Emptying hopper after use?

[cookiemonster]

I saw a Facebook post where a guy asked if people empty their hopper after loading. He said he had a dillon 550. Most people's comments were yes. I also use a 550. It's kept inside my house, load between 400-700 rounds a month, and use WST powder. I never unload mine......should I?

 

[Leadfoot]

Do you notice any issues?

I think the main reason it would be a good idea is if you A) Use your press for several different calibers and maybe you wouldn't remember which powder was in the hopper or B) Your press was located in a non-fulltime climate controlled area.

Otherwise, I don't see it being a big problem. If you find you have a lot of powder staying in the hopper, just don't fill it up so much the next time.

 

[cookiemonster]

No, haven't noticed any issues. Been loading with it over a year. I also don't change powders very often. Thanks.

 

[highstandard40]

I'm not sure about the Dillon, but it is well established that some powder measure plastics can be damaged by the solvents in some powders if left over longer periods of time. This is the reason it is suggested that you empty the unused powder after each loading session.

 

[DBMJR1]

I don't empty mine. Bulleye in the progressive and W231 in the RCBS uniflow. I keep them as full as possible to maintain more even powder throws. They're in a climate controlled shop.

 

[1911Dave]

I never empty mine on my LNL unles I am switching powders

 

[noylj]

The only issue is the plastic will darken.
Most folks I know who have their press set for a specific load keep the powder in the hopper and load as they find time.

 

[highstandard40]

Darkening of the plastic is caused by the graphite coating on powder and will occur over time if you leave powder in the hopper or not. What I am referring to is damage to the plastic from solvents in the powder. I have heard of several instances of the plastic breaking down from long term exposure to powder. Does it happen in all cases? Probably not but I always remove all powder from my measure for this and other reasons.

 

[cookiemonster]

I've seen them with dark plastic, but that must take a while. Mine is still clear after a year.