measuring powder horn

[chi-master]

I'm new at this so I hope this isn't a stupid question. I want to make a measuring horn out of deer antler. Can anyone tell me the drill bit size and depth of the hole for 40gr of powder. I thought some of you guys would know without me doing alot of trial and error. Thanks Gary

 

[longrifle346]

Welcome to the Forum Gary! This will probably eventually be moved to the more appropriate section but until then try a search in The Craftman section of the Forum Index.....

 

[necchi]

I ran across this before. A feller wanted to make a measure without an adjustable as a guide.
A level measuring Teaspoon is about 9 grains.
A 3/8" drill bit, 1 1/8" deep will be darn close too 40grns.

It's easier to drill more than it is to un-drill. So trial and error is the game. :idunno:

There's a couple recent topics right here, read back pages a bit.

 

[Black Hand]

It's easier to drill more than it is to un-drill.

Just make it shorter.....(That's what we would say just after we had broken the point off the flint arrowhead we were making.)

That said, it is an easy (and apparently PC) fix to drip a little wax into the bottom of a measure until it reaches the desired grains.

 

[omarick1948]

What you want to make is a powder measure..not a measuring horn! ____ Not to make it sound complicated, but the cavity for the powder can vary a lot depending on the length/depth of the overall inside width! ... This is one of those places where "trial and error" works best!

Rick

 

[ohio ramrod]

welcome to the forum. Since you are really just making a "comparison measure" start with a drill bit that will allow you reasonable depth with out breaking out the side/end. And then make a "trial measure" then remove more horn from the inside to go larger, or shorten to make smaller.A rat tail file or a small sharp chisel will alow you to make the hole larger following the contor of the horn. A little diameter change will make a significant volume change. If you horn section is curved you might want to use a bent rod heated red hot to "burn out" the stock following the curve of the horn (WARNING do this outside ).

 

[chi-master]

Hey thanks for the input. I also have a possible bag in the works. I haven't been this excited about anything since I started shooting traditional bows.

 

[MSW]

welcome to the forum. Since you are really just making a "comparison measure" start with a drill bit that will allow you reasonable depth with out breaking out the side/end. And then make a "trial measure" then remove more horn from the inside to go larger, or shorten to make smaller.A rat tail file or a small sharp chisel will alow you to make the hole larger following the contor of the horn. A little diameter change will make a significant volume change. If you horn section is curved you might want to use a bent rod heated red hot to "burn out" the stock following the curve of the horn (WARNING do this outside ).

emphasis added.

remember that horn is really just a bunch of very compressed hair. you do not want to get it hot indoors. (actually, unless you have a strong stomach, you don't want to be upwind of it when you're out doors.)

good luck with your project!

(psst- should we warn him about the highly addictive nature of such things?)