Do you leave powder in the hopper?

[garyb]

Just curious.....do you leave powder in your hopper? I was told by old time reloaders that leaving powder in the hopper would not cause any problems. I always leave powder in the hopper at 3/4 to full level, but noticed that the hopper was developing a bulge and what appeared to be plastic breaking down. I have started to empty it now. I don't know if it would eventually damage the hopper, but why take the chance. I have a dehumidifier in my reloading area, so I am not that concerned about moisture issues. But I am concerned about the reloader. Any thoughts on this?

[Bob T]

No I don't, I read more than once that what happened to you, is what will happen...
Why I do believe it is even in the instructions...

[garyb]

No I don't, I read more than once that what happened to you, is what will happen...
Why I do believe it is even in the instructions...

Didn't catch that. At least no serious damage was done. Minor cosmetic change. But powder goes back in the original container now. Thanks.

[Bawanna]

Until the last couple years I always emptied the hopper. Mostly because I didn't want to forget what powder was in there as I loaded for several calibers. I'd leave all the powder put away except the one I was using so it really didn't matter. Now on my progressive I pretty much only load 45 so I been leaving it in the hopper.
I plan to go back to emptying it after reading this. I don't see any signs of what you show and I have a Hornady too.

[downtownv]

No powder left in the hopper! No poop left in the other hopper, neither. Same thing, empty the hopper or you get that stain....:001_tt2:

[Bawanna]

In pondering this I suspect that the brand and type of powder probably make a big difference. Some are probably more acidic or prone to cause damage.
I see no sign of that swelling or discoloration on my measure at all.
My house is tore up but soon as I can get to my man cave again I'm gonna empty it anyhow. Go back to my diligent ways and put aside this laziness and carelessness. Well at least the laziness, I still don't really care anymore.

[BEARDOG]

Thanks for the pic Gary B, because till I seen it I thought this issue was just internet BS.

That said... I have been, and have no plan to stop, leaving powder in my Lyman powder measure since I started using it like 25+ years ago.
It still looks like it did when it was new, no stains, no bulges. I almost always have Bullseye in it as that is what I load in most all my pistol loads. I just put a masking tape label on the lid with the type of powder in it. Maybe they used better plastic back then?

[Bob T]

Thanks for the pic Gary B, because till I seen it I thought this issue was just internet BS.

That said... I have been, and have no plan to stop, leaving powder in my Lyman powder measure since I started using it like 25+ years ago.
It still looks like it did when it was new, no stains, no bulges. I almost always have Bullseye in it as that is what I load in most all my pistol loads. I just put a masking tape label on the lid with the type of powder in it. Maybe they used better plastic back then?

I wonder if the type of plastic has changed over the years. Your older powder measure may have been made with plastics that were tougher, compared to those made now, out of more environmentally friendly stuff. My Redding powder measure is brand new, and clearly states in the instructions not to leave powder in it.

[Southerngunner]

I have several Dillon quick change heads with their own powder measure and after I contacted Dillon to replace one of the plastic housings because of yellowing and cracks, they told me Not to leave powder in them unless you are reloading because the powder will make it happen again if it is left for extended periods.

[leftysixty]

Leaving the powder in the measure will also give it a better chance to collect moisture.