Elk powder horn

[William]

William, not a lot, maybe 3/4 lb. I'm using it now with a .36 so there's always been plenty for that caliber.  Hank

That is plenty considering that 3/4 lb of Goex will give me more than 60 shots using my 54 caliber plains rifle's favorite powder charge of 85 grains.  Even with just half a pound I would get tired of either shooting at targets or shooting at game and dragging them out of the woods! 

[wattlebuster]

I like it. Its different

[beowulf]

have a couple of nice big elk antlers ! this gives me ideas !

[Hank12]

Beowulf, go to it, post a pic. cleaning out the inside is the hard part but not really as hard as most would think. It was fun and a definate challenge at times.  I thought I was thru once but after looking at it for awhile went back and made some changes that improved it a lot.  Hank

[bull frog]

Very nice.  I took a different approch and made an antler flask that I was to use for a pistol or .32/.36 small game rifle, just enough for about 25 to 30 shots. But then decided it might hold enough shot for a few rounds in my smooth bore TC Renagade.  I made it with one of those brass manufactured spouts from track of the wolfe that have the rubber o ring stopper.  The spout was large enough to let .32 cal balls pass so I tried .36 balls.  It worked perfect!  So now I use it mostly to carry .32/.36 balls in my bag.  It is small and fits easily in the palm of my hand and in my bag and carries about 45 .36 or 55 .32 cal balls.  The suprize was it is fairly quiet to carry, a lot quieter than those wet sand formed leather ones I own.  Your powder flask gives me some thoughts to explore farther this idea, thanks for shareing.

[Hank12]

Thanks, BF, sounds like you have a nice ball flask.  Hank

[bull frog]

I hear ya on the hollowing out problem, a real chore to say the least.  I did have some luck with soaking the antler in white vinegar for half a day or more, depends on the density of the interior.  But must watch that out side to make sure it is ok, too much time submerged can cause damage.  Have soaked for up to five days and the interior was very soft, but the exterior suffered a bit. A lot depends on the condition of the antler to start with.  Yours looks to be in good condition and turned out great.   Also was able to make a couple of scrapers out of a screw driver and a spade bit by heating the tips and bending close to a 90 degree angle and retempering, then sharpened the edge. With the center made soft with the vinegar, it helped to clean it out easier.

[mongrel]

Something about that really catches my eye. Very cool.