Fixed-charge powder measures.

[Adam Helmer]

I have a wonderful neighbor with far too much free time! Yesterday afternoon Mike came by with a few items he gave to me. (We both shoot blackpower arms and have adjustable powder measures.)

I was given a homemade set of fixed-charge powder measures ranging in weight from 75 , 80, 90 and 100 grains made by Mike out of half-inch copper tubing complete with a lanyard ring soldered to the bottom of each. Also, each powder measure has the 2F Goex weight tossed inscribed on the measure.

I put the 75 grain measure on a leather thong affixed to my Ball powder horn; the 80 grain measure is in my shotgun possibles bag for both 2F Goex and shot; the 90 grain measure is in the .50 caliber Maxi possibles bag and the 100 grain measure is in the .54 Maxi possibles bag.

Well, at least I will not forget to set an adjustable powder measure or have it slip a notch or two closed whilst afield. I have seen fixed measures made out of .45/70 brass cases and .30-06 brass cases. My copper tubing plumber's "Specials" will always be special with me. Many thanks, Mike.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I found a mule deer shed while hunting out in Montana 3 years ago....I plan on using most of it for knife handles, but planned on using the 'leftovers' for powder/shot measures. Never thought about using 06 or 45/70 brass.

[Adam Helmer]

Mr. 16 gauge,

I recall as a kid on the firing line that many folks used brass cases as powder measures. I have a nice brass-handled .45 ACP case used by a dear friend as a charger for his .44 C&B revolver.

Brass cartridge cases, filed to suit, make excellent powder chargers. Deer antler is a more traditional charger for the Longhunter. I have some antler parts that need fixin.

Adam

[Joe Boleo]

I use an adjustable powder measure to put certain charges in plastic vacutainer tubes (looks like a test tube) with a rubber stopper. There are different colored stoppers and they mean different things. A tube with a blue stopper is FFFFG priming powder, a brown stopper is 90 grs. of FFG, red is 70 grs. of FFFG. You get the idea. These are cheap and effective and I have been using them for years.

Empty brass cases work fine and so does the adjustable powder measure. I have read where the old longhunters would place a ball in the palm of their hand and cover it with powder to determine the right load. Take care...
Joe