Powder horns and their plugs

[hockeyref]

I have a cheapo imported one that I've not used yet. I'm thinking about reworking it a little bit and was wondering if anyone could post a couple pictures of the mouth\pour hole and the plug? I'm wondering about the size of the hole, the shape of the plug (straight or tapered?), and how tight the fit is. Do you do anything special to seal it like coat in bee's wax or just rely on the friction fit? I've head of sealing the large end with bee's wax as you assemble - is that true?

 

[Sperit de bois]

Go to this site and be in wonderment...The Hornersbench. The site covers all this is depth and lots more real nice items.

 

[hockeyref]

Thanks...

 

[Rifleman1776]

Size is not real important. I would say over a 1/4" but max at 3/8".
For plugs I use just a simple piece of wood. Wood compresses to give a tight fit. I whittle mine. I use plain wood because I pull with my teeth. At one time used fancy plugs from antler, ebony, etc. They wouldn't stay put and since they don't compress there is a chance of splitting the horn trying to make them fit tight. Also, if the plug is in yer teeth you won't forget to replace. This can be important during a hunt. DAMHIK. :redface:

 

[George T.]

Those horns usually have good enough holes but once in a while you get shaveings that reduce flow. All three horns I have have tapered wooden plugs. I push until it stops and then give it a 1/4 turn while pushing in. There is a current post that most say no treatment is necessary.
most have the plugs sealed from the factory! Geo. T.

 

[jethro224]

Mine are drilled 1/4 or 5/16 and then scraped out to a taper using the handle end of a file. The plug is whittled out of a piece of soft pine. It compresses down to where it fits perfectly snug if whittled carefully. As someone said, give it a little bit of a twist as you shove it in.