Cleaning different powder from powder thrower

[puffnstuff]

Hi team,

I've got the usual RCBS powder throwing for reloading, and reload using 2206h and 2209.

For a while I've been switching between powders and it's just dawned on me that I haven't been cleaning out the measuring chamber bit and funnel... Just the chamber that holds the powder and the visible bits down the bottom.

The powder sticks to the walls of the chamber so I guess when I've been filling up with different powders it just goes down the middle and the previous powder comes out bit by bit.

Do you guys get right in there to clean out every last grain of powder? If so how?

Haven't had any problems with loads so far, but better safe than sorry so thought I'd ask.

[Harper]

Get a thin paintbrush with long bristles.

That will do the business for you.

[redrum]

Yeah, you're best to clean than better than you have been.

At best it will muck up your loads.

If your shooting heavy loads a bit of the wrong powder mixed in in some random amount could give you more serious problems.

[Supporter]

If your shooting heavy loads a bit of the wrong powder mixed in in some random amount could give you more serious problems.

Bit of topic, but Hodges are doing blended powders for reloaders now aren't they?

[puffnstuff]

Get a thin paintbrush with long bristles.

That will do the business for you.

Yeah thanks mate, that's perfect.

Didn't have any problems with it while I was overlooking the problem, probably just cost me a little accuracy for a few rounds.

Better not to leave it to chance now though. I get the thrower nice and clean throughout now before changing powders.

[Chronos]

When I change powders I simply lift the thrower from its stand and tip the hopper contents back into the bottle. Then I sit it back in its stand and operate the thrower lever stiffly a few times into the bottle to empty the unit.

Powder shouldn't stick to anything unless there's some moisture or oil in there in which case you should give it a good clean out anyway.

The grey residue in there is most likely the graphite that coats the powder kernels and so won't cause any issues other than lubricating everything

Chronos