I posted this elsewhere..

[Huntinfool]

But I thought I should start a seperate thread about this subject to see what you guys think about my idea?

I've been thinking here lately of making myself some pre-measured load holders out of bamboo or river cane. My friend has a bunch of the stuff already dried out.

I'd only need one or two at the most just to hold pre-measured powder in. If for some unforeseen reason I needed more I could fill them on the spot. I have some cork I could use to stop em up with.

I've got a loading block that holds six patched balls. it would save having to pour out of the horn into a powder measure I guess it would save some time what do ya'll think. River cane would be period correct I guess I've several powder measures made from the stuff.

Chuck Goodall
The Original Huntin' Fool
&
Kanawha Ranger Scribe

 

[musketman]

River cane would be period correct I guess I've several powder measures made from the stuff.

There was rivers back then, and there was cane, so why not... ::

River cane powder measurers...

 

[Stumpkiller]

Seems like a sound enough idea. I hang a bone or antler measure off my horn strap and it really doesn't take much time to throw a charge. I wonder what the time difference would be compared to pre-measured tubes since I don't have to fish around in my hunting bag to find and then replace them.

Saw a pretty slick, if not authentic, bullet block that had three PRB in one end, and three cavities drilled in the edge of the other for charges contained with corks. The corks were each threaded on a string so they wouldn't be lost. Darned clever.

I use pre-loaded tubes when I use conicals (regular season). In for a penny, in for a pound.

 

perfect. :: go on up to that pre-flintlock part of the forum and ask,,I've seen proper representation of 1640 "clan" shooters carry 6 or more pre-loaded cane pieces on their belt.

 

[musketman]

perfect. :: go on up to that pre-flintlock part of the forum and ask,,I've seen proper representation of 1640 "clan" shooters carry 6 or more pre-loaded cane pieces on their belt.

They were speed loaders in a way, mostly made of wood though...

 

[Huntinfool]

To my way of thinking it would save a little time Stumpy if it was not buried in your gear.

In the time you'd need to uncap your powder horn you'd be uncapping your pre-measured loader. In stead of pourin' into a measure you'd be pourin' into the barrel!

Neat pics as usual MM! :master:

I've got some neat pics to post as I just got a new dig camera but my photo place is updating their hardware! Hunting 101 is down to uploads till middle of next week!

Chuck Goodall
The Original Huntin' Fool
&
Kanawha Ranger Scribe :thumbsup:

 

As you see in the print way back in days of old the use of individual powder containers was popular. Only problem was that they rattled when walking through the woods, so the shooters took them off the bandoliers and carried them in their coat pockets.

One old fellow named Capt. John Smith forgot he had a pocket full of these containes on one occasion and steped a bit too close to the fire. Seems he heated things up enough to get his attention and sustained some severe powder burns that sent him back home to England for recovery. The whole history of our nation might be different if that powder accident had not happened.

That was 1608 or so. It's still a good idea, if safety is considered. River cane works well, turned wood bottles, plastic perscription bottles or the plastic tubes sold by sporting goods stores espically for this purpose ( yes they make tubes just for this).