Reloading while it's raining

Reloading equipment, methods, load data, powder and projectile information.

Reloading while it's raining

Post by vexesus » 23 Feb 2015, 2:09 pm

To be clear not asking about storing powder in frequently raining or humid areas, just talking about while things are out during a short but intense period of moisture.

If it's pissing down and humid as, is powder absorbent enough to pick up anything from that short but intense time?

And could the downsides be?

(Pissing with rain all day here and put it off :()
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Jack V » 23 Feb 2015, 2:37 pm

It's a good question. Don't leave the lid off the powder can . Powder that is held in a measure is fairly sealed in so I can't see a big issue in that case.
Dipping powder from an open container would have more potential to pick up moisture but again I can't see an issue especially if the ammo is to be used in a reasonable time frame. The coatings on powder granules seem to keep it isolated from air moisture so I have never worried about it too much but I am sure an in-depth scientific examination of the subject could come up with some small negative effect over time . If I was loading ammo to put away for a few years I would most likely avoid wet days .
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Noisydad » 23 Feb 2015, 3:02 pm

Black powder left open in humid and damp weather definately will hence the expression " Keep yer powder dry!". Would have thought the shiny coating on smokeless would seal it reasonably well.
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Baldrick314 » 23 Feb 2015, 4:16 pm

I used to do a fair bit of reloading on rainy days, I haven't suffered any adverse effects. I'm sure at some level the moisture in the air does effect the powder but I doubt it's enough to cause drastic changes, not in the short term anyway. As said above ammo for long term storage may be a different case
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Techc » 23 Feb 2015, 7:35 pm

I haven't noticed a difference and have done it a number of times.

My reloading space is inside though, and away from direct exposure via windows, doors etc.

Having the powder exposed for a few hours in a drafty shed could be another story?
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Tiiger » 23 Feb 2015, 7:37 pm

vexesus wrote:And could the downsides be?


I can't give you an answer on hours required to absorb enough moisture for it to matter, but the downside (again, if any, not saying you'll notice) would be a different burn from the cartridge and change in velocity/accuracy.

I can't see it doing much more than a hairs breadth for every day reloading though.
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Turkle » 27 Feb 2015, 2:41 pm

Never noticed a difference, would have done hundreds while raining.
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Oldbloke » 27 Feb 2015, 5:53 pm

Storm in a tea cup. If the case is almost full of powder not much room left for moist air.
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by coroboreeboy » 28 Feb 2015, 6:07 am

As a reloader living in the tropics, and as a lazy sod who used to leave powder in the press instead of putting in back in the bottle, I found out the hard way that humidity has different effects on different powders. Specifically, coarse grain like AS50 don't seem to be affected much if at all; while fine powders like Bullseye very easily "cake" and cause metering problems.
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by vexesus » 02 Mar 2015, 1:59 pm

coroboreeboy wrote:coarse grain like AS50 don't seem to be affected much if at all; while fine powders like Bullseye very easily "cake" and cause metering problems.


Once metered though did you find it shot the same or was it completely different?

Or was it just too buggered to bother....
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by bunnybuster » 06 Mar 2015, 2:12 pm

Borrow Turkle's umbrella, :idea: :lol: I do mine in a batch on an outside bench in fine dry weather,so no experience to add,

Be Safe BB
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Turkle » 06 Mar 2015, 2:56 pm

:D

Reloading is sort of my rainy day activity to keep busy.

Pretty much only do it in crappy weather :lol:
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Oldbloke » 06 Mar 2015, 3:40 pm

I think I'm gonna get on with bunnybuster pretty good. Plugs pests and keeps reminding me to "be safe" LOL
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by coroboreeboy » 06 Mar 2015, 4:03 pm

vexesus wrote:
coroboreeboy wrote:coarse grain like AS50 don't seem to be affected much if at all; while fine powders like Bullseye very easily "cake" and cause metering problems.


Once metered though did you find it shot the same or was it completely different?

Or was it just too buggered to bother....


Sorry to take so long to get back to you. In answer to your question, does the word "squib" ring a bell. Got 2 of them in 1 competition!
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by BRNOmod2 » 06 Mar 2015, 8:31 pm

I thought about this question myself when I moved to south coast of WA. I am fairly meticulous in emptying my powder thrower as soon as I finish my reloading, but just to be sure I ended up taping one of those little silica/moisture absorbing sachets under the powder thrower hopper lid (the type you find in the box when the missus buys another new pair of shoes) don't know if it does anything or not? but I seem to be able to load some very consistent match grade rounds regardless of what the weather is/what the humidity is.
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by vexesus » 07 Mar 2015, 3:18 pm

coroboreeboy wrote:Sorry to take so long to get back to you. In answer to your question, does the word "squib" ring a bell. Got 2 of them in 1 competition!


Hey, no problem.

Two in one :(

Well that aint no good.
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Re: Reloading while it's raining

Post by Tiiger » 07 Mar 2015, 3:20 pm

BRNOmod2 wrote:I ended up taping one of those little silica/moisture absorbing sachets under the powder thrower hopper lid


Clever thought. Probably not a bad idea.
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