pre-measuring or a better method of measuring for revolver?

[new2bp]

The goal.... to get more consistent loads and be able to enjoy range time with minimal fiddling about with stuff.

So...

Without spending hundreds of dollars on spare cylinders or going down the rabbit hole of paper cartridges, how do y'all deal with being able to show up for range time and spend minimal time on the powder charging part of loading your revolvers?

I see I can get 5 or 10ml (so 60+ gr equiv volume, way more than I need but may be of interest to others) test tubes with stoppers or caps on Amazon, in plastic or glass. Would make it easy to throw a charge into 50 of 'em and go.

If I go this direction, is one material preferred over the other, other than the obvious safety issue of glass tubes going in my range bag?

 

[Carbon 6]

I always found a powder flask to work well for me. It's one single item as opposed to dozens and there's nothing to lose or break.

 

[FishDFly]

I pre-measure my BP using small plastic vials with spin off tops which will hold 30 grains of BP. I also pre-measure my Cream Of Wheat. I do 50 vials of each. I store them in Plano Handgun cases designed to hold 41 Ma, 44 Mag and 45 Long Colt. I use plastic and no there is not a safety hazard from static electricity. Glass breaks when it is dropped on the cement.

It really simplifies loading, makes it easier to keep track of how many shots are fired in a match. It really pays of in Limited time Fire match where time is of the essence.

Another advantage that I learned is, I use small adjustable pistol powder measurers and when I started using vials I learned that at times, all the powder does not come out of the vial when pouring it. Learned where some of my low shots were coming from.

 

[ZUG]

I use the loose powder, ball, lube wad method 75% of the time but I have the plastic snap cap vials which are integral with the body so you can't loose the tops. I have paper cartridges that I use if I take the gun out for a quick session in the backyard of my friends house.

Don't use glass - If you have a explosion you can get seriously hurt or hurt others - the plastic vials are the way to go if you use this method.

 

[ord sgt]

A friend uses small plastic tubes for his premeasured powder charges. He also uses plastic tubes for the premeasured cornmeal filler. Dump the powder, dump the filler, seat the .454 roundball in his .44 Remington. The chambers in his Remmy were all rebored. All chambers have the same dimensions. He used to shoot in competition.

 

[FishDFly]

It also helps to keep from dry balling your revolver. Layout your tubes, filler and balls.

 

[Larry (Omaha)]

The goal.... to get more consistent loads and be able to enjoy range time with minimal fiddling about with stuff.
So...
Without spending hundreds of dollars on spare cylinders or going down the rabbit hole of paper cartridges, how do y'all deal with being able to show up for range time and spend minimal time on the powder charging part of loading your revolvers?
I see I can get 5 or 10ml (so 60+ gr equiv volume, way more than I need but may be of interest to others) test tubes with stoppers or caps on Amazon, in plastic or glass. Would make it easy to throw a charge into 50 of 'em and go.
If I go this direction, is one material preferred over the other, other than the obvious safety issue of glass tubes going in my range bag?

You want to shoot and not fart around with measuring? We all do, but throw the measuring tubes away if you are shooting on a range and use a dispenser. It takes time to grab the tube and remove the stopper. Why not just dump the powder from a pre-measured drop dispenser?
There are different ones out there, but this one seems like it would do the trick. You would have to use an unmentionable casing to activate the dispenser. One could solder a handle on a large casing and then adjust the dispenser for the charge you desire. This one is adjustable from 1 to 80 grains.
I think Dixie Gun Works sell one that uses the black powder container for the powder storage.
Larry
Lee Auto-Drum Powder Measure with Bottle Adapter

• Product #: 803372

List Price:$54.00
Our Price:
$45.99 $41.39
You Save:$4.60 (10%)
SHIPS FREE with $49

Made in USA

 

[TFoley]

How do you hold this measure? Do you clamp it to a handy table?

In the US you might get away with that, but most everywhere else it would be an instant no-no.

 

[user 48679]

The chambers can be readily loaded w/o using pre-measured charges.

If you use a powder flask like this

It will have a dispensing mechanism like this

While a long spout can be cut shorter for the load you want to use, different lengths are commercially available

In use, the flask is held with the spout pointed down, a thumb tip placed against the tip to prevent powder spillage when the dispensing lever is cycled.

When the spout is filled, release the trigger to close off the powder flow, turn the flask so the spout is "up", remove your thumb from the tip & drop the charge into the chamber (or barrel, for a single-shot long or hand gun).

 

[Frontier's]

Paper cartridges if you want fast reloading

 

[TFoley]

The chambers can be readily loaded w/o using pre-measured charges.

If you use a powder flask like this

It will have a dispensing mechanism like this

While a long spout can be cut shorter for the load you want to use, different lengths are commercially available

In use, the flask is held with the spout pointed down, a thumb tip placed against the tip to prevent powder spillage when the dispensing lever is cycled.

When the spout is filled, release the trigger to close off the powder flow, turn the flask so the spout is "up", remove your thumb from the tip & drop the charge into the chamber (or barrel, for a single-shot long or hand gun).

Prohibited here and in most other countries.

 

[new2bp]

I'm currently loading from a powder flask. Throws inconsistent amounts and while it is a nice "correct-ish" accessory, and it technically works and is certainly better than nothing, it isn't working for *me*.

Ordered 100 5ml test tubes w/ built-in flip top caps. $12, free shipping via that jungle place they will be here before my powder arrives

 

[SSBN617b]

Please explain to a noob like me what is prohibited.
thanks ,
Mitch

 

[Barry Strickland]

Powder flasks and their like are prohibited in National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association and also North-South Skirmish Association rules.

 

[Mark Herman]

When you load directly into a barrel or cylinder that has previously been fired you are taking a chance that a spark is still live. If that is the case and your charge is ignited you will have a bomb in your hand in the form of the flask or horn. Pour from powder container into a powder measure then into the barrel or cylinder. If it goes off all you are holding is what is in the measure.

 

[desi23]

Please explain to a noob like me what is prohibited.
thanks ,
Mitch

Many people consider a powder flask to be a potential bomb if there is a spark hiding in the chamber. Many ranges prohibit loading directly from the flask for this reason (also not allowed for many types of competition). It's certainly safe enough for a first loading, the risk is for reloads and that has resulted in the prohibition on their use at ranges and events.

edit... looks like several responded at once (and I type slow) so I guess I will add that I have tried various vials and containers to carry pre-measured charges. The handiest things I've found and used are little rubber tubes that you place the powder in then use the bullet to plug the end. Mine are called "Quick Charge" tubes and came from the old Winchester Sutler years ago. I believe Dixie still sells these or a similar product.

 

[Red Owl]

I made 100 paper tubes. The bottom is sealed and I made paper caps that fit over the tubes for the top. I weigh out the charges. This is for a cap and ball revolver. I think I shoot better however the NMLRA champs just use a measure.
I was at Hobby Lobby the other day and saw these brass tubes>
https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Basic-Crafts/Macrame/Brass-Macrame-Tubes---3-4"/p/80973297
I thought they would make PC "looking" speed loaders.

 

[SSBN617b]

Thanks for explaining that.
Mitch

 

[Major Tim]

The goal.... fiddling about with stuff.

Fixed it for you. This is what I enjoy (fiddling) along with a nice chair and hot coffee!

 

[TFoley]

Powder flasks and their like are prohibited in National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association and also North-South Skirmish Association rules.

Also in the MLAIC - the international black powder shooting governing body.