Cleaning out a powder measure

Discuss ammunition and reloading topics here.
Post Reply
User avatar
thom
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 1425
Joined: May 20th, 2018, 10:49 pm
Reputation: 24
Location: chandler, near IKEA

Cleaning out a powder measure

#1

Post by thom »

What is the correct way to clean out a powder measure? I am changing from Blue dot to titegroup and don't want to mix it? I have a dillon square deal setup. I have already taken off the measure dumped it and opened the shell feeder until it is empty. Also wiped down the inside with a dryer fabric softener. Do I need to do anything else?

Thanks in advance.
Thom


User avatar
Flash
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 2497
Joined: May 16th, 2018, 1:56 pm
Reputation: 5

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#2

Post by Flash »

If you're sure you dumped it all and then wiped with a fabric softener cloth, then you're good to go. That's what I've done my whole life (except for before they had dryer sheets).
User avatar
87jeep
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 194
Joined: May 28th, 2018, 7:27 pm
Reputation: 1
Location: Pinal co.

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#3

Post by 87jeep »

Larry knows! Same thing I do. If your are worried, dump, wipe, run the new powder through a few times. JMHO Have a good day!
Carry on
User avatar
delta6
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 946
Joined: May 21st, 2018, 8:44 am
Reputation: 14
Location: phoenix

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#4

Post by delta6 »

AZ1182 wrote: March 21st, 2021, 12:42 pm I hit everything within reach or rotated to be reached with a can of air as I was shown and taught by a very wise reloader that I trust and my other older than me reloader friends do just the same and are in agreement with. I do it until I see not even one flake or granule of the former powder. I've done this since reloading and have not had any issues doing so. Tens of thousands consumed so I must be doing something right, despite any preconceived confirmation biases from the usual insufferable types. I use either direct sunlight or a bright flashlight to confirm.
Yikes...toxic personality disorder much?
User avatar
Boriqua
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 3424
Joined: June 4th, 2018, 7:31 am
Reputation: 16
Location: East Mesa

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#5

Post by Boriqua »

Hey thom. Just finished a reloading session. I just give it a blast of air in key spots and carry on.

In the past I have just used a cheap 1" chip brush that I keep loaded with powdered graphite.

Even then I probably spend all of 20-30 seconds.
User avatar
Old Jeff H
ArizonaShooting.org Bronze Supporter
ArizonaShooting.org Bronze Supporter
Posts: 985
Joined: February 28th, 2020, 4:14 pm
Reputation: 9
Location: Glendale, AZ

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#6

Post by Old Jeff H »

I've always just walked out to the garage and blasted it out with the air gun.

Also works great for blasting away any residual corn cob/dust from brass after it comes out of the tumbler.
User avatar
Intel6
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 131
Joined: July 24th, 2018, 3:43 pm
Reputation: 1
Location: SE AZ

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#7

Post by Intel6 »

As others have said, air is a great way to get all the grains out. I also remount it to the press and use a case to cycle it a few times and you will get every last bit before adding the new powder.
User avatar
samnev
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 752
Joined: May 15th, 2018, 8:27 am
Reputation: 4
Location: Surprise, AZ

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#8

Post by samnev »

I also use the air blast from my big compressor to clean my measure. Use the same setting that I fill my cars tires when they need air. Works like a charm.
User avatar
theChad
ArizonaShooting.org Member
ArizonaShooting.org Member
Posts: 25
Joined: May 19th, 2018, 5:15 am
Reputation: 3
Location: Peoria

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#9

Post by theChad »

Similar sentiments. Remove, dump, cycle the powder bar a few times. Hit it with the air. Clean enough for government work.
User avatar
Packer
New to ArizonaShooting.org
New to ArizonaShooting.org
Posts: 23
Joined: December 30th, 2020, 11:43 am
Reputation: 1
Location: West Valley

Re: Cleaning out a powder measure

#10

Post by Packer »

While air blasts would seem sufficient, I don't have air in my reloading space and simply empty the powder, invert the measure and tap with wood block/leather mallet. Cycle the handle, inspect and ready for use.
Post Reply