Powder Measure

[Kaleb]

I am wanting to make a powder measure from wood. Can someone tell me the volume needed. In other words, what diameter hole, by what depth do I need to drill to achieve 10 grains of Goex 2ff BP. I figured I could multiply the depth of the hole in order to customize my load; 70, 75, 80 grains, etc. Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

 

[CrackStock]

You can thank MusketMan for this:
Measure Chart in Member Resources

CS

 

[bob1961]

welcome to the forum kaleb....
that's the drill bit size chart fer ball blocks to fit yer caliber of ball....i used a 7/16" drill bit and have it drilled bout 3 1/2" or so in an antler i'm making into a powder measure fer my .54....right now it's drilled that deep as i don't know yet what my rifle will like since it's not finished yet....the hole will hold 110 grains of 3f powder now but i will cut shorter to hold what load i come up with in that rifle....hope that helps ya a little :v ................bob

 

[Kaleb]

Thanks much guys!

 

[AeroncaTAL]

I worked up a spreadsheet to figure the depth of hole for a 10 grain charge. Here is the depth for various size drill bits. Of course I would verify these numbers with a known measure, but it should give an idea...
Scott

Drill Bit______Depth (inches) for 10 grain charge

1/4__________2-1/2
3/8__________1-1/8
7/16_________13/16
1/2__________5/8
9/16_________1/2
5/8__________3/8
3/4__________1/4
7/8__________7/32
1____________5/32

 

[Claude Mathis]

You can thank MusketMan for this:
Measure Chart in Member Resources

CS

That chart ("Loading Block Drill Bit Chart") is for drilling a loading block, not a powder measure.

 

[bob1961]

I worked up a spreadsheet to figure the depth of hole for a 10 grain charge. Here is the depth for various size drill bits. Of course I would verify these numbers with a known measure, but it should give an idea...
Scott

Drill Bit______Depth (inches) for 10 grain charge

1/4__________2-1/2
3/8__________1-1/8
7/16_________13/16
1/2__________5/8
9/16_________1/2
5/8__________3/8
3/4__________1/4
7/8__________7/32
1____________5/32

i think them numbers might be off....my 7/16" drill bit is 3-1/2" deep fer 110 grains of powder, that i mearured out to know how deep i was....that would mean a hole drilled with my 7/16" drill bit would be 8-15/16" deep by yer chart there :hmm: ....not saying yer wrong, i'm just going by them numbers ya put up, sorry :surrender: :v ..............bob

 

[AeroncaTAL]

That's why I put the disclaimer in to verify the numbers. :winking: There were several steps in the formulas for that spreadsheet. I'll double check 'em...
Scott

 

[longshot47]

If you can get hold of an adjustable brass powder measure [pretty common item], set and fill it to the desired load; then drill-out your custom made measure till it holds what you've got in the adjustable measure.
A goex can lid, filled level, holds about 70 grs.

 

[bob1961]

matter of fact that's what i used, T/C's brass powder measure that holds from 50 to 120 grains....it just slides and clicks in place at 10 gr increaments :v ..............bob

 

[paulvallandigham]

Making a powder measure from wood, or antler, or bone, or anything else, is largely a matter of trial and error. As you increase the amount of pwoder in a column, it compresses the powder below. That last 10 drain increment is no longer using the same volume of space as the first 10 grain increment, and that first 10 grain increment is using less space now, than when it was standing alone.

I made a fixed powder measure with a piece of antler when I was new to the sport. Still have it, Can't give it away. No one wants it. I did a nice job on it, but all the shooters I know use adjustable powder measures, with a funnel attached, as you can buy from Tedd Cash products. Tingle made them before Cash bought him out. Mine is a Tingle.

I stopped using my home made, antler fixed powder measure because it did not have a funnel to help me get that powder into the muzzle of my gun. I was always experiencing spills to one degree or another. And the result that my accuracy dropped and groups opened up. That did not win me anything but laughs, and I knew I could shoot better. I think that is also why the other shooters in my club won't accept a " gift " of that powder measure, either.

 

[bob1961]

here's the way i'm going to make my measure with a pour spout built in with half the measure with a flat that lets me know when powder is at the volume i need....

if the compaction rate is so on the first 10 grains in the measure then a powder measure made to hold 45 grains if yer gun shoots best with 90 grains, ya just put to measure loads in to make 90....smaller measure then too :v ...............bob

 

[AeroncaTAL]

Bob,
That pour spout looks like a good idea. I made up a few measures from some brass tubing, but didn't put a spout on. So far, I haven't had problems with spillage, but the spout is a nice addition.
Scott

 

[CrackStock]

Claude,

I knew what the chart was for, I failed to read the question. :redface:

CS