Sensitivity of Black Powder to Static Discharge

[TexasMac]

Guys,

If you subscribe to The Single Shot Exchange Magazine and had a chance to read the April issue, you’ve most likely read the article titled, Sensitivity to Black Powder to Static Discharge. If you don’t get the magazine and are interested in reading the article, you can access it by clicking on the following link:
http://www.texas-mac.com/Sensitivity_of_...harge.html

Wayne

[Don McDowell]

Good write up.

[Lumpy Grits]

TNX Wayne
I have to add that 20K-100K volts means nothing, without knowing the amperage.
FWIW: I live in the Mojave Desert, and static is a real issue here(ave RH is 8-10%). The 'cling' from this static will lead to very inconsistent powder charges from any PM made of metal or plastic. I have my PMs and press hardwired grounded to a dedicated GND rod.
No more 'cling' issues, and the consistency of the charges either BP or 'white' has vastly improved.
Gary

[Kurt]

I think this static video thing for setting off black powder has been floating around for a long time. I don't think I would do something that could create a discharge. But there is a big difference in sparks be it static, RF. or heat. I know I have had all three bite me from sparkplug wires, RF from a 2500 volt plate choke at 2 amps and red sparks from welding or grinding. I know the RF will smoke going through flesh, it did on my hand, as well as the red heat sparks. It takes heat to set off black powder and I think the white or blue spark from static might or might not set off black powder. I don't want to find out myself. I been around my Ham Radio hobby long enough that I have static discharge mats in the floor at my station when I work with electronics repairing or building my equipment so it would be a good idea to have a mat on the floor by the reloading stuff maybe. Static builds up walking on synthetic carpet or clothing and it will discharge through the finger nails when grounding through a dry air gap with out a lead to ground.