blackpowder measure

[biggles]

This is probably a really silly question but here goes anyway.

I reload blackpowder cartridges for my Snider Enfield. Up till now I have been weighing out each charge, which can take a little time. I recently purchased a brass volume measure, which has a sliding rod inside which adjusts for the particular size of charge you want & then has a pivoting funnel cap which roatates to level off the charge.

My question is, how do you get the black powder from the Gooex tin into the brass measure without spilling excess powder all over & then spilling more when you rotate the funnel cap back across to level off.

Am I missing something here or is it really that wastefull?.

Peter (Burlington, Ontario)

[Wiacaceti]

I use a small plastic funnel placed at the top of the brass volume measure and pour directly from the Goex tin. After a few pours it gets easy to get the amount about right. I do this over a pie tin, so anything that spills is saved; this esp., when the brass funnel top swings over.

[MEHavey]

To be honest, I'd recommend just getting Lee's powder measure set of dippers

http://images.cabelas.com/is/image/cabelas/s7_210598_imageset_01?$main-Small$
Cabela's -- Lee Powder Measure Kit (http://www.cabelas.com/p-0003088210598a.shtml)

"Dip & Dump." And even if you do it twice (for 80-90 grain charges) you'll be within a fraction of a grain -- which for BP is next to nothing.

You will never spend a better $9.

[dogtag]

Drill a hole in the cap and epoxy a small [38 special] case - with the base removed, over the hole. Use a slightly larger case as a cap [always cap the powder can before firing]

[AKA Hugh Uno]

I use them and a playing card and THEN weigh (although for mass production, there is no need to weigh). Inevitably, I am within under 1/2 grain.

[JB White]

For BPC's I use APP which is volume to volume as opposed to weight. My powder measure is only used as a tool to determine what that volume equivalent might be.

I use the Lee dippers to charge. Pour the powder into the bowl and dip from there. See what dipper or combination of dippers equates the desired charge in the preset measure and go.
Dip and pour over the bowl to catch any spillage. After charging simply pour the excess back into the original container.
This system works for me with Goex, Swiss, and all the volume to volume substitutes.
You could skip the dippers and use the measure itself providing the bowl is wide enough, deep enough, and you have enough powder to make consistent passes. Since that's often not likely, the inexpensive dippers come into play quite nicely.

Some people dip into the measure, then tap and strike off for more consitent charges. Personally, I haven't seen any difference at short to moderate ranges to justify pouring a measured charge twice for each cartridge.
I leave the small desicant packet(s) inside the original container to absorb any possible humidity.

[jjroth]

cap for the "Goex" that has a brass spout, its secured to the inside with a nut and lockwasher, uses a rubber cap to close.

to use, replace the original with the spouted cap, and pour into measure (T/C), then put cap on, before firing.

With a "Pyrodex" bottle, am using an aluminum kitchen funnel that fit inside the measure. caap the bottle then shoot.

When shooting winter matches at club, I make up paper cartridges using the "zig-zag" paper, using a 7/16 diameter brass tube from hobby shop, this makes a tube for holding 50 grs of 2F.

Go to match and draw a cartridge, tear then end over muzzle and drop in, seat patched ball and fire. Make cartridges the evening before.

[Viclav]

I also load for the Snider, and use American Pioneer FF. There are plastic funnels that replace the screw-on top to powder cans, and I use one of these to pour from the can to the powder measure. I confess I don't worry too much about the two or three excess grains left from the measuring top closing... if present they're usually caught on the palm of my hand, and I can use the case mouth to scrape them off and into the case. A catch bowl would certainly be more orderly.

Victor

"Always carry a firearm east of Aldgate, Watson."

[biggles]

Thanks guys for all your replies.
Peter (Burlington, Ontario)

[John Sukey]

Of course you can always buy a Lyman black powder measure with a drop tube.

[biggles]

John,
I would love to but....I have to face the harsh economic reality that I have more time than money at the moment. But I will keep it in mind for the hopefully more prosperous future.

Peter (in Burlington, Ontario)



Of course you can always buy a Lyman black powder measure with a drop tube.