Static Electricity And Reloading

[jwest]

None.

What makes you worry about ESD? the kind of electric shock that will set off a primer is the kind of electric shock that will burn you.
(Lead Azide electric shock sensitivity is through a joule-heating mechanism, with that nice huge metal cup sitting around the priming material a large amount of energy will need to be expended to generate enough heat)

now static charges that mess with your powder throw accuracy -- that is something you might actually run into

I've seen static affect powder - sounds like a lot in this thread have. I'll try the dryer anti-static wipes as some others have mentioned in this thread.

Has anyone heard of static setting off gunpowder?

Some interesting stuff from the googler:

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/archive/index.php?t-2023.html

http://www.benchrest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=467280

Better safe than sorry I suppose. Probably a good idea to have an anti-static pad for your powder scale and it certainly won't hurt anything to have your reloading station grounded.

Regards,
jwest

[Tony Sopranno]

I keep a dryer sheet in the powder measure while not in use.I noticed that some pieces of powder would stick to the sides when it is empty.Rub it w/a dryer sheet and no problemo.

When it's dry here at the end of summer, going into winter, the powder sticks to almost everything not grounded well -- especially Varget powder, it's the worst.

...Never tried anti-static sheets before... but I know those sheets keep mosquitoes off your skin, instead of using insect repentant (which is repugnant stuff to have on you skin, anyway).

[CSACANNONEER]

Scales can be strongly affected by magnetic fields and electrical interference generated by electronic devices. Don't use a scale near any electronic device such as a computer, monitor, radio, or cell phone.

I guess you proved me wrong. I do take these precautions against static electricity while using my electronic balances!

[Jonathan Doe]

I have been reloading for over 15 years and never had issues with static electricity.

[jwest]

When it's dry here at the end of summer, going into winter, the powder sticks to almost everything not grounded well -- especially Varget powder, it's the worst.

...Never tried anti-static sheets before... but I know those sheets keep mosquitoes off your skin, instead of using insect repentant (which is repugnant stuff to have on you skin, anyway).

Same thing with Benchmark - kindof like my kids magnetic field science projects for school.

[jwest]

I guess you proved me wrong. I do take these precautions against static electricity while using my electronic balances!

No worries. You have to give Mother Nature her due!

[Trakker]

new WMD
radiation specific to the molecular absorption in gun powder.
sets off their guns inadvertently.

[InlandTraining]

I have noticed changes in the powder drops due to static on windy days until I started using cut sheets of anti-static dryer sheets (the same stuff the wife uses in the dryer. Bounce) since then there has been much less sticking of the powder to the sides of the powder canister. I use it with both smokeless and black powder.

[jwest]

InlandTraining,

Yes, that is a technique that is recommended - mentioned in this thread.
A static mat is also recommended for scales, especially electronic ones too.

Regards,
jwest

[Revoman]

"I have been reloading for over 15 years and never had issues with static electricity."

Man, where do you do your reloading.........under water?!?!?!?