Powder Horn

[Hntm]

This is my first attempt at anything black powder. Looked at pictures on the WWW, ordered a horn on ebay, and here is the product. In spite of reading warnings from experienced builders, I ended up drilling a hole out thru the side while drilling the spout, but some shavings and epoxy hid it pretty well. The spout is deer horn, and so is the threaded plug on the back end. The wood is aspen turned green by bark beetles and stabilized/sealed with epoxy on the inside, and super glue on the outside.

 

[Macon Due]

HNTM
Not bad for a first effort but the '550 cord' has Got to go!!! Sometimes a lot of guys seem to prefer the lighter color horns as you can 'scratch' on em better.
Macon
ps.......not sure you really want that rear plug setup?

 

[Hntm]

Yep, sorry about that paracord I knew someone was gonna get on me about that. Didn't have any thongs and haven't found a good local source for leather...

I am totally new to muzzleloading, how does powder keep in a horn? Do you only fill it during hunting season and then empty it, or is it okay to keep it in there all the time?

 

[shortbow]

If your horn is air/water tight, a horn is the best place for powder, imo. If you're going to use that first horn for the time being, or I guess indefinitely, I agree that a better back plug might be in order, well sealed. After you've done that, blow in the spout and if you're cheeks blow up like the Goodyear blimp, you've got a good seal. Then, make sure your spout plug fits well and you'll be off to the races.

 

[Hntm]

It is airtight under a lot of pressure. I cut the threads very carefully and left a bevel so it seals up when screwed in tight. Also after cutting the threads I hardened them and built them up with CA, then put a little wax on them to keep it operating smoothly.

 

[Robby]

"Where is the prince who can afford so to cover his country with troops for its defense, so that ten thousand men descending from the clouds might not, in many places, do an infinite deal of mischief before a force could be brought together to repel them?"
Benjamin Franklin, 1784
Thats parachute cord Macon, just as Dr Franklin ordered! :thumbsup: :rotf:
Robby

 

[buford87]

You should be able to buy leather boot laces at wally world to replace that cord. Also great work on a first time horn.........................watch yer top knot.....................

 

[50cal.cliff]

If the plug in the rear is removable for filling then you will want to move the new strap to the body of the horn. As carrying it that way just begs to loosing your powder, when the plug finally gets snatched out!
If you don't mind me asking what is the actual rear plug made from? It is very colorful but I can't make out from the pics what it is.
That is a great first horn! :thumbsup:

 

[omarick1948]

Hntm, Glad to see you in the ranks and want to make your own shoot'n plunder!

We all had our start at something and I'd like to suggest to you, to purchase a copy of RECREATING THE 18th CENTURY POWDER HORN by Scott and Cathy Sibley. The Track of the Wolf Company sells it for around $20. You can buy it on their website. It would be a great aid to you, as it has helped many making horns. Pardon for me saying, but you would be better off epoxying that base knob into your horn and filling from the spout end. Less chance of a leak and spillage.

I hope I didn't offend you friend, as you have the maken's for a nice usable horn!...just trying to be of some help!

Rick :thumbsup:

 

[Hntm]

Cliff, the plug is aspen that had been attacked by bark beetles. Sadly the log was mostly decayed so I was able to salvage only small pieces. By trial and error I have learned how to stabilize small pieces with epoxy and or CA.

To Everyone,
thanks for your comments and advice. Got another horn on order...already planning refinements...

 

[MSW]

interesting looking setup with the rear plug ... by the way, i agree with the advice about getting a copy of the Sibley's book- it's full of useful tricks and tips.

 

[gus13]

one thing you weren't warned about here, and I see I'm too late is, it's addicting! you can't make just one!! not bad for your first horn!
but I will agree with Rick and others when they say its probably a good idea to plug up that hole in yer base plug and just fill it from the front. just to save yourself a headache in the future. :thumbsup: keep it up and show us your next one too!

 

[Tony Logan]

sounds like your hooked. you might check out THE HORNERS BENCH forum. Lots of good stuff over there.

 

[chance]

Great job!! Gonna get alot of good use from it.