'Nother blackpowder newb question

[grislyatoms]

Volume .vs. Weight powder measurement

I would like to use my reloading scale to create an implement for blackpowder.

My idea is to use a cartridge case of whatever size in order to charge an 1851 Navy .44 repro I just purchased.

I plan to use my reloading scale to determine the weight in grains of Pyrodex P that equates to 22 grains volume .

Once I do that, I am going to take an appropriate size brass case and cut it down so that it holds the exact amount of powder from above.

Questions:

1. Is it safe to do this?
2. What weight in grains of Pyrodex P equates to 22 grains volume? Is there a conversion chart somewhere for this?
3. Is Pyrodex P a reasonably good choice? (As far as cleanliness, reliability, etc.?)

 

[RON in PA]

Pyrodex is meant to be used in a volume measure when compared to black powder, ie. 30 grains pyroxex volume = 30 grains black powder black powder.

Your best bet is to get an adjustable black powder measure and use it for the pyrodex.


After I wrote the above I remembered I had a copy of the Hodgdon Data Manual number 26 and I summerize their cap and ball powder chart:

Weighed charge------------------------- Powder measure
Pyrodex P gr.----------------------------------volume

9 ---------------------------------------------------12
21--------------------------------------------------28
28--------------------------------------------------37
32--------------------------------------------------43

If there is a constant conversion factor you can figure it out, but the stuff is meant to be used in bulk like balck powder.

 

[Mark whiz]

I tried weighing charges for my muzzleloading rifle...............with not very good results.

I volume measured 20 charges of powder, weighed each charge, averaged that weight and then weighed out about a dozen charges at the averaged weight. Those charges shot ALL over the place shooting patterns rather than groups.

The idea of cutting a case down to the proper size for an average charge is a good one - just set it up using volume measured charges rather than weighed ones.....and it should work well. A 22 hornet might make a good case to try - it ought to pour really well into the cylinders.

Good Luck

 

[Iggy]

Just a thought

Have you considered obtaining a pistol flask from Dixie Gun works or similar?

Determine the proper charge by VOLUME and saw off the brass filler tube to hold that charge. Scratch the grain weight on the tube.

Get additional brass tubes for different charges.. Screw one out and screw another in and you're good to go.

 

[grislyatoms]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

Looks like volume metering is the only way to go.