Reloading arts and crafts


I didn’t want to leave the powder in the powder throw exposed to the sun and I didn’t really want to constantly empty it so I made a little cover for it.  At the fabric store I looked at all the black fabric to find a piece that was the most opaque and I bought a half yard (5.99/yr – 50% off = $1.50) and some red thread because I am vain.

To actually make the sleeve I followed the following steps:

  1. I determined the size of the fabric by holding it up to the powder throw and adding ~1/2″ for the height and wrapping it around the throw and adding another 1/2″ seem allowance.
  2. I finished the top and bottom edges by folding it over and stitching 1/4″ from the fold.
  3. I folded it in half and sewed the 2 unfinished edges together again 1/4″ from the edge.
If I still had a sewing machine it would have taken longer to spool the thread than make…  but I don’t so I made it watching this weeks Shooting Gallery.

Then I slid it on, that’s it.

I can easily slide it up or down to check the powder level and since it doesn’t cover the top I can add powder or empty a case without removing it and my powder is shielded from the sun.

 

About

Ron is the Founder and President of When the Balloon Goes Up! He competes regularly in IDPA as an ESP/Expert, his focus is on concealed carry, home defense and analyzing equipment to find “Gear that Just Works!”

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  • Joe

    Actually, you may want to empty it after every time you’re done. The nitroglycerin in the powder will discolor and pit/melt the plastic if it is left in there long term.

  • http://godgalsgunsgrub.blogspot.com/ Dann in Ohio

    That’s a cool cover you made… I’ve been reloading for a long time, and I’m not necessarily an expert, but I think humidity changes and moisture absorption may be more of a concern with leaving the powder in our powder-throw reservoirs that are not really sealed tight… but I’ve done it for a day or two before myself…

    If you’re planning on reloading in a day or two, I don’t see a problem, but if you’re going to leave it there for a week or months… our house – even with a central air in the warm part of the year, and a whole house humidifier for the furnace in the cold part of the year still runs changes from around 45% to 85% humidity throughout the year. The Golden Rod seems to keep the interior of the gun safe at about 25% – 45% humidity…

    You may find that the original container with the lid tightened down is the best protection against powder absorbing moisture from humidity in the air which can affect performance… IMHO…

    Also, as a NRA reloading certified instructor… it is recommended to use only one powder at a time and keep it in the original container because mixing or mixing up two different powders could be very dangerous… if you’re only using one powder… I guess that is each individual’s decision…

    Another hint… while some powders are less expensive in 8-lb. containers… powders I use less than a pound or two per year I usually by in the 1-lb. containers so the second pound remains factory sealed until I need it. Powders I use a lot, like Red Dot for pistol cartridges and shotgun shells that I’ll use at least 8-lbs. in less than a year, I’ll buy the bigger containers…

    Dann in Ohio

    PS: love the shooting bench and rolling cabinet with drawers…

    • http://balloongoesup.com Balloon Goes Up

      Dann, I always appreciate your comments. I currently only reload 1 caliber and I only have 1 powder so storage and mixing powders isn’t an issue yet.

      At least for this month I expect to be shooting A LOT as I am trying to classify for Expert at the January IDPA match (I am currently unclassified) and I have already loaded a “hopper” full this week.

      If I am going to be away from it for a week or more I will empty it back into its jug.

      As for the bench it is a Sam’s club buy and they are actually pretty cheap.

      Thanks again.

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