Looking to Purchase a Powder Horn

[starman]

I am looking to purchase my first powder horn and I have some questions.

In general, on what side is a powder horn normally carried? Is there any advantage to carry a powder horn on one side over the other? I have seen all size powder horns. What would be a typical length for a powder horn? Are powder horn straps normally just a leather throng or a wider strap?

Any additional info about powder horns will be appreciated.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Here a bunch of info on wearing the horn.
http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/235054/

I prefer right. I'm right handed and, when shooting, that puts the horn the furthest from the flask and bang. I can also prime with it on the right in a pinch.

 

[starman]

Hi Stumpkiller

Thanks for moving my question to the right forum. Sorry about placing it in the wrong place. As I spend more time on this forum, I hope I will eventually learn where things go.

Looks like the bag on the right and the horn on the right wins by a big maragin. I guess the horn hanging in front of the bag doesn’t cause any problems getting to things? I read somewhere that some people actually attach the horn to the bag. Does this work very well?

In looking for horns, I have seen sizes from about 8 inches to 14 inches. Any suggestions on a good size and strap?

 

[William O.]

As to which side to carry on, it really depends on the individual shooter, but keep in mind that most horns have a curve that makes them better for one side and not the other. You can get horns that fall into the small, medium and large catagories but you should get something that feels right for you and the amount of shooting that you do. A horn that is 10-12 inches along the outside of the curve is going to hold enough powder for an entire day at the range, at least for me. If you are shooting a large smoothbore that might not be enough, but think about how much shooting you want to do with only what your horn will carry. As for style and cost, the sky is the limit and nice, customized and scrimshawed horns can be hundreds of dollars. You buy a really nice horn for under $200 though, and a decent, servicable horn for around $50. Beware the India made water buffalo horns as they are often filled with powder fouling crud left over from the production and sanding process. Spend more than $20 on a horn. You might want to consider getting a horn with a push button spout to begin with, very handy to have. As has probably already been stressed, do not pour your powder directly from the horn into the barrel or anywhere else that might contain a glowing ember. Good luck and keep us informed.

 

[Stumpkiller]

My favorite horn is a foot long and holds enough powder for 80 shots with a .54 rifle.

Strap length? Now you get into the "likes vs. dislikes" and it is a personal taste. I like a horn up where I can just tuck it under my elbow when leaning under brush or branches. Other guys wear them down on their hip. Some carry the horn above the bag and others on the flap (helps hold the flap closed). I have a button on my bag flap and like the horn over the bag for less bulk.

This kind of shows what I'm describing:

I have carried horns on the bag strap or seperate and prefer seperate. Again, mostly a personal taste issue. If you're not sure get a 1/2" leather strap and attach the horn to that in such a way that you can try different positions.

 

[ohio ramrod]

Being that I am right hande I carry my horn on the right side. I also mount the strap in such a manner that the horn spout "is in the up position" while carring. Many times I have seen people whose plug has fallen out spilling powder.A strap of leather 3/4 inch wide works well for me. :idunno:

 

[George]

Your choices might be influenced by how you are going to use the horn. If you are just a shooter/hunter, then any size and any attachment which works for you is just fine. If you are interested in historical aspects or will be doing reenacting, the time period you chose would inform your choices. It is my impression that early horns were considerably larger and were carried on a separate strap. Horns tended to get smaller by early 19th century, and were apparently more likely to be fastened to the bag strap then, too.

Spence

 

[Steve Tobler]

Here a bunch of info on wearing the horn. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/235054/[/quote]

Here are the results for the poll: "How do you carry your Horn and Bag" ?

Right-handed, Horn Right, Bag Right 312 (50%)
Right-handed, Horn Left, Bag Left 90 (14%)
Right-handed, Horn Right, Bag Left 47 (7%)
Right-handed, Horn Left, Bag Right 69 (11%)
Left-handed, Horn Left, Bag Left 42 (6%)
Left-handed, Horn Right, Bag Right 26 (4%)
Left-handed, Horn Right, Bag Left 19 (3%)
Left-handed, Horn Left, Bag Right 10 (1%)

 

[MSW]

you might want to get a 'cheapie' just to see which method of carry works best for you, then retire the cheapie and go with something nicer when you've settled on the questions like which side, how high, etc. Don't be locked in by the advice of someone: try it for yourself and take the whole rig on several; woods walks before you take the plunge.

Additionally, you might want to get Scott & Cathy Silbey's book from Track of the Wolf on how to make your own horn.
http://www.trackofthewolf.com/Cate...tId=1&subId=12&styleId=39&partNum=BOOK-R18CPH

The book is very well illustrated, well written, and breaks the whole deal down into manageable bits. Then you'll have a tool you made yourself (always the coolest, IMO).

just one guy's free opinion, and no doubt worth every penny.

 

[Rifleman1776]

As said, what is comfortable for you. There are no 'rules' on this. But, I do think more right handers keep their horn(s) on the right side. I do.

I also mount the strap in such a manner that the horn spout "is in the up position" while carring. Many times I have seen people whose plug has fallen out

The horns move about as you move about. Keeping the spout in one position all day is, in my experience, not possible. I long ago solved the misssing plug problem to my satisfaction. My plug is simply any small piece of wood whittled to fit the spout. I have made them in the woods while on deer stand. It fits snugly, when I need to pour powder I just pull it with my teeth and hold there while I do my reloading. Being in my teeth, I cannot forget to replace it. As has happened on occasion. :redface: Most important is a snug fit.

 

[Celt5494]

I too do the pull the plug and replace with the teeth method. One thing I may suggest is rub the end or your plug in some bees wax. Doesn't take much and it will stay secure in your horn and not slip out causing a trail of BP to be left behind you. I've also woven some sinew and attached it to my horn and plug in the just in case happening. That small amount of bees wax really helps out and if you live in a wet climte can help to in a way water proof your horn.

 

[wattlebuster]

+1 as to what MSW said :thumbsup:

 

[William O.]

Horn straps can be simple leather thongs to intricate, hand woven works of art. For starters I would recommend just a leather strap that you can adjust once you determine what the right length is for you.

 

[hunts4deer]

I have taken to using a "Day Horn" that holds as much powder as you might use for a busy day shooting quirrels or doves, but no more than that. (Maybe up to 30 shots = 1/4 lb of powder.) It was made by Orville "Spark" Mumma. He had several of these smaller horns for sale, but few other horn makers seem to make small horns.

Truthfully, I think another consideration would be matching the horn to the bag for eye appeal. (i.e., does a big horn overwhelm a small bag, or vice-versa?)

 

[Claude Mathis]

Is there any advantage to carry a powder horn on one side over the other?

Place a horn and a powder measure on a table. Now, pick them up and pour powder into the measure. Which hand is holding the horn? That's the side on which I suggest you try carrying your horn.

You won't know until you try, what is going to work for you, but this will tell you something about how you use your hands.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Claude has a good point. Hold a broom beside the table and pretend that's your rifle and then try it. One hand for the barrel, one for the measure . . . and the third hand for the powderhorn.

I hold the barrel loose in my left hand with the measure clasped in my left thumb and fingertips and pour with the right hand holding the horn. It seems to work best for me.

 

[Claude Mathis]

Claude has a good point.

Wait, let me write that down. :wink:

 

[Stumpkiller]

Yeah, but if you part your hair just right no one will notice it.

 

[David W.]

I am looking to purchase my first powder horn and I have some questions.

In general, on what side is a powder horn normally carried? Is there any advantage to carry a powder horn on one side over the other? I have seen all size powder horns. What would be a typical length for a powder horn? Are powder horn straps normally just a leather throng or a wider strap?

Any additional info about powder horns will be appreciated.

The best answer is to try it both ways and use what best suits you. I shoot right handed and carry the horn on the left so I don't bump it while walking.

 

I shoot right handed and carry the horn on the left so I don't bump it while walking.

You must be wearing it like a gunslinger? :grin:

My horn is almost in my arm pit, just above my bag.