Author Topic: Can I use a RCBS Uniflow safely with black powder (Read 659 times)

Old Sparky · « **on:** July 31, 2005, 04:08:05 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

fffffg · « **Reply #1 on:** August 01, 2005, 08:19:49 PM »

my rcbs has steel revolving part in the measure.. a tiney piece of quartz (sand) in the mix makes a fintlock.. chances are very slight anyone will have a problem... i wont go into describing what happens in detail what happens when a large amount of black powder goes off near ones face, but glasses melting to the face comes to mind on on mlml detailed account. i think youl find that a brass measure and a scoop will serve you just as well and not slow you down very much.. but still an accident can happen.. for long range shooting with 45-70, i weigh all bp loads, as a measure of any kind is not very accurate... my opinion only..dave.

fe352v8 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 02, 2005, 07:02:11 AM »

I would heed their advice, there is some danger from static being generated with the plastic hopper also. I also weigh charges, some go by volume alone, I have had better results with weight, and full cases. I use an empty case to get me close and a tickler to top off with and a brass drop tube for filling. Be safe and have fun.

life is no joke but funny things happen

jon

Old Sparky · « **Reply #3 on:** August 02, 2005, 09:36:05 AM »

thanks for the replys I have no experience loading black powder I have loaded smokeless for 25 years. Weighing powder sounds fine to me I thought I had read to go by volume not weight. I have scales and am wanting to see how cheaply I can get by.
thanks, Sparky

fe352v8 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 02, 2005, 11:23:37 AM »

Two books I found helpful,

HowTo's for the Black Powder cartridge rifle Shooter
by Paul A. Matthews

SPG Lubricants BP Cartridge Reloading Primer
by Mike Venturino and Steve Garbe

They are available from Buffalo Arms, I think I bought the SPG book at Cabellas

they cost between 10 and 15 dollars each

life is no joke but funny things happen

jon

Ray Newman · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2005, 11:29:13 AM »

Some other interesting sites on reloading, etc:

"Introduction to Black Powder Cartridge Reloading"

http://www.ssbpcrc.co.uk/Resources/Introduction%20to%20BPCR%20Loading.pdf

http://www.longrangebpcr.com/

Under "Ammunition," there is a very good article on bullet casting, or try this link to it:

http://www.longrangebpcr.com/8Phases.htm

TexasMac · « **Reply #6 on:** August 02, 2005, 06:20:34 PM »

Sparky,
I've tested black powder with static discharge devices up to 100,000 volts and could not get the powder to ignite. There are others who have preformed similar tests with the same results. And I have used a RCBS Uniflow Powder Measure for many years with blackpowder without any problems. But still, when it concerns the possibility of explosions and bodily damage, especially to my body, I'm not about to assume anything, . So, to make sure no static charge builds up on the Uniflow Powder Measure hopper I cut a very thin sheet of brass, available from any hobby shop, to fit the inside of the hopper. Another quick and very cheap method is to line the inside of the hopper with tin foil.

By the way, someone with the "handle" of Sparky may want to be especially careful...... :grin:

Wayne

Old Sparky · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2005, 03:44:53 PM »

thanks for the information and the links its good reading and very informative for me.
thanks, Sparky