Measuring black powder in a pinch..

[Titanvk56]

This may be well known but just in case it’s not....

I went to range today to shoot my ROA and when I got there I realized that I had forgotten my powder measure...

I found an empty 44 mag case and used it with great success.

When I got home I figured out that the 44 mag case will hold 40 grains of Goex 3f. Checked an empty .357 case and it will hold 28 grains.

The good news is I think I found a good/fun load for my ROA; lots of thunder and smoke:

40 grains of Goex 3f, Sagebrush lubed pill and a .457 Speer round ball.

Shooting from a rest at 25 yards my groups ranged from 1 3/4" to 2 1/2".

The best part about this load is that I eliminate the filler step.

 

[ArmedBear]

Also useful if you have any concerns about embers igniting your powder flask.

I personally haven't had that happen, but I'm too young to have fought in the Civil War.

 

[4v50 Gary]

How useful.

Can you measure a 38 special, 9mm, 45 ACP too?

 

[Titanvk56]

Don't have a .38 or 9mm but a .45 acp holds 25 grains.

 

[windjammer]

As a starting point, lay your ball on a table and pour powder on it until you make a cone that covers the ball. That will get you close to the charge you need.

Windjammer

 

[ED21]

As a starting point, lay your ball on a table and pour powder on it until you make a cone that covers the ball. That will get you close to the charge you need.

Windjammer
__________________
Regards,
Windjammer

The original method (I believe ) was to put the ball in the palm of your hand and cover it with powder. Take the ball out and dump the powder down the barrel. This being said, the process is the same and seems to work pretty well.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I use a 7.62X39 caseful of 3F (right at 32 grs) as measure for my '58 Rem when loading an overpowder felt wad and Lee conical slug, little room left but it compresses some.