you need a brass powder measurer
or what i use is triple seven it comes in 50 grain pelletsCan anyone tell me what i can use for measuring gunpowder for a black powder rifle?
Black powder and black powder substitutes (pyprodex and 777) are measured BY VOLUME, whereas modern gun powder is measured by weight. To use loose powder, you will need an adjustable measure. You adjust the measure to 70gr, fill with powder, and then pour down the barrel. You can adjust up or down until you find the volume that gives you the best accuracy for that projectile. Once you figure out your load, you can make a non-adjustable measure from an empty cartridge.
For in-line muzzleloaders, you can use pyrodex or 777 pellets. The pellets are handy but more expensive and give you less flexibility in fine tuning your load for best accuracy. For sidelock guns, stick with loose powder and real black powder is best for flintlocks.
Your rifle likely came with a manual that has suggested loads for different conical bullets, round balls, sabots, etc. Don't go above their recommended maximum load. If you didn't get a manual, you can probably download a pdf copy of the manual on their website.
As mentioned by another poster, Sam Fadala's books are good reading.
Good luck and make some smoke.
There are several varieties of powder measures on the market. The place you got the outfit should carry them. If not, just about any gunshop does.
Or you can make your own, which is what many of us who hunt primative do. For instance, I have the solid tip of a horn hollowed out to take the amount of powder I use in my gun. A brass casing or shotshell can be used the same way, so long as you cut it off to just hold the right charge.
None of these is adjustible, though, so aren't the best route for a beginner.
As a rule of thumb, the starting point for developing a load is to drop 5 grains more than the caliber size. That is, if you're shooting, say, a 50 caliber, then start with 55 grains.
A note about powder: Up to .45 caliber, FFF is the preferred granulation. With larger calibers, switch to FF.
At no time should you pour powder directly from the horn or flask into the muzzle of the gun. That's a very dangerous procedure, because lingering sparks from the previous shot could ignite it---which is like having a grenade go off in your hand.
You need to visit your local gun shop and ask for a powder scale, and inquire about the loads and limits for the caliber of your weapon.
In black powder, an ';under load can result in the projectile becoming
wedged in the barrel. Over load and you're holding a potential pipe bomb, which can kill or maim for a radius of several yards.
At the gun shop, you should be able to find an automatic powder loader
that has a powder reservoir of powder, but loads a specific number of
grains of powder.
,From what I can tell ...most of these guys are partially right and partially shouldn't answer this question....sorry but true .First pilgrim...get your self a book on black powder shooting by Sam Fadela. the most recognized fella who does know what hes talking about. Next well heres all Im gonna say ,Black powder is an explosive, modern powder is a propellent, You can have an air space between the powder and the projectile with modern powder, but with black powder the projectile must set right on the powder or it's a pipe bomb , next DO NOT USE MODERN POWDER IN A BLACK POWDER FIREARM!! this should keep you out of trouble untill you get your book. Now, quit asking these flatlanders questions and go read up on this!
If you have a brass powderflask, the ones I have have the sprout as the proper amount. Place your pointer finger over the end of the spout, turn flask upside down and open the plug, the spout will fill with the right amount of powder. At walmaart they sell these things at leasst in my area where the powder is put in on end and the ball in the other. covers snap tight and you always have the right amount for each shot.
In the future you could also make paper cartridges at home before the season starts like they used in the civil war.
Good luck.
you must get a charge measure,, thee at most gun shops there brass and give you exact powder charges in 10 grain increments ok thanks eddie
just eyeball it, then when you think you have enough add a little more
or go to your locale gun shop and aks them for help.
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