"Day" horn/flask size

[MSK]

One of the reasons, I'd asked about the a charge size for target loads (.775 cal fowler, 46" barrel) is because I'm trying to figure out the smallest powder carrier I can get away with for a max of 25 shots at the range for the day, including the priming charges. Assuming I'm taking shots with a charges between 70 and 90-100gr of 2F powder, would 1/4 pound horn/flask be sufficient? While I know there are variables here, I figured some of you shooting veterans might be able to let me know if this is a reasonable assumption.

Thanks, Smollett

 

[MacRob46]

There are 7000 grains in a pound of powder. Doing the math, if you used 100 grains per shot, including priming, you can get 70 rounds out of a pound and about 17.5 shots from a quarter pound. The answer is you need to take more than a quarter pound for 100 grain charges but if you reduce your charge you can make it with just four ounces of powder.

I have to ask why you are so concerned with carrying a minimal amount of powder to the range? For hunting I can understand that you do not need to carry much.

 

[Stumpkiller]

My favorite horns hold between 3/4 and one pound of powder. Smaller would do for a day hunt, but they look odd over a shooting bag IMHO.

I prime with the same powder for my rifle and, even if sloppy and you bobble or whisk half away, it only takes six or seven grains for a large pan. So 300 grains will do you 50 primes (one ounce of powder is 437.5 grains).

I get 70 to 80 shots per pound, but a horn doesn't have to be full to the plug and will pour better if less full. So I would say typically I have half-a-pound with me.

 

[MSK]

Good question. My range will allow only whatever powder can be carried on the person and the line is too far from my car. I have a small waist pouch for tow and shot and a couple of jags. I'd prefer to shoot with as little hanging off of me as possible

 

[BrownBear]

Too small for your needs, but good for frame of reference, my hunting horns are sized to hold about 1,000 grains of powder. That gives me up to 10 shots with 100 grain charges, and it goes up with smaller charges. Our small game hunting means lots more shots than big game, but with 30 grain charges, that 1,000 grain capacity has been more than ample on my busiest shooting days.

How big are my 1,000 grain horns?

Pretty close to the size of half a banana. No straps or anything on them, I just drop them in my shooting bag so there's no extra tangling in the brush. Perfect for me.

Was me standing you tour shoes, I'd figure out how many grains you need in a shooting day. Then take the prospect raw horn, clean the inside, and pour that amount of powder into it. Mark it, leaving a little extra "wiggle room" for installing the butt, then hack the horn off at the mark and go to finishing. That's how I came up with my half bananas.

 

[Billnpatti]

My hunting horn is a buffalo horn that measures about 10 inches long and about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. I have never measured exactly how much powder it holds but it is what I used to carry when I shot 25+ shot woods walks with my .40 cal rifle. I always had plenty of powder. It even held enough when I carried one of my .50 cal rifles. When I carried my .54 cal rifle, I used my larger horn. My larger horn is about an average sized powder horn and it held plenty of powder for my .54 cal. rifles.

My powder horn has never been a problem as far as seeming like something extra to carry. I am right handed and prefer to carry my bag on my right side. But, unlike many people, I do not carry my powder horn on the same side as my bag. When I did, I was always hitting it with the butt of my rifle. So, I started carrying it on my left side. It is out of the way and, for me, it is as easy to handle on my left side as it is when I carried it on my right side. In my bag, I just carry the minimum of balls, patches, caps (if I am shooting a caplock) or my flint wallet with the flintlock tool for my flintlock. I also have a small bottle of bore cleaner and some cleaning patches. I just carry what I know I will need and leave the rest in my car. I do carry a patch knife and a short starter on my bag strap. None of this seems to be particularly burdensome.

 

[MacRob46]

Good question. My range will allow only whatever powder can be carried on the person and the line is too far from my car. I have a small waist pouch for tow and shot and a couple of jags. I'd prefer to shoot with as little hanging off of me as possible

I would look for another range. There is no reason to carry a keg of powder to the range but I have been to a lot of ranges and matches where everyone had a couple of pounds of powder with them. You have to keep the cans capped when the line is hot, of course, but common sense and a little care can reduce the risk of accidents. I assume that safety is the reason for this rule.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Your want and limitations are different than what most of us envision when speaking of a "day horn". As I see it, a day horn is what one would carry on a single day hunting venture. Rarely is more than a second charge ever going to be needed. Your limited supply at your range is a ridiculously restrictive rule, IMHO. I carry the contents of a 1 lb. can and a 4 oz can that I load from. I refill the small can from the one pounder. When it is empty I replace when I get back home. If you want something attractive or unique, then shop around for wat suits you.

 

[hanshi]

My two most used horns hold between 1/4 lb and 1/3 lb of powder. This is more than enough for the bush. I usually carry the powder can to the range.

 

[Katahdin]

I figure it all depends on what you are hunting!!! Dove/squirrels ,,you will need a lot more powder than say deer.I'd much rather bring some back than run out,,just me.
I figure the only time I have to much powder,, is if I was on fire. My horn is 14"otc and 9"on the butt,I fill it and go ..

 

[Stumpkiller]

I have a horn for my rifle, a horn for my fowler. Always with their own shooting bag and always ready to go. Day, week, range, hunt.

Same.

Makes it easy to get organized.