blackpowder question

I finished building a Flintlock rifle, a CVA .50 cal, and am looking forward to trying it out, but have a question about measuring the powder. I bought a CVA powder measure, set it for 45 grains, then weighed the charge on my scale, I got 32 grains. The question is, is blackpowder measured by weight or volume ? to get 45 grains by weight on the measure, it has to be set at 65. I don't want to blow up the rifle, I got alot of time invested in it.

Matt Gunsch, A&P,IA,Private Pilot Riding member of the Arizona Precision Motorcycle Drill Team

# # I finished building a Flintlock rifle, a CVA .50 cal, and am looking forward to # trying it out, but have a question about measuring the powder. I bought a CVA # powder measure, set it for 45 grains, then weighed the charge on my scale, I # got 32 grains. The question is, is blackpowder measured by weight or volume ? # to get 45 grains by weight on the measure, it has to be set at 65. # I don't want to blow up the rifle, I got alot of time invested in it.

Definitely go by volume when using black powder or synthetics like Pyrodex or Clean Shot/Clear Shot.

Unless stated otherwise black powder is measured by volume. If you want to measuer it by a scale then ues a voulme measuer and weigh that on the scales , then use that number.

YOu probably won't damage your rifle with either charge that you mentioned. They should both be well below (about half) the max you could shoot.

> ... forward to > ... CVA > ... I > ... volume ? > ...

The book I got with my smoke pole said, 'always measure by volume.' > ...

ALL loading data is done by volume weight.

I know that is mixing terms that DO NOT mix.

Always set your measure to the appropriate listed powder weight and go on without even considering what that weight as measured on a powder scale might be.

If you lower you standards to one of those black powder substitutes the difference is even greater!

thx for all the replies, now just got to find time to try it out. Matt Gunsch, A&P,IA,Private Pilot Riding member of the Arizona Precision Motorcycle Drill Team

Blackpowder charges are measured by volume. Loading according to weight can get real dangerous real fast.

I can't believe that half the posts here don't know what they are saying. Charge is measured by weight, that is, 60 grains means 60 grains weighed on a scale. Then you make a measure that will hold that exact amount of powder.

Given the amount of junk accessories made here and overseas, I wouldn't be surprised that some of your measures may have been made in China and be calibrated in metric.

MTNMANN- Sorry to burst your bubble, but you are wrong when talking about Black Powder and its substitutes. Black Powder amounts have always been in volume amounts and NOT in weight amounts. You are correct when talking about smokeless powders.

Mike

> ... on a > ... powder. > ...