Measured tips

[hotfxr]

For some reason every time I join in with a group that is shooting, it becomes a contest. The trend lately is less powder horns and separate measures and more brass canisters with sized tips. Makes sense to have a safe way to eliminate a loading step, and I happen to have acquired a few of the canisters. And now that I have pretty much figured out the optimal powder load for most of the smokepoles that I shoot it only makes sense to have dedicated powder devices. After spending way too much time perusing different sites I scored these tips on EBay. $30 for all six is not a spectacular deal, but it was reasonable.



Already having several tips from 40 to 90 grains, this covers most every combo that I should come across, and given my shaking hands should give me the consistency I need while loading.

Given my tendency and propensity to make things explode (on purpose and for fun) we have tested each of the powder canisters for safety by (at least twice per canister) burning the tip load (by fuse from a distance) on a full canister without any of them blowing up. For scientific purposes only of course.

[Patocazador]

Did you measure the tips for accuracy?
I found that none of the tips actually held the weight of black powder that the volume measures stated. The 70 grain one held 68.4 grs. of 3F BP., The 30 grain one held 28 grs.
All I tested came up short by 1.5-4 grs.

[Dogshirt]

According to Sam Fadala, Black Powder is an "Inefficient" propellant. His finding were that +/_ 3-4 grains make no difference in most rifles and pistols. To have a 70 gr spout that throws 67-68 grains should have no effect on either accuracy or velocity.

[hotfxr]

I do tend to tune up most of the measuring devices I wind up with, but obviously only if they are measuring too strong. I don't think that anything I have ever had was off enough to make a real difference. At least not with my meager shooting abilities.

[Red Badger]

I personally will not use such a device... "Makes sense to have a safe way to eliminate a loading step"  is an inconsistency... I have seen people hit the button on these things and then when the powder is in the tube pour it into a rifle barrel and when they pull the device away powder pours all over the area because the shut off device fails, or worse the finish the load and pull the trigger to find out they put a double or triple load of powder through the gun...

I will always use a separate powder measure.  Just my 2 cents worth... 

[flintboomer]

Using a separate powder measure is required at all matches that I am involved with for safety reasons.

Your safety test worked that time, but what happens when there is some wear on the valve or a little dirt and grit gets into the valve and it doesn't seal completely?

I use flasks with a pour spout rather than horns, but I use a separate measure even when shooting on my own.
I have only known two guys who have experienced a flask or horn going off, but that is 2 too many. Don't let it happen to you!

[hotfxr]

I will capitulate to the common consensus. I shall lay the blame on a long and well documented history of mental instability. That, and I found that with practice and using an oversize measure as the powder decanter, I can still load with lightning like speed. Too bad they expect me to put holes in the targets too.

[hotfxr]

Just so you know, this will not stop me from trying to blow things up, for scientific purposes only of course.   

[Hawken50]

Just so you know, this will not stop me from trying to blow things up, for scientific purposes only of course.   

Good to know you aint slowin down,   

[Papa]

Have to agree 100% with the Badger and flintboomer. No exceptions to the loading rule.
Mark

[pilgrim]

    I use that type measuring/loading tip,  only when loading revolvers.  Also use a cylinder loading stand that makes loading easier, for me.     Keeps any spilt powder and any mess separate from the revolver assembly.  May not be period current,  But, I am not period correct either. 

    For loading rifles I use a separate measure,  OK to use the measuring tip, just insert the tip into the measure fully to the bottom, touching the bottom of the measure,  release powder by opening flask trigger then release trigger, after 2-3 seconds remove flask tip from measurer,  then pour measured powder into barrel.     SIMPLE     Also,  I leave the measure  sticking in the barrel bore until I am ready to insert patch and ball.    This prevents dry balling while at loading station and talking to others.