Brass Finger Charger

[Crewdawg445]

Wanted to share a brass finger charger I made at work today :grin: This particular charger will become a fixed charge depending on what rifle/ load I decide to dedicate it to. Very easy to make with a lathe and metal bandsaw, therefore I plan on making numerous sizes for various charges.

Here is the main brass body, made from a 1/2" brass male to male hose barb fitting. Chucked one side up in the lathe and turned down the barbs leaving a perfectly round tube. The plug is just a steel 3/8" NPT pipe plug, cut in half and the ends chamfered allowing it to be driven into the brass base.

All together with just a simple leather cord.

Again, I can cut these to hold just about any standard powder charge.

Just thought I'd share this idea if anyone else was wondering how to make a simple finger charger that has a traditional look to it. :hatsoff:

 

[Socal147]

Very nice. I went with a standard SW 500 case for 60/70/80 grains BP respectively based on the length I cut the cartridge to. I used a tube cutter to accomplish the cutting. I found that a 45/70 cartridge holds the 90 grain charge. Soldered the bottom of the case to seal. I like the ability to "tie off" in your design. I was pondering some similar ideas to yours. Good Job!

 

[Crewdawg445]

Indeed I like the easy use of brass! I pondered the idea of using some of my 30-06 brass from my M1's, but can't come off the casings with the way ammo availability is now... That's also one thing I liked about using these barbed fittings is they are always available and extremely cheap. Another great thing is the ability to vary the wall thickness of the tube by the use of the lathe. This also allows the use of a tubing cutter as you mentioned above to tailor the loads. All in all, it's fun to make things like this with parts that obviously serve an entirely different purpose. True spirit of Muzzleloading, using what's available and a creative mind! :thumbsup:

I was thinking of using these pistons from a junked piston pump... I tack welded the end of the lube hole shut, then ground it down, however these suckers are hardened steel and difficult to work with... Not to mention the weight.

 

[Spikebuck]

That's pretty neat. Simple yet good looking, and effective! :hatsoff:

I would imagine that one could do the same thing with plain old copper tubing and a plug that snug fits in and not need the extensive tool set you are so fortunate to have access to.

 

[Crewdawg445]

Absolutely agree! Yet it's so nice being able to play at work and be creative with different things. I also am able to machine various tools and equipment on a big Bridgeport... :grin: sky's the limit to the creativity!

 

[davec2]

With access to a lathe, there is a lot you can do. These are brass powder measures I make using commercially available (hobby shop) brass tubing....

And some oil bottles for the shooting pouch......

 

[omarick1948]

Dave, Trying to up-stage?

Come'on...he is proud of these and I applaud him!

Nice job Crewdawg445!

 

[Crewdawg445]

Ooo! Very nice! :hatsoff: I like your work there! No worries horner75, all is well! lol, it's great seeing others work and what really can be done! I honestly haven't messed much with our shop lathe, besides polishing valve spools and pistons, haven't really done much with a lathe. Personally, when it comes to muzzleloading I for one like making things as much as possible with just simple hand tools and elbow grease. However, curiosity got me on this one!

 

[B.Habermehl]

Just a thought, when you are using pipe fitting stock for raw material, don't forget you can solder your base plugs in and have a stronger joint than press fitting allowing you to turn the walls thinner and have a more pleasing final product. Being a tight fisted Dutchman I make all my accoutrements too. BJH

 

[thecapgunkid]

Crew...

You're gonna market this stuff with an online....right??? Hhmmm?? You gonna make us beg, you weenie???

You got it nailed, pard. You got it nailed...

 

[davec2]

Horner75,

No attempt to upstage...using the plumbing fittings, or old shell casings, or, whatever is fun and creative. Just trying to show what can be done with hobby shop brass tubing and even a small lathe. Crewdawg's measure is beautifully made from commonly available materials and I applaud him and the work.

 

[Crewdawg445]

Good point and one I had considered doing, just haven't got around to it. I'll make anyone anything! I'm currently working on a small possibles bag made from doubled pillow ticking material for squirrel hunting. Tired of using my larger leather bags and decided it was time to make a dedicated squirrel man purse as my wife calls it! I love making my own equipment and tools, also make chisels as well. All my woodwork on my kits is completely done with my chisels as I don't own any manufactured ones. All in all, I love making things and gladly will make and share anything! :thumbsup:

Also, davec2 were exactly do you get those bases you have on those finger chargers?

 

[davec2]

Crewdawg,

I make the bases for my powder measures on the lathe. I ground a form tool and then just plunge cut brass round stock to that shape. Then I drill a hole in there ball on the end and put the ring through.

 

[Crewdawg445]

Good deal, I'll certainly look into that. Simple yet elegant, thanks for sharing!

 

[hoochiepapa]

Great idea!!