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Hello,

Can anyone see a problem with using acetone to clean the grease from the inside of my RCBS powder thrower? I know you're supposed to use rubbing alcohol, but I don't have any to hand.

Cheers,

Craig.

Where in the powder thrower do you have grease.?
Acetone will clean the metal parts but under no circumstances get it on any of the plastic bits.

I believe both the metal and the plastic have traces of it on still. What's wrong with using it on plastic? I've cleaned plenty of plastics in the past with it... My main concern was if residue left from the acetone would adversely effect the propellant.

Acetone attacks some types of plastics I would not use it on the plastic parts of a RCBs measure my self. I have two RCBS powder measures I have never found any kind of grease any were on the units and Iv been using them for years. I'm puzzled as to why you would have them greased. Unless I am misunderstanding your post.
I use Acetone nearly every day to clean stainless pump heads if you use it in a well ventilated area it dissipates . I also use Methanol. Methanol also dissipates if used in a well ventilated area.
For stubborn stuff I use some of the exotic chemicals we have about the place unfortunately you will not find any of them for sale to the general public.

It's never been consistent and I knew full well I should have cleaned it and never did. To work around the problem, I throw less powder and just trickle more powder in, but it's time to sort it out. I sometimes get tiny clumps of propellant when I empty it, which I put down to the grease. I've just had a look at the leaflet that comes with it and it says... "To prepare the Uniflow Measure for use, the measuring cylinder, measuring screw, inside of main casting and powder funnel portion of main casting must be cleaned to remove the factory applied rust preventative. Failure to do so will cause inconsistent powder charges."

I would suggest you dismantle the whole thing take the measuring cylinder out and the micrometre adsutable screw thingy clean any sign of grease off all the metal parts use acetone if you wish.
Wipe the plastic hopper out with a dry cloth do not use acetone. Reassemble it make sure it is completely dry fill the hopper with powder run the powder through the hopper into a tub do this a couple of times to coat the metal surfaces. Then try using it again.

Just a suggestion next time you buy any new kit read the instructions that come with it before you use it. :lol: :lol: :lol: Sorry could not help it.

I did read them, I just chose to ignore them for the time being!

I guess soap and water might be good enough for the plastic. Right I know what I have to do now!

Cheers. :cheers:

Meths?

I know I could use surgical spirit, not sure about meths.