Newbie Reloading Question

[countertop]

Blogged about this here, but thought I would also post some of it.

I got a Lee Turret Press for Christmas and loaded my first batch of ammo (.45 ACP) this weekend. I was using Unique with CCI 300 primers and Lee Dies. The bullets were 230 grain .451 Georgia Arms FMJ and JHP.

Had a real problem with static electricity - not sparks or anything, but just the flaked gun powder pouring straight up and out of the powder measure and generally not behaving as I would like it to. Flakes got everywhere and I suspect I didn't get real consistent loads as a result. Any suggestions on avoiding static electricity? I was wearing Doc Martins (big comfy rubber soled shoes) and a cotton turtle neck and blue jeans while loading - standing on linoleum).

Once I got to the range today, noticed a couple of other things going on.

First, the reloads were a bit smokey. Not as bad as blackpowder, but certainly worse than with the WWB. Is this normal for Unique? Also, when i was done firing the 25 rounds my gun was far more dirty than normal and there was lots of unburned flakes of gunpowder on the table under the gun I was firing. It sure seems to my untrained eye like the Unique wasn't burning completely - and perhaps this has some impact on the amount of smoke. Is this a problem? How do I get the powder to burn more completely? Should I try different primers (recommendations???)? Is this just a normal characteristic of Unique? Is it possible Green Top sold me bad powder? Should I try a different powder?


Appreciate any advice you'll might have. Thanks!

[Charley]

They don't call Unique "flammable dirt" for nothing! It does burn a bit dirty, but I find Unique more useful than any other handgun powder, because it has such broad applications. If it bothers you. look at Winchester 231, or some of the Higden handgun powders. Most burn cleaner than Unique, but are more limited in application.

As for the static, wipe your powder reservoir, drop tube, funnel, and any other plastic items with an anti-static dryer sheet. Should solve your problem.

Very normal for unique. Great powder but just the way it is. I got stopped the other day at the range cause the range officer thought something was terribly wrong.

Little tip. Before loading or puttin gpowder in your thrower, or trickler or hopper, wipe it down with a static dryer sheet. Works great. Espeically in these winter months.