Traditional Muzzleloading Association
Craftsmanship => Accoutrements => Topic started by: Smokey on July 26, 2021, 08:51:30 AM
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I can't find a fixed 55 grain measure. Also, it has to be reasonably priced.
Any suggestions on where I can get one?
And no. I'm not interested in making one.
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Smokey, do you have an adjustable BP measurer? If so you can make one out of antler or spent brass cartridges (provided the cartridge is large enough.
Track of the Wolf use to carry fixed chargers. You could always get a 50 and a 60 grain one and shorten it by splitting the difference of the two from the top (or) buy an adjustable charger that is broken down into 5 grains measurements. :shake
https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/86/1
A factual side note; No fixed or adjustable black powder measure will ever throw the exact same charge (shot to shot), as it's impossible because of the inconsistency of the black powder grain itself - but it'll be close.
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If you can find some spent .243 brass casings you'd be in business .
I think they hold around 55gr powder.
If you search some , you'll find charts with grain capacities
Kevin
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I looked again at TOTW and they have a 110 grain measurer for 5.99 (don't know what shipping would be, but a person should be able to find the center with a dowel rod and cut it in half for a 55 grain measurer. If you do go this route, I'd suggest leaving it a tad proud so you can dress the mouth of the measuring tube to a smooth finish.
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I looked again at TOTW and they have a 110 grain measurer for 5.99 (don't know what shipping would be, but a person should be able to find the center with a dowel rod and cut it in half for a 55 grain measurer. If you do go this route, I'd suggest leaving it a tad proud so you can dress the mouth of the measuring tube to a smooth finish.
Is it really that simple? Just take a 110 and cut it slightly high of 1/2??
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I have used 45/70 spent brass and cut to size. Punch out the primer and install a small screw-eye to attach to your bag.
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I looked again at TOTW and they have a 110 grain measurer for 5.99 (don't know what shipping would be, but a person should be able to find the center with a dowel rod and cut it in half for a 55 grain measurer. If you do go this route, I'd suggest leaving it a tad proud so you can dress the mouth of the measuring tube to a smooth finish.
Is it really that simple? Just take a 110 and cut it slightly high of 1/2??
It should be, if you have an adjustable powder measurer you can set at 55 grains to check and be sure before making the cut... Personally, I highly recommend getting an adjustable (5 grain increment adjustable measurer - then as said above (which I do as well) you make measures from spent cartridges, or deer antler... The 45-70 brass is great for this IMHO - but you'll have to find someone to cut loose of a spent cartridge or two (maybe even 3 for potential use down the road). :shake
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As you may have noticed in my post, I want something affordable. I don't want to make one because the cost of time and labor exceeds the price of buying one. '
I have an adjustabe measure. I want something smaller to keep on my bag.
You guys made some good suggestions, but it seems like the answer is a 55 grain measure doesn't exist off the shelf. That's too bad. The easiest solution seems to be: buy a brass 110 and cut it in half.
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Just be sure to add the thickness of the hacksaw blade before cutting, otherwise you might end up on the low side of 55 grains. :shake
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You want a copper one, I'll make it for you . no cost
Kevin
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Good on you, Kevin ! :hairy
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There are easy to make from copper pipe.
It won't be fancy but it will be functional .
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Kevin
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KDubs, Your offer is humbling and very much appreciated. All of you have given me some good advice in my time here.
However, you have also inspired me to reconsider making a powder measure. A lot of this muzzleloading hobby includes making stuff. I think I should give it a try. So instead of accepting your generous offer, I am going to try cutting down a brass TOW measure to start.
If that goes well, I may ask you guys to give me some advice on making an antler measure. For example. I don't hunt. Where do I get antler?
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Antlers come from friends, sometimes pet stores, taxidermy studios, occasionally a craft store or online from trad shops.
Making a copper one is super easy . you can find directions online. I'll still make ya one of ya want.
Also know that in you don't want to ruin a new large measurer you can melt some beeswax into a too large measure to bring to the size you need.
Kevin
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Kevin,
In that photo, how do you make the metal loop and how did you attach it to the cyclinder? Trying to learn here.
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The loop is a piece of copper , flattened, filed to shape, hole drilled, slot cut in bottom of cylinder and tab soldered into slot.
Could just solder tab to bottom of you don't want to cut a slot.
Kevin
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https://youtu.be/R1thOOLrbhI
Not sure if this link works.
If not search you tube for. Diy easy to make black powder measure for flintlock muskets and cannon.
Kevin
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The link works just fine, Kevin! :hairy
And I'll add it is worth every minute to watch!!! :hairy
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Two ounces of powder and a 10 ounce lead ball??????
Man, that puppy sure did buck and snort!!
Even I would hate to have his lead bill.
I thought that the idea of using a copper coin as the base plug was great. Could even use a dime or a nickel, whatever would fit.
I am thinking more like a shot dipper rather than a powder measure. I am more than happy with my adjustable measures for powder. And I just can't fathom the idea of spending whatever they want for a new Irish valve and measure from Pedersoli. They are sure getting pricey.
John (Bigsmoke)
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:hairy yeah buddy
Kevin
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Since the OP already has an adjustable measure, he can adjust it to throw 55gr and throw the load into whatever he wants to shorten, then marking the new measure at the end of the thrown charge for shortening.
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Since the OP already has an adjustable measure, he can adjust it to throw 55gr and throw the load into whatever he wants to shorten, then marking the new measure at the end of the thrown charge for shortening.
Annnd how does one cut that tube if the marking is above the powder throw, on the inside?
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Hey Smokey. Have you tried looking on ETSY? I have seen a fair amount of various sized measures there. And some of the vendors even offer custom made sizes.
Good Luck!
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Since the OP already has an adjustable measure, he can adjust it to throw 55gr and throw the load into whatever he wants to shorten, then marking the new measure at the end of the thrown charge for shortening.
Annnd how does one cut that tube if the marking is above the powder throw, on the inside?
Once you have your preferred powder charge in your new powder measure, take a wooden dowel and stick it in the measure on top the powder and mark the dowel at the top of the portion that is to be cut off, then remove the dowel and put it along side the new powder measure and line the mark up with the end that needs cut off, then simply mark where the end of the dowel is on your new powder measure and cut on your mark. (might sound complicated but it's not)
Cut your new powder measure off using either a tubing cutter or a hacksaw, depending on what material your new powder measure is made of.
A little fine sandpaper or Emory cloth will smooth the end up nicely. :bl th up
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Rondo, you took the words right out of my... computer? :lol sign :laffing
~Kees~
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"... remove the dowel and put it along side the new powder measure and line the mark up with the end that needs cut off, then simply mark where the end of the dowel is on your new powder measure and cut on your mark. "
I can't picture this from your description. I get the part about making a mark on the dowel. But lining it up with the brass measure ..... ??
Let's look at the dowel. I hold it vertically, with the measured mark facing up. Let's call that end the TOP of the dowel. Now, I line it up with the measure. Does the top of the dowel line up with the open end of the measure?
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"... remove the dowel and put it along side the new powder measure and line the mark up with the end that needs cut off, then simply mark where the end of the dowel is on your new powder measure and cut on your mark. "
I can't picture this from your description. I get the part about making a mark on the dowel. But lining it up with the brass measure ..... ??
Let's look at the dowel. I hold it vertically, with the measured mark facing up. Let's call that end the TOP of the dowel. Now, I line it up with the measure. Does the top of the dowel line up with the open end of the measure?
I think you got it! :hairy :bigsmile: :toast
All you're doing is transferring the top of your powder charge to the outside of the new measure so you know where to make your cut. :bl th up
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AHA Huzzah.
At this stage it'd be cheaper to accept Kevin's offer, but I want to learn how to do this! Then *I* can be the one to making powder measures.
Thanks for the help!!
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For future reference, empty/spent metallic cartridge cases with the neck/shoulder removed make lightweight BP measures, compared to solid brass measures.
Here's a few of the more popular case capacities for BP charges for reference:
.22LR = 5gr
.380ACP = 10gr
.30 carbine = 20gr
.38Special = 23gr
.45ACP = 26gr
.357Mag = 27gr
.38-40/.38WCF = 40gr
.45Colt = 41gr
.30-30 = 42gr
.30-06 = 70gr
.45-70 = 83gr
Note: The above capacities can be reduced via shortening the altered case to suit.
The values for bottleneck/tapered cases such as the .30-30 and .30-06 are for cases trimmed at shoulder to leave just the straight walled case remaining for making a measure.
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For future reference, empty/spent metallic cartridge cases with the neck/shoulder removed make lightweight BP measures, compared to solid brass measures.
Here's a few of the more popular case capacities for BP charges for reference:
.22LR = 5gr
.380ACP = 10gr
.30 carbine = 20gr
.38Special = 23gr
.45ACP = 26gr
.357Mag = 27gr
.38-40/.38WCF = 40gr
.45Colt = 41gr
.30-30 = 42gr
.30-06 = 70gr
.45-70 = 83gr
Note: The above capacities can be reduced via shortening the altered case to suit.
The values for bottleneck/tapered cases such as the .30-30 and .30-06 are for cases trimmed at shoulder to leave just the straight walled case remaining for making a measure.
Good info... I've made many different powder measures from the above chart using the necked down cartridges. I just plug them with a piece of dowel / drill a hole through the extended dowel for a piece of leather to hang from / and cut off and polish up the primer end. They work great! Have even made a few from the 45/70 straight cartridge cases (same method). They work, that's the main thing. :shake
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AHA Huzzah.
At this stage it'd be cheaper to accept Kevin's offer, but I want to learn how to do this! Then *I* can be the one to making powder measures.
Thanks for the help!!
Just a bit of advice,.... use your adjustable powder measure to work up the best performing load in your rifle, or, smoothbore, then make your non-adjustable powder measure so it will hold that exact amount. :bl th up
Working up the ideal load can usually be done in 5 gr. increments when using black powder, then you can start tweeking your load by experimenting with ball sizes, and different patch materials and lubes.
keep increasing your powder charge when working up a good load until your groups start to open up, then back off on the powder charge a bit, and you should be pretty close to the proper charge for your gun.
The goal is to find the best load combination for your gun,.... that produces tight groups at various ranges, with the least amount of bore fouling, and provides adequate velocity for stable flight (and penetration when working up a hunting load). :bl th up
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It's literally imperative to have an adjustable measure in order to sample different volume charges for any gun - that's the road to a proper fixed measure.
I'd Never buy a fixed measure, a waste of money as they're too easy to make and/or find. Any range where those damn devil cartridge guns are shot will have spent brass ready for the picking. Take at least 3 or 4 of all centerfire cases found, clean/wash and dry, check each for volume capacity and adjust their length to suit with a hacksaw blade or tube cutter.
The main charge for my .62 smoothbore is 70 grains of Swiss 1-1/2f and a .45-70 case is perfect when topped off. The .45-70 will not be a common case to find, but any large case such as the .30-06 and any .308 family brass will be just fine when adjusted.
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A 7/16" drill bit and a chunk of wood will also make for a good fixed measure, or even a "speed loader"!
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Yes to the above, and don't worry if one of your "fixed" measures ends up 1 or 2 grains above or below the charge you want to throw - it will still get the job done, and chances are when loading from the bag you'll never throw the same charge with absolute consistency.
Also IMHO, an adjustable powder measure in 5 grain settings is the best and a must to have when making your own "fixed powder measures" - get one and don't look back and start making your own measures. It's a long ways from rocket science.
:shake
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Lots of choices here, some good advice.
Just get out in the shop and start making s!%t.
As said , it it ain't rocket surgery :luff:
I'll still make you a couple copper ones if you want. You can cut them to length when you figure out the charges you want.
By the way, an antler or horn tip charge is pretty easy too. YouTube....
Just start tinkering. If you make horn to deep just add a drop or 3 of beeswax to fill the bottom to adjust the charge.
:hairy
Kevin
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Here's a powder measure I made from a cartridge case (don't remember what it was, though). I drilled out the primer pocket and ran a brass screw down through it, into a brass knurled nut I picked up at the hardware store. Tightened it down good and solid, filled it with a charge from my adjustable measure, used a pencil to determine the depth and cut it with a tubing cutter. It throws a charge of, wonder above wonders, 55 grains, more or less! The knurled nut made a dandy place to tie a thong to attach it to your shooting bag or powder horn.
I haven't used it in a long time, it's yours if you want it, just PM me your address and it's on its way.
~Kees~
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Here's a few I just made up.
Kees, I really like that measure, gives me some inspiration it does.
Kevin
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Kees, that right there, is a work of art ! ! :hairy
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You guys are too nice! It's just a .30-30 case (I believe) gussied up a bit, but thank you for the kind words. :shake
~Kees~
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You guys are too nice!
NOT ! !
IMO, your offer to gift your measure is blessed.... :applaud
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I like those measures using a brass screw. I make them out of brass cases and use a very small eye screw to epoxy into the primer hole. Before that I grind off the rim and give the head a smooth, rounded shape. Doesn't look as good as Winter Hawk's but they haven't made anyone throw-up from seeing them yet.
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Well, if I had thought of a brass screw eye I probably would have done that and not what I did!
But Hanshi, you know that without pictures, it didn't really happen... Just saying.
~Kees~