yesterday at the range, in a lull in activity, a couple of us were talking about how the old timers supposedly would pour powder into their hands and then into the bbl if loading in a hurry. I remembered something about them putting a ball in the palm and pouring enough to cover it. Proving that idle minds should be discouraged, I put 50gr of 3f into a measure, put a .48 ball in a friend's cupped hand and poured in the powder...which covered the ball...didn't prove anything I guess, but thought it might be of interest to you all...Hank
testing an old myth
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Hank, it's some knowledge you probably won't use, but is neat to know. If for some reason you find yourself without a measure, you can safely load a light or "SUPER" heavy(black powder only of course)load by that method, with a little practice. The key of course is constituency as to how you cup your hand. One pour = light load. two pours = "SUPER"heavy. With a little practice you can come acceptably close to your regular hunting load(1 1/2 pour). Use two pours, using the ball as a guide, don't try in one pour.
sniper :thumbsup:
sniper :thumbsup:
That is how we got started many years ago untill we got adjustable measures, I have found that it throws a lighter load than I usualy like in most of my guns, but would not hesitate to reload while hunting in this manner if I found I had lost my measure, i have done it on occasion on a trail walk just the s*&^s and giggles.
"That is how we got started many years ago untill we got adjustable measures" Oh ya had to remind me ..... what is a lighter load?? If it dont go Boom-crack it aint working right!! :rotf: :youcrazy: Fred :hatsoff: Ahhhhh the good old days...
I tried this a few years ago, but used a reversed procedure from yours. I had heard that you could cover the ball, etc. So....after working out the most accurate charge for my rifle, I had my powder measure set to the proper charge. Took a ball, placed it in my palm, and poured powder--from the horn--over it. Removed the ball, and poured the powder into my measure. Level full, and no spillage. Never looked back.
Hugh
Hugh
