Thread: Lumpy Powder

ADI's reply to an enquiry re clumping -


Thank you for your enquiry on 3/1/2016 with regard to reloading using ADI Sporting powders.

Clumping does occur occasionally in AR2217 and seems to be encouraged if the propellant container has been left shelved for long periods. The clumps fall apart quite easily and the propellant will return to its normal granular state either with a shake of the bottle or a gentle stir.

The performance of the propellant is unaffected. However, due to their hydroscopic nature, powders can change in moisture reasonably quickly if exposed to the atmosphere.

ADI powders control the burning rate of its various powders within tight limits at the time of manufacture by adjusting the moisture level to have the least potential to change in normal environmental conditions, while providing optimum performance and safety.

Our plastic propellant containers are designed to be hermetically sealed whilst the lids are locked on to maintain the correct moisture level of the powder. Any change in moisture can affect the powder burning rate and the effectiveness or safety of a particular load.

It is good reloading practice to always minimise the exposure of any smokeless powder to the atmosphere during loading. Use minimum quantities of powder at any time in powder loaders and keep lids on containers tightly closed at all times. In this way you are more likely to preserve the appropriate level of moisture for the lot of powder in use and obtain consistent reliable ballistic performances from every load.

Safety of any loads using powder that has undergone further drying cannot be guaranteed and we recommend that you dispose of any powder that has been exposed to heating or prolonged exposure to the atmosphere.

Extreme caution should be taken and loads should be worked up accordingly. Refer to our website at ADI Powders Handloaders' Guide or our 8th edition handloaders’ guide for more information, warnings and reloading safety.

We thank you for using ADI Sporting Powders.


So if you blow yourself up it is not their fault

That's a pretty thorough and clear explanation. Good on ADI