New to traditional ML's...

[Josh Maloley]

...have some newbe questions.

Now that I'm not just dropping pellets from a plastic tube, I need a new way to carry powder and measure it.

I'll be starting out with a TC .54 shooting PRB's.

There seems to be quite a range of powder horns, both in size and style - I assume that one will pretty much do the same job as another - any features to watch for that have pro's/con's?

Powder measures are a different thing however - it seems that every company that makes one, makes ten that all seem to be bassically the same tube with a sliding scale affair.
What features am I looking for in a powder measure, and how do those measures even work? ie - you just fired your gun. You've run a cleaning patch down the barrel. Now how does the powder get from the horn to the barrel via the measure?

Thanks for the info. - JM.

 

[rabjr]

...have some newbe questions.

Now that I'm not just dropping pellets from a plastic tube, I need a new way to carry powder and measure it.

I'll be starting out with a TC .54 shooting PRB's.

There seems to be quite a range of powder horns, both in size and style - I assume that one will pretty much do the same job as another - any features to watch for that have pro's/con's?

Powder measures are a different thing however - it seems that every company that makes one, makes ten that all seem to be bassically the same tube with a sliding scale affair.
What features am I looking for in a powder measure, and how do those measures even work? ie - you just fired your gun. You've run a cleaning patch down the barrel. Now how does the powder get from the horn to the barrel via the measure?

Thanks for the info. - JM.

Hi Josh,

As far as Horns go, unless your interested in a certain time frame, where there is slightly differerent styles, any horn will do. I use the T/C plastic powder measure when working up a load at the range. Then I like to use something like an antler tine drill it out to the amount of grains I'm using in that gun. Pour the powder from the horn or commercial powder holder into the hand made measure, then into the barrel. If you don't want to make a measure you can use the commercial powder measure in place of a hand made powder measure. They are made to measue and be used to dump powder into the barrel. Just don't pour powder into the barrel from your main horn.

 

[luieb45]

I'd look on ebay for a powder horn. They have them new for about $20. That's where I got mine.

 

[Stumpkiller]

The good thing about blackpowder is that it is pretty forgiving of measurement. Once you get a load worked up you can make a non-adjustable measure out of a small metal tube, bone or hollowed out antler tip.

Save a thigh-bone from the turkey this Thanksgiving and whittle a wood plug for one end. That's one of my favorites. You shouldn't have much trouble hitting a .54" bore with a powder measure. One of mine from T/C has a funnel that slides across to dump the charge.

T/C makes a couple good brass measures. Be careful about the graduations on the side of other makes. I have one that only says "Italy" and at 100 on the scale throws 127 gr FFg! It's off 25% consistantly through the markings. :shake:

You're going to probably be in the 75 to 100 grain range (I use 90 gr FFg in my .54 Renegade and 85 gr FFFg in my .54 Lehigh with Rice barrel). Anything in that range will kill a deer. Go with the accurate load for your rifle.

I like a horn that holds 50 shots or so, which is 3/4 pound of FFg or FFFg using 90 grains. Mine is 13" long. They're not hard to make, but my favorite is a "pro" job that has some engraving.

Upper one is by Griz on this forum. Lower one I made from a local raw horn and a base plug from Dixie Gun Works.

 

[jethro224]

Hi Josh,
Glad to hear you decided to go traditional. :thumbsup:

For a .54 you'll most likely be shooting somewhere between 50 and 100 grains of powder (80 sounds about right). Since you haven't yet worked up a load, you will need an adjustable measure. The plastic ones from TC work, just fill to whatever line you decide to try. The sliding brass tube measures work too. I like the long skinny ones with the funnel end. Just make sure to get one that adjusts at least from 50 to 100 grains. You'll probably want to make/buy a fixed measure once you work up your load.

Do yourself a favor and don't buy a $20 horn on ebay. Spend a little more and get a good quality one. Better yet make one. :thumbsup:
You want an air-tight horn. If it leaks air, it'll leak moisture, powder, sparks. :shocked2:

ie - you just fired your gun. You've run a cleaning patch down the barrel. Now how does the powder get from the horn to the barrel via the measure?

You ask the guy that loaded it the first time to do it again. :haha: :wink:
Loosen the setscrew on the adjustable measure and pull it out to (say) the 80 grain line and tighten the setscrew. Pivot the funnel end (we're using mine :wink: ) off to one side. Pull the stopper from your horns spout and pour powder into measure until full. Replace horns stopper. Pivot funnel end back over measure. Pour powder down gun barrel.

 

[nchawkeye]

I use 80grs FFF in my .54 and my nonadjustable brass measure is on a leather thong with my ball block...When ready to load, I pull the thong out of my pouch, measure powder, drop down the bore and then reach for my short starter which is in my shooting bag...I then center a ball from the block over the bore, start the ball with the short starter and seat the ball on the powder with my ramrod...

I use .018 and .015 patching...With a clean bore I load the .018 patched ball...If I have time to clean the bore I continue with the .018 patch, if not, I use the .015 patch...

 

[RJR]

Hi Josh, First and foremost, you will receive a wealth of information on here as to shooting your new TC. With that being said, I would recommend finding someone to show you the basics to start off, it will save you some of the headaches and seeing is better than reading to learn. Where are you in West Michigan? There are a number of fine clubs with some very fine shooters in the western part of the state, some of which are on this board. Here is the web site to the MSMLA: http://www.msmla.org/ . Contact Ron Fernwalt or any of the other folks listed on the state shoot schedule and they can give you any information in the state as to places to shoot, supplies, clubs, people... Glance through there, you may find someone in your own back yard.

Rick