Powder Measure at the Range - What do you use...

rdinatal

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If I ever hunt I'll have the powder in containers with the exact load. But... What does everyone use to measure out BP while at the range?
 
I pre-load glass vials like these with the charge I intend to use; that's what I take to the range. I might take different loads.
https://www.buffaloarms.com/water-proof-glass-vials-for-black-powder-muzzleloaders-pvc2
It's easier to load consistently at home in a quiet workshop; then in the field you just dump one in. On rare occasions when I shoot BP without these, I'd use an adjustable brass powder measure, with a spout on the powder can.
 
I use the clear TC one that has been on Walmart clearance for years every december. I think I've gotten like 4 or 5 of them for $5 each. They work well.
 
I'll either take plastic vials preloaded or I'll carry a LEE that I use with black powder. When I'm at the range, there's almost never anybody else so when the vials are empty and I'd like to explore another charge level, I'll break out the LEE and a scale (yes I WEIGH cause I'm a competition shooter) and recharge the vials and them put the powder back into it's original container and out of any danger of ignition.
 
@Tim
I've seen those but it seems like getting the powder from the container into the measure could be messy.

@Dave951
The measure that Tim shows is volume but you weigh. How much difference in volume would a load be when it settles?
Example: I hear from the metalic cartridge shooters that load a 70gr BP load in a 45/70 case, the BP needs to be poured so it settles else the case overflows.

So, for BP is it volume or weight? Or does it matter as long as it's consistent?
 
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@Tim
I've seen those but it seems like getting the powder from the container into the measure could be messy.

@Dave951
The measure that Tim shows is volume but you weigh. How much difference in volume would a load be when it settles?
Example: I hear from the metalic cartridge shooters that load a 70gr BP load in a 45/70 case, the BP needs to be poured so it settles else the case overflows.

So, for BP is it volume or weight? Or does it matter as long as it's consistent?

Volume or weight- chose, just be consistent in average shooting/plinking.

From my competition POV, volume isn't going to be as good for accuracy as weight can be. My theory, a given weight of BP will yield a given amount of energy. If 2f or 3f, it will fit into differing volumes (depending also on drop tubes and vibrating) and QC at the factory can affect that as well. Again, differing amounts of weight in a given volume. If you look at the actual size of the "grains" of BP, the size of the powder grains varies by "F", but when you look at the consistency of those "grain" sizes (think a sieve mesh of a set size) then that controls the actual deviation of shot to shot velocity, hence accuracy. That's what you get when you buy Swiss v Old Eynsford v Goex v Schutzen. We call it "fines" or in other words, grains of powder that aren't uniform to the actual "F" as sold. Those powder grains are almost always smaller and will slip through a mesh for say 2F but the grain size is actually 3F. If you use a volumetric measure, then the weight will vary while weighing will account for that. Another way to think of it, when you buy a pound of 2F, you will get powder that the "grain" size will not exceed the standard for 2F, but it's not unusual for smaller "grains" to be in the mix. That's where the factory QC comes in and that consistency is what you're generally paying for with high grade powder for competition.

I won't even get into pellets. They're for convenience only and you can generally kiss accuracy goodbye with them. Everybody I've helped improve accuracy in their muzzleloaders were almost always using pellets. Going to loose powder, even (horrors) 777, will improve accuracy if there are no other operative issues.
 
@Dave951

Got it. Since most of my shooting will be non-match/hunting style using round ball I think I'll get a decent volume measure like what @Tim indicated.

Pyrodex FFFg, 0.440 patched round ball

Probably get a 1lb spout thingy too.

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Absolutely concur on the weight/volume as @Dave951 indicated. It's akin to buying factory ammo vs. rolling your own for centerfire.

Yes, the spout thingy works well.
 
Picked up a flask and measure, also the 1lb spout thingy. First time out I'll play with volume measure then compare that shot to one that was weighed. Then, maybe not as that's a lot of cleaning. :eek:

Heck, I'll enjoy it anyway.:)
 
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