Reloading workspace question

[Ponder_MD]

I've made space in my detached garage for reloading. During winter, the space will be cold and humidity may be very low at times. How big of a concern is static discharge when handling primers and powder?

 

[spoon059]

Never once worried about either. Primers require a strike. Powder, I prefer not to touch with my bare hands anyway.

 

[6-Pack]

I started wearing mechanics gloves when reloading. It helps cut down on tarnishing my brass and keeps my hands clean when I’m doing case prep. You’ll never have static discharge through gloves.

I also keep my reloading/gun room at 35% humidity year round.

 

[Ponder_MD]

Hmmm...nitrile gloves might be the ticket. Good idea.

 

[Muleskinner]

I've been reloading for 40 years and never once worried about static.

 

[Doco Overboard]

Never once worried about either. Primers require a strike. Powder, I prefer not to touch with my bare hands anyway.

This is really bad advice. Friction will set a primer right off.

 

[Park ranger]

A used dryer sheet will cut the static. Wipe down your equipment prior to use and it won’t be an issue.

 

[Ponder_MD]

A used dryer sheet will cut the static. Wipe down your equipment prior to use and it won’t be an issue.

 

[erwos]

This is really bad advice. Friction will set a primer right off.

I want to hear more about this. How will friction set off a primer? What is the scenario here?

 

[Doco Overboard]

I want to hear more about this. How will friction set off a primer? What is the scenario here?

Primers are subject to whats known as dusting. Dusting is a result of the manufacturing process. Primer pellets are designed to detonate, not burn. Dusting and control measures surrounding manufacture of primers is very controlled and often closely guarded for the methods used to manufacture them safely.
Just like TNT, the compounds used to manufacture the pellets will detonate by friction.
They are explosive. And friction will detonate explosive compounds.
Period.
A good scenario is wind up with a primer sideways in its battery cup. Pry it out with a sharp tool like an awl, dental pick or whatever.
If the anvil has been dislodged and the conditions are right.
You-ll be the first one to know it I guarantee it.
Thats why, de-capping live primers is on an order of epic stupidity.

 

[trickg]

My Dad's reloading setup was in the garage attached to the house by a breezeway. He had a natural gas heater in it that he'd only turn on on the winter when he was going to be out in his workshop for a bit.

This was in SW rural Nebraska, and when I was a kid Nebraska was pretty dry - static electricity was always a thing in winter where you'd get shocked touching a doorknob after walking across carpet.

To my knowledge, static in his reloading endeavors was never an issue.

 

[KRC]

While it is highly unlikely that low humidity and colder temps will pose a hazard with your your primers and powder, static buildup can be an issue with electronic powder measuring balances and can contribute to excessive zero drift. Static spray for laundry and sheets are useful for this.

 

[Ponder_MD]

While it is highly unlikely that low humidity and colder temps will pose a hazard with your your primers and powder, static buildup can be an issue with electronic powder measuring balances and can contribute to excessive zero drift. Static spray for laundry and sheets are useful for this.

I didn't think that cold temperatures would cause a primer or powder to ignite, it's that I may be using heat sources that may excessively dry out the air. One reason I asked the question is because I saw a video a couple of years back where a guy was loading primers into the strip in his press. Something ignited the entire strip and then the rest of the tray in his hand. The video didn't list the cause. I was wondering if it was a static discharge.

Sounds like nitrile gloves and a dryer sheet will add the necessary level of safety. Besides, the lead and powder are toxic so nitrile gloves are a good idea anyway.

Oh- Any heat source I use will be at least 8 feet away. Right now I have a couple of electric oil filled radiators but I may add propane or a pellet stove to the garage.

 

[Doco Overboard]

It was probably dusting/ friction.
Or the loader caused a detonation somehow.
My understanding is fluorescent lights create a lot of static as well.
Certain types of plastics create the same phenomenon.

 

[BFMIN]

I've never heard of static from fluorescent lights?
Electrical "noise" yes.

 

[atblis]

The Electrical Ignition of Gunpowder

Shows experiments about the electrical ignition of gunpowder

www.ctmuzzleloaders.com

 

[Doco Overboard]

I've never heard of static from fluorescent lights?
Electrical "noise" yes.

The phenomenon has to do with the discharge of the static electricity and the resultant RF that is emitted when the arc breaks. the RF emitted from the spark excites the gases inside of the bulb which causes the phosphors to glow. think of the static discharge spark as a teeny tiny lightning bolt.
you can see a similar reaction from the bulb if you were to bring it near a plasma bulb or another source of high frequency electricity like an ignition coil.
Its also the first thing you learn when you change incandescent light bulbs on a radio tower if your not firmly grounded to the structure.

 

[K31]

OP, if you are using a portable heater in the garage , such as a K1 heater, put a metal pan of water on top or in front of it. Even an open container of water like a fish tank by itself will raise the humidity.

 

[Growler215]

The electric fence charger in my shed induces light flashes in the overhead CFL bulb.