Powder Flask Mystery

[Louisk]

I have a Traditions cylindrical brass flask that is very inconsistent about dispensing powder when the button is pushed. Is this a common problem? I just don't get it. The valve opens all the way when the button is pushed, the aperture is clear, my powder (I'm using Pyrodex RS) is always dry and gravity still seems to be reliable but at least half the time nothing comes out when the valve is opened. Sometimes shaking helps, sometimes it doesn't. Must be some basic physics at work here but I haven't been able to figure it out.

 

[curator]

No Mystery really, Pyrodex RS is coarse and does not flow particularly well. The large granules are bridging or clumping in the valve. "Real" Black powder is coated with graphite and works very well in your flask.

 

[Louisk]

Thanks. That makes a lot of sense. I have a shorter flask of the same make I use for the finer grained Pyrodex P for my Kentucky pistol. I was thinking "why does the short flask work better than the long one?" Should have been a no brainer/ I just need to find a dispenser with a larger spout for the rifle as Pyrodex is much more readily available here than real black powder

 

[BrownBear]

You might consider picking up a cheap powder horn. Best thing about them, you can open up the pour spout to suit yourself, using a rattail file or rasp.

 

[mooman76]

No Mystery really, Pyrodex RS is coarse and does not flow particularly well. The large granules are bridging or clumping in the valve. "Real" Black powder is coated with graphite and works very well in your flask.

This exactly. I have the same trouble with mine. I just tap it or give it shake to the side quickly to get it started flowing. It also helps if you move it or slight shake while flowing to keep it flowing.

 

[BigBoreBLR]

Look around at powder flask valves online. There's bigger ones you might be able to use.

Once you got the basics, making your own custom accessories is a great side aspect of the addiction.

 

[excess650]

I agree, a horn is the better option. A simple, free flowing orifice with no brass to corrode, and less likely to bridge.

 

[Louisk]

I was thinking along the same line, BrownBear. I saw an intriguing article in Muzzleloader magazine a while back about making your own..maybe one of these days but I need to get better about budgeting my projects.

 

[BrownBear]

...I need to get better about budgeting my projects.

That has a certain ring to it! :grin:

Meanwhile, for your budget planning TOW has basic horns for $16, about as cheap as you could assemble the parts for a build. In fact the inexpensive horn would make a pretty good "kit" for refinement.

 

[Louisk]

Thanks BrownBear. I never knew they could be so inexpensive. Order sent.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I have a Traditions cylindrical brass flask that is very inconsistent about dispensing powder when the button is pushed. Is this a common problem?

Sir,

IF you are using this device to load your rifle for more than the first shot, or if you don't damp swab between shots, please consider not using this device.

While such a flask works well for loading the cylinders of a revolver, it is a very different thing to do this for a rifle or fowler. You are, in effect, pouring powder into the measure and then pouring from the measure into the barrel, as one would do with a horn and measure. BUT there is a reason one uses the measure beyond a consistent load, and does NOT pour from the horn straight into the barrel.


Should by freak chance there be a smoldering ember within the barrel, and you haven't swabbed between shots, your powder charge might ignite. Now when using a measure your finger tips get singed, and your measure may be damaged, but when using a flask, you are depending on an inexpensive, foreign made, brass valve stopping the ignited powder from the charge continuing upward igniting the powder in your flask which you are holding in your hand. :shocked2:

Now..., maybe the base will blow off the flask, and you will have very minor injuries, or maybe the brass flask will rupture like a hand grenade?

I HAVE seen powder loads "cook off" but, they were during "speed shooting" matches and "speed loading" demonstrations. So, yes I admit the idea that the first shot might leave a smoldering ember is very remote, and even during a series of shots at the range, and is non-existent if you swab between shots. Further you are using Pyrodex which is tougher to set off than black powder, in my experience.

I just think you should be warned about the flask. Perhaps I'm being an old maid about flasks, but I use them to only measure shot.
:idunno:

LD

 

[bob308]

yes I use one of those flasks but I pour the powder into a powder measure then into the barrel. never put more powder then you need over the muzzle.

 

[Louisk]

I also pour powder into a measure first. I don't get the flask near the muzzle.

 

[rafterob]

What I discovered on my flask... The threads from the spout go through the "lid" and were not flush with the underside. Therefore they were interrupting the smooth operation of the gate. I filed the threads down till they were flush and smoothe with the underside and it functioned much better. Still need to shake it to make sure it fills up.

 

[BrownBear]

Thanks BrownBear. I never knew they could be so inexpensive. Order sent.

My problem is that there are too many inexpensive things! I can't recall EVER ordering a single item from TOW or anyone else.

If you want another messing-around project, snag an old broomstick, shovel handle or dowel. Use a 3/8" or 1/2" drill to poke in a center cavity, then adjust to length for the powder charge you want to throw (experiment to find it). Once you've got that, whittle away the extra wood to turn it into a more slender powder measure of any shape and style you want. You can do the same with horn, too. Lotsa fun, and goes pretty well with a horn.

This one (only photo I have) happens to be a 30 grain measure from the tip I cut off when making a horn. I'm thinking moose horn would make a downright dandy version!

 

[Louisk]

LD, thanks for your post. Seems like there's lots of images out there of guys dumping powder from a horn into the muzzle. I don't know how one would get a measured amount that way, but my powder flask does have a built in measure. I've never used it as such, but it would easy to see how folks could be lead to doing just that if they weren't thinking enough about the danger.

I thought briefly about just getting a pour lid for the powder jug to fill the measure but I'm not really comfortable having a pound jug of powder that close to where I'm shooting. There was a video online showing a guy shooting a miniature cannon with an open jug of powder next to him. The jug ignited and it looked very scary!

 

[Louisk]

Nice. I like the idea of a fixed measure. I have an adjustable one that always seems to "adjust" itself after I set it to the desired measure.

The horn was the only thing I ordered, although this was the first time I have stuck to a single item. Had it not been so late it would have been different. It's a good thing that I don't have more than one or two beers before I indulge in online shopping!