CVA Flask 30 grain spout measurement

[Dudemeister]

I just purchased a CVA AC1400 flask. The seller told me that even though the spout is listed as 30 grain, it actually dispenses about 20-25 grain.

I do not have another proper powder measure, but I do have a very accurate digital scale that can weigh in grams, ounces as well as grains.

Based on my research so far, Black Powder measured by volume, weighs the same in grain measurements (i.e 100 grain by volume of b.p., also weighs 100 grains).

The powder I have is American Pioneer Powder FFFG. I loaded some in the flask, then filled the spout and tapped it a few times before closing the valve. When I took my finger off the spot tip, it looks like the powered is within a millimeter or less from the top.

I then dumped the contents on the scale. It weighs exactly 20 grains. I did this 3 times and every time I got the same weight, 20 grains.

According to this chart, 20 grains of APP powder is equivalent to 23-24 grains of black powder. Therefore volumetrically, this spout delivers about 24 grains of powder.

Is this correct, or is my conversion wrong?

Also did anyone else find that the spout on the CVA flask is not what it's supposed to be?

 

[WALKERs210]

Of the four different powder measures and three different spouts none ever give the exact same. As for the millimeter distance from top of spout and actual powder it comes from the skin being pressed in the top. I just don't press as hard and can get it to level off fairly close. I just do my best to try and get each load as close as I can. More knowledgeable people will give better information

 

[BHP FAN]

Walker's right...shot to shot consistancy is what you're after.

 

[Dudemeister]

One of the reasons I asked is because I'll be shooting a Pietta 1851 brass frame. The recommendation for a brass frame is 20-25 grain, no more.

So I'm just trying to make sure that what I'm going to put in this gun is below 25 grain.

 

[GeoffC]

It sounds like you're fine, but have you got an empty 9mm shell?

 

[Dudemeister]

It sounds like you're fine, but have you got an empty 9mm shell?

Not and empty one, but I have plenty 9mm rounds that I can sacrifice.

Why?

 

[WALKERs210]

I have used a 38special case to measure powder. It will give 25g every time.

 

[Prairie Dawg]

Capt. Baylor's chart is accurate.
BP & subs are meant to be loaded by volume.
You can buy different spouts and trim them back to custom taylor your loads.
Cap guns usually shoot better with light loads.
With a brass-frame '51, it would be wise to shoot 15-20 grains.
Heavy loads will eventually loosen up the arbor (cylinder pin)
FWIW, I shoot my cap guns in cowboy action matches every weekend.
My .36 load is 15 grains FFFg & my .44 Colt load is 20 grains FFFg.
When I was target shooting with .36s years & years ago, most of us shot 12 grains FFFg
If my cap guns were brass framed, I would shoot 15 grains & expect many years of service from my guns.
--Dawg

 

[skipjack]

I shoot 15 grains of 3f Goex in my 36 and 44 revolvers. I have found
this to be a pleasant load for Cowboy action shooting. I have little
to no cap blowback with either pistol with this load. I shoot 10 grains
in my 1862 pocket police.

 

[Dudemeister]

Thanks for the info guys.

I tried to buy a measure locally, but my shop was out. Until I get one, I'll try the .38spl cartridge trick, which BTW, was that supposed to be full to the brim with powder to get the 25 grain?

 

[arcticap]

Yes, the case capacity being 25 gr H2O (1.625 cm³) also indicates its BP grain capacity.

 

[Dudemeister]

I shoot 15 grains of 3f Goex in my 36 and 44 revolvers. I have found
this to be a pleasant load for Cowboy action shooting. I have little
to no cap blowback with either pistol with this load. I shoot 10 grains
in my 1862 pocket police.

When you use this little powder, what do you do about the extra space you now have? Do you use additional filler, aaditional wads, or do you just seat the bullet that far back?

 

[skipjack]

I use a grease cookie or felt wad to take up some of the space. I don't require pinpoint accuracy for hitting steel at CAS distances, so I am not concerned about the amount of space the ball has to go before hitting the barrel.

 

[bonza]

Not sure what your loading procedure is, but please DO NOT load the gun directly from the flask as it just takes one ember at the bottom of a chamber to turn that flask into a bomb (see it happen.....ugly). Either load via a seperate measure or you can preload a bunch of powder charges into vials before you go to the range or in between sessions.

 

[arcticap]

please DO NOT load the gun directly from the flask as it just takes one ember at the bottom of a chamber to turn that flask into a bomb (see it happen.....ugly).

I usually load from vials myself but APP won't conflagerate like black powder would.
In practice, the reality is that a lot of time goes by between the last shot being fired and the first chamber is reloaded with powder.
And the shallow chambers are a lot easier to inspect for embers and to give any that could potentially be present a chance to burn out verses the much longer length of a rifle bore.
Plus Dudemeister said that he's loading APP which simply won't conflagerate like black powder would.

The powder I have is American Pioneer Powder FFFG.

It's important to be warned of any hazard but it's also important to be aware of the remedy for that hazard.
Loading a revolver chamber from a spout can be treated just like a misfire on the firing line which is to wait for the prescribed amount of time to allow the potential hazard to pass, or in this case to "burn out".

 

[mykeal]

APP won't conflagerate like black powder would

Can you elaborate on that? I'm not sure what that means.

 

[bonza]

I think he's saying APP is a propellant (similar to smokeless) rather than an explosive (black powder), & therefore not as liable to easilly ignite via an ember or similar. Still, I think loading directly from a flask is a habit I wouldn't want to establish, just not worth the risk, plus habits can be hard to break & he may decide to try black powder some day.