Measuring tiny amounts of powder

[roundball]

Anybody know of a very EASY way to measure very small amounts of powder? I want to make up batches of premeasured powder charges in:

5grns
10grns
15grns
20grns (I have one of these)

I've tried cutting down a CF brass case using weighed charges as a guide to size the container, but I end up with such a tiny piece of case my Paul Bunyun fingers have trouble manipulating it.

And I've tried one of the Magnum size pan primers but it won't meter 3F consistently.

What I can envision that would probably work is a set of powder dippers I had about 40 years ago, and each one had a little 3-4" handle attached to it...so I'm going to check my Wifes special little set of small measuring spoons...the smallest is 1/8 of a teaspoon...have to weigh that and see what it is.

Any other ideas for such small powder amounts?

 

[Roy]

Its funny sometimes what a few grains of powder will do sometimes in a certain gun. Why are you looking for a 5grn measure?

 

[roundball]

In preparation for range tests using the hard wax bullets I've been posting about...ie: a 209 primer drives them 800 FPS out of a pistol barrel.

My Wife has a set of these...I'll see what they throw if scraped off flush each time.
[url] http://www.bayvillagestore.com/ststenmesp.html?productid=ststenmesp&channelid=FROOG[/url]

 

[Roy]

Cool :thumbsup:

 

[ol vern]

You could make yourself a set of powder dippers from 22rf cases. A 22 short case holds about 3gr
bullseye don't know how much bp it would hold. a
22long rifle case would probably come close .

 

I will keep thinking about what you could use for a small measure. I like you have fat fingers and would have a hard time with a 22 case. Heck I'd drop the entire case charge and all down the barrel :rotf:
Will keep thinking of something. Will post it if do

 

[roundball]

Uhmmm...a .22magnum case might be close to 5 grains...could trim it shorter if it's more, epoxy a piece of skinny dowel to one as a handle.

I use dozens of 35mm film canisters in big ziploc bags to carry different sets of charges to the range for testing...I just need something simple, easy, and fast to measure the powder in the garage and then pour it into a film canister.

 

[Twisted_1in66]

Uhmmm...a .22magnum case might be close to 5 grains...could trim it shorter if it's more, epoxy a piece of skinny dowel to one as a handle.

I use dozens of 35mm film canisters in big ziploc bags to carry different sets of charges to the range for testing...I just need something simple, easy, and fast to measure the powder in the garage and then pour it into a film canister.

You could always use a casing that was big enough to handle easily and then put an appropriately sized dowel inside it to make it shallower. Seal it with epoxy or perhaps just some wax and it ought to work.

Twisted_1in66 :thumbsup:

 

[silverfox]

Roundball if I used the wifes kitchen measure I would be measured for a pine box in short order.
I think your idea to make dippers out of 22 to 32 cases with a wire or dowel attached will be the best way to go. It would give you a good handle, a little shake and pour and your done.
Fox :thumbsup:

 

[paulvallandigham]

If you go to the back of any Dixie Gun Works Catalogu, there is a table there that tells how much powder is thrown by various pistol and rifle cases. You can make dippers out of them, with just a twist of wire from a paper clip, or some copper wire. File the casings down, or use a case trimmer if you have the right head, to cut them to the correct length for the charges you want to throw. Lee Precision also has a set of powder dippers , each with a small handle, that you could probably make work for this. Check their web page.

 

[paulvallandigham]

If you go to the back of any Dixie Gun Works Catalogue, there is a table there that tells how much powder is thrown by various pistol and rifle cases. You can make dippers out of them, with just a twist of wire from a paper clip, or some copper wire. File the casings down, or use a case trimmer if you have the right head, to cut them to the correct length for the charges you want to throw. Lee Precision also has a set of powder dippers , each with a small handle, that you could probably make work for this. Check their web page.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

strip insulation off copper wire and soft-solder it to the right sized shell casing. I made one out of a .32 acp case to 'prime' my BP revolvers with 4F under the 'main charge' of 3F, has a little more kick to recoil. about 5grs.

 

[FishDFly]

Lee make the below, Improved Powder Measure Kit.

Midsouth carries them, Order No. 006-90100.

They go for $7.67

Fifteen uniformly graduated and proportioned powder dippers. Slide card shows the grains of powder each measure will dispense of every type of powder. Powder measures are inherently safe as they cannot get out of adjustment. That's why powder dippers continue to be the first choice of reloaders who load in small quantities.


RDE

 

[boar]

Maybe one case with a different size insert, you can take out to change powder size. Fasten someting to pull it out. Short plug for big, long for small. Dilly

 

[mckutzy]

i agree with paul on this, look in the dixie catologue. it has a list and u just put a little wire handle to make a dipper.

 

[BrownBear]

That's what I do too, and the Dixie listing is a terrific resource. Thanks for posting that.

Another use for cases: I use 44 mag cases with a shortened cork stopper to hold premeasured charges (25 grains) of fff for my 32 and my 36. I use 45/70 cases with cork stoppers to hold 50 grain charges for my 50 and 54. I also have dedicated a few of my 50/140 cases to hold 80-100 grain hunting loads. Not PC by any means, but sure handy in our wet climate.

 

[freetrapper20]

Try a revolver powder measure. I have one that goes from 0-30 grains. I think the Possibles Shop carries them if interested for a few bucks.

 

[roundball]

Try a revolver powder measure. I have one that goes from 0-30 grains. I think the Possibles Shop carries them if interested for a few bucks.

That's it, thanks !! I looked at it and the physical size will make it easy to handle, plus the 1 grain increment design is perfect.

Thanks to everyone for all the various suggestions...I'm going with the revolver powder measure from The Possible Shop.
:thumbsup:

 

[roundball]

Revolver measure arrived today...couldn't be any better...big enough and heavy enough to know you have it in your fingers, good quality, etc.

Thanks again to all for the general tips...

And thanks again 'Gates' for the 0-30grn revolver measure tip...it's perfect.
:hatsoff:

 

[freetrapper20]

Glad it worked out for ya! :wink: