Ok, so I tried to search this topic before starting a new thread and couldn't find anything so here we go...
So I decided to use a Lee autodisk powder measure for the powder charges in my current run of .223. The powder I'm using is Western Powder's X-terminator... which is a very small grained ball powder and not at all friendly with the autodisk. I still weighed every charge (it'll throw +- .5 grains, which isn't good. It averages about +.2 grains and is pretty consistent though). Long story short, the powder leaked around the seams of the autodisk and got all over my reloading table. Okay guys, I know this isn't the smartest thing I've ever done (and continued to do even after I noticed it), but don't slap my wrist too hard.
I reload in my small shed and my reloading table is also my small engine repair/gun cleaning/every other chore or project I have table. I do try to clean it between one activity and another, but it's a rather course plywood and it doesn't clean well unless I vacuum it. Long story short, I cleaned up the powder and have safely discarded it. I was afraid to use it for anything as I could see some specks of dust and other foreign material in it. I was amazed at how much I spilled though. Nearly 120 grains total. So... in the grand scheme of things it's enough powder for about 6 rounds. It's not gonna break me and I would much rather be safe than sorry. BUT... I started wondering. Has anyone else in this situation introduced a small amount of foreign material into a powder and continued to use it with success (i.e. safety)?
So I decided to use a Lee autodisk powder measure for the powder charges in my current run of .223. The powder I'm using is Western Powder's X-terminator... which is a very small grained ball powder and not at all friendly with the autodisk. I still weighed every charge (it'll throw +- .5 grains, which isn't good. It averages about +.2 grains and is pretty consistent though). Long story short, the powder leaked around the seams of the autodisk and got all over my reloading table. Okay guys, I know this isn't the smartest thing I've ever done (and continued to do even after I noticed it), but don't slap my wrist too hard.
I reload in my small shed and my reloading table is also my small engine repair/gun cleaning/every other chore or project I have table. I do try to clean it between one activity and another, but it's a rather course plywood and it doesn't clean well unless I vacuum it. Long story short, I cleaned up the powder and have safely discarded it. I was afraid to use it for anything as I could see some specks of dust and other foreign material in it. I was amazed at how much I spilled though. Nearly 120 grains total. So... in the grand scheme of things it's enough powder for about 6 rounds. It's not gonna break me and I would much rather be safe than sorry. BUT... I started wondering. Has anyone else in this situation introduced a small amount of foreign material into a powder and continued to use it with success (i.e. safety)?
