Preferred Powder Measure

[mb3]

For you guys who shoot in competitions, what do you use to measure your BP loads?

[Edwin Flint, 8427]

I use the Lyman BP 55 Classic powder measure.

[Maillemaker]

I have a digital scale, and I weight out each charge individually.

Steve

[Lou Lou Lou]

Been using a Belding and Mull volumetric type for 30 years

[mb3]

Thank you all for the information on your preferred powder measuring devices. I am not going to compete anytime soon, but intend to start bench shooting my BP rifle. I am looking at getting the Lee Powder Scoops and a good electronic scale to measure minnies and to verify the consistency of the powder load. Hopefully I can get some consistency.

[MR. GADGET]

Been using a Belding and Mull volumetric type for 30 years

So I just got to thinking about this, I have had one for many years and it is just setting there, I keep telling myself Just sell it.....

The spring on the measure is so strong that you can't clamp it to the table tight enough to hold in place.
Everytime I try to use it you need 3 hands, one on the tube to get the powder, one on the arm to work it and another to help hold it in place....

Is there anyone making update kits or anything like springs for them. There just does not need to be that strong of a spring so I'm thinking.

What say you... ?

[Ron/The Old Reb]

I have been using a Belding & Mull measure since the early 60's. Put a screw with a washer into your work bench on the left side of the clamp. Slide the clamp under the washer and tighten it. Works for me. There is a company that makes a modern verson of the Belding & Mull. I got a new reservoir cap from them a number of years ago to replace the one that I lost, and it fit. I do not know if other parts will interchange with the oringinal. If I can fine there web page I will post it. Also take the slide out and clean it good and put some graphite on it and the measure. I do this when it get hard to work the leaver. Hope this helps.

[Pat in Virginia]

Jon,

I just bought a weaker spring of the same diameter as the original at a hardware store and replaced the original spring with it. Functions great and it is much easier to throw the powder.

I also replaced the cracked glass window with a piece of Lexan I cut from a small window pane size sheet which I bought at Lowes. End of cracks. Lowes sells these *8"X10" sheets. A fine bladded hacksaw will cut it out for you and then you can use a file to an abbrasive paper/stone to do the final shaping.

Pat

[Pat in Virginia]

Jon,

I just bought a weaker spring of the same diameter as the original at a hardware store and replaced the original spring with it. Functions great and it is much easier to throw the powder.

I also replaced the cracked glass window with a piece of Lexan I cut from a small window pane size sheet. End of cracks. Lowes sells these *8"X10" sheets. A fine bladded hacksaw will cut it out for you and then you can use a file or an abbrasive paper/stone to do the final shaping.

Pat

[John Bly]

You don't need no stinking powder measure! I use the Lee dippers and a few custom dippers made up from old shell casings with a handle soldered on. I was going to post a few days ago but tonight I checked some dipped charges with a scale just to see how close I could do them. With 24 gr. of FFF I threw 10 charges well within .5 gr and most within .2 grains. Then with 42 gr. of FF I threw 10 charges all within .5 gr. It takes a little practice with the dipper to be consistent but I've been doing it for 30 years.

When you consider the powder that may stick to the bullet or inside the tube or get spilled while loading the .5 gr variance is plenty good. Just for giggles go shoot sometime and vary the charge by .5 gr and see how it effects the group size. Keep it simple and have fun shooting the black and you'll be doing it a long time as a lot of us have.