Horn question!

[PreglerD]

I now start using a horn and powder measure for loading on the hunt. But I didn't really know how the correct use is. Especially the procedure of filling from the horn into the measure makes me need three hands. One for holding the measure, one for holding the horn and third for putting the cork on the horn to prevent BP from trickling out. By the way what corks are used. My horn as a wooden one which I fixed with a leather strap so that it don' get lost.

 

[Brasilikilt]

I used to have the exact same problem as you, and it just took a lot of "just doing it" to figure out the best way for myself.

Try either pulling the "cork" out of the horn with your teeth, or just using one thumb to pop it out.

Some of the old horn and hunting pouch combos you see have the powder measures hanging directly from the horn, while a lot of people I see nowadays have them hanging from their bag strap, or even their necks

The most convenient and more modernized solution is to get a flask style head for your horn, but fitting one would require some modification to your horn

Hope this helps

Iain

 

[Headhunter]

I am constantly trying to devise a different way or handier ways to load. There are a couple ways I load depending on if I am hunting, or match shooting.

For deer, I load entirely from the bag. I only hang a capper from my neck. I do, however, carry a few speed loaders in case action gets hot or if there are Crow or Blackfeet about.

For Squirrels and Match shooting, were shooting can be at a faster pace, I hang this leather piece around my neck that contains my Short Starter, patch Knife, and powder measure. I keep a piece of ticking tied to it also.

In this manner, Everything I need is at the muzzle, where it is needed while you load. This has eliminated my need for the third hand.

For bench shooting, I load from my shooting box.

I usually also have one of my boys with me while hunting. They are pretty handy also.

Headhunter

 

[2172]

Kirmeister, I load from the horn, whether in a match or in the field. My horn has a wooden plug, and is attached to the horn with a thin leather thong..holding my powder measure in one hand, i use that hand to pull the plug, and then fill the measure by tipping the horn with the other hand...my rifle is leaning against me, and I use the hand that tipped the horn to steady the rifle while I pour the powder charge down the barrel from the measure. I then return the measure to a pocket on the strap that holds my horn, and then return the plug to the horn...it is quicker and easier to do than to explain it...
As long as your horn spout is slightly elevated, you won't lose any powder, and as long as the plug is returned before shooting , you won't have created a dangerous situation...Hank

 

[Ridge]

My stopper is wooden and attached to the strap with a piece of braided silk thread. I just pull it out and let it drop. Then I can fill my measure with ease...

 

[whiskey]

If you are just starting to load from a horn, always remember to replace the plug in the horn before firing. I have seen horns blow up because a spark fell in the open horn. It is easy to forget to replace the stopper, especially if you are in competition. One way to not forget is to not attache the stopper by a string. If you do that is is easy to forget it dangling there. I no longer secure my stoppers with a string. That way I never forget to replace. In case I do loose a stopper, I have a spare in the bottom of my bag.

 

[noworries]

This is the main reason I carry my bag on one side and my horn on the other.....My powder measure is attached to my bag. I have my horn plug attached to the horn by a thong so I can pull it and drop it , pour powder into the measure, re plug the horn.

 

[2172]

Noworries...good point.. I wear my horn on my right side, as I shoot from the left shoulder, with a left handed flint...my bag is on the left..Hank

 

[powderhorn07]

I usually carry my horn and bag/measure on oposite sides, also when I make a horn for some one I usually suggest tieing a string to the horn tip and the other end to the wooden plug because it is easy to pull the plug out, drop it and then fill the measure with out losing your horn tip plug. I DO NOT ADVISE FILLING FROM THE HORN.If you have hot embers in the bore heat rises and then it can burn up into your horn and surprise you just blew your self up. Just for thought 1 lb of black powder creates the same amount of force as 2 to 3 sticks of tnt on your side so if you like your side intact fill from a measure.

 

[PreglerD]

Thanks. But I also would never fill from the horn because of the point you described and second I have no spout on the horn at all only my antlermade powdermeasure and my horn. The cork is already secured with a leather strap to the horn strap.

 

[Harddog]

Hey Guys,

Having the spout stopper attached to the horn by a string or whang is no assurance that it will get replaced into the horn after loading. All attaching it to the horn will assure it won't get lost unless the string breaks or comes untied.

I take the spout plug out of the horn with my teeth. That way I know when I have not put the spout plug back into the horn. You are not likely to forget that the spout plug is in your mouth between your teeth.

In all the years that I have run matches, rendezvous and served as range safety officer, the guys who have to be reminded to put the spout plug back in the horn are the guys you see with the spout plug hanging down from their horn on a string while they are on the firing line getting ready to shoot. I have never seen a guy on the firing line with the spout plug still between his teeth.

Forgetting to replace that hanging spout pug is just like dry balling, maybe you haven't ever done it, but you will. I Think if most guys were honest and would admit it, they have caught themselves forgetting to replace that hanging plug at one time or another.

Randy Hedden

 

[Chaplain Dan]

I use small paper tubes and fill them with the correct powder charge..Roll them around a dowell and tie the ends closed...Tear the end open and pour into the barrel...keep in a pocket to keep dry...good for quick charges