Author Topic: uniflow and black powder safety (Read 760 times)

Old Sparky · « **on:** July 31, 2005, 04:00:55 AM »

I have read a warning from RCBS not to use the uniflow powder measure with black powder. I have read many fourms where people are using one anyway. I am wanting to load a black powder cartridge and want to get by as cheap as I can and am trying to cut costs and dont have a rifle or any black powder equiptment. I have a uniflow and several Dillon measures. Or do I need to spend the hundred bucks and but a lyman 55.
any help appreciated, Sparky
SOMEHOW MY POST IS IN THE WRONG FOURM

BS · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2005, 04:41:05 AM »

Do not use any powder measure that cuts the powder, or you might be more than just Sparky!

Probably should post on the Cartridge board above.

sharps4590 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2005, 08:22:00 AM »

I used the RCBS Uniflow with black powder for several years......and it concerned me every time I used it but it was all I had at the time. I finally found an old Belding and Mull measure with a brass hopper and it's all I use now. As far as shearing black powder granules, don't worry about it. If such were the case no powder measure on the market would be safe. Nothing is going to happen. I don't know where BS got that.

Vic

rk4570 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2005, 08:30:19 AM »

Check Out: www.ctmuzzleloaders.com Experiments, Lots of info on static electricty & black powder! :shock:

BS · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2005, 08:49:39 AM »

Quote from: sharps4590

I used the RCBS Uniflow with black powder for several years......and it concerned me every time I used it but it was all I had at the time. I finally found an old Belding and Mull measure with a brass hopper and it's all I use now. As far as shearing black powder granules, don't worry about it. If such were the case no powder measure on the market would be safe. Nothing is going to happen. I don't know where BS got that.

Vic

From RCBS:

Uniflow Powder Measure
Throws consistently accurate charges reload after reload. Powder pours uniformly from measuring cylinder into case, thereby eliminating the hazards of "overloads" caused by clogging when charges are dumped". Changes easily from charge to charge without emptying powder hopper. Numbered measuring screw is used for reference to find a given charge at a later date. The measuring cylinder has precision ground surfaces and slides into the honed main casting for a precision fit. Standard 7/8"- 14 thread. Includes stand plate, drilled for easy mounting on a bench or under a reloading die lock ring. Two drop tubes for .22 caliber and up are supplied. The Uniflow Powder Measure is fully capable of accurately measuring all three major powder types - ball, cylindrical, and flake. It will even cut the cylindrical powders so that a precise charge can be obtained. NOTE: The Uniflow Powder Measure should be used in conjunction with an accurate powder scale for setting the original charge and for checking charges occasionally during the run.
*Not for use with black powder.

An optional 17 caliber drop tube is available

09010 Uniflow Powder Measure
09002 Uniflow Powder Measure Small
09004 Measure Cylinder Assembly Small
86880 Dust Cover
09028 Drop Tube 17 Cal.

Shown with Powder Measure Stand.

sharps4590 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 01, 2005, 11:53:07 AM »

BS...read what you posted, I quote from it, "it will even cut the cylinderical powders so that a precise charge can be obtained". Seems shearing the powder is what it was designed for and is supposed to do.

BS · « **Reply #6 on:** August 01, 2005, 12:34:13 PM »

Quote from: sharps4590

BS...read what you posted, I quote from it, "it will even cut the cylinderical powders so that a precise charge can be obtained". Seems shearing the powder is what it was designed for and is supposed to do.

Sharps4590, the question is about black powder, not modern.

The 55 black powder has the non sparking brass sleeve and the anti spark hopper, I don't know if anybody else does, but I think they are very important.

flintski · « **Reply #7 on:** August 01, 2005, 05:22:50 PM »

Check this site

http://www.brimstonepistoleros.com/Articles/staticelectricity.html

What can I say!!!!!!!!!!

sharps4590 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 02, 2005, 12:05:50 PM »

BS

I understand the original question was about black powder. My Belding and Mull has the brass hopper which is why I bought it in the first place. I've been reloading the stuff in cartriges for over 20 years and shearing granules of black for that long also. It ain't gonna do nuthin'. My Belding and Mull shears granules, the RCBS will shear granules, the Lyman will shear granules. Any rotary type measure will shear granules be they black or smokeless. You said not to get a measure that "cuts the powder"......to my knowledge no such beast exists. I was totally aware of what RCBS said about not using their plastic hoppered measure for black. I did read the instructions before I set it up God knows how many years ago. I did it anyway and nothing happened. Perhaps I was lucky but flintskis post indicates otherwise.

Regarding you and your original post I was not referencing the use of black in a plastic hoppered measure, which you didn't address either, by the way. I was addressing your statement of not purchasing a measure that will shear the granules. Your own words are "do not use a measure that cuts the powder........." I said I used my RCBS because that was all I had and that I was concerned every time I used it. Go back and read all the posts and understand what was written and referred to. We're talking about two separate things here, the plastic hopper and shearing granules, or "cuts the powder" as you call it. There shouldn't be any confusion on what I wrote.

Anyway, I've said all I'm gonna say on the matter.

Vic

NONYA · « **Reply #9 on:** August 02, 2005, 12:21:21 PM »

if the manufacture suggests that it may be dangerous there is a reason for it,play it safe and get the propper equipmaent.You may have to change your name to Smokey!

Old Sparky · « **Reply #10 on:** August 03, 2005, 03:50:07 PM »

thanks for the help. I had heard thru the rumor mill of people using the uniflow and having no experience I thought this would be a great place for some help. I guess I wont be using the uniflow I'm cheap but safe.
thanks, Sparky

dlemaster · « **Reply #11 on:** August 04, 2005, 01:28:41 AM »

I think all the manufactures of powder measures did not recommend using their measures with black powder because it gives them "plausible deniability". In our litigious society there will be someone who manages to blow themselves to smithereens and a lawyer could make a case that the powder measure manufactures are at fault. It doesn't make a difference whether it's true or not, remember truth is the first casualty in a court room.
Now Lyman and maybe others are meeting an increasing demand for a measure that people will feel safe using black powder in. That doesn't mean that their previous measures were dangerous, they just didn't do any testing of them using black powder so you don't recommend using it.
Plus everyone "knew" that black powder would be set off by a static charge, even though no one had tested for it.
I have two powder measures one is an old Pacfic and a newer Lyman 55.
I didn't use black powder in them for fear of the dreaded static charge until I read about the testing a couple of years ago. Now I use them to throw a bulk charge into a case and weigh in the last few grains to keep my charges accurate. I now feel there is no great danger just use common sense and be careful as we should be.
But to each his own, so if your not comfortable doing it, don't do it.

Regards, Dave