002 18:20

  I live in South East Texas,Plenty of humidity.My hunting partner has come up with a neat idea.Get a Black&Decker Work Mate.Mount your press on one end of a 2"x6".Your powder measure on the other.You can put your case trimmer in the middle.Pop open the jaws of the work mate and take it all in the house.Works great,Can even take it to the range.
  
  The most important things, Are not things.

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