loose powder help

[sjsfire]

I'm new to ML so excuse my "dumb" questions. I decided the best thing for me to start with is the loose powder so I can fine tune. If I buy the loose powder what do I look for in the way of equipment? What do you use to measure loose powder with? I see guys saying to start with 90gr and work from there but what actually do you use to adjust how many grains? I see "flasks" in Cabelas and such, do these flasks come with different settings to how much powder is released? Again, I'm sorry if this seems like a stupid question. I'm going shopping this wekend to buy some stuff. Thanks

[txhunter58]

There is a lot of different powder measures, but I use one like this: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0003249210263a&type=product&cm Cat=search&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=powder+measure&N=48 87&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty= 1&Ntt=powder+measure&noImage=0

The knob at the bottom loosens, allowing the inner plunger to drop down. It has measure marks on it, simply slide the graduation sliding "thingy" down to the desired measure and tighten and you are good to go. Then just pour from yourpowder horn/flaskinto the measure till it starts to run over, cut it with the swivel on the top, and you are ready to pour it into your gun.

[Pglasgow]

I second txhunter58's advice. I love mine. Fast, consisent volumes, you won't regret it.

[alleyyooper]

Don't be afraid to start with a charge lower than 90gr.
I have three rifles that shoot best with less than 90 gr.. One likes 75gr. one likes 80gr.and yet another likes 85gr.
More isn't alway better.

Al

[SHills]

SjSfire,
I use the same as TXHunter58. Best I've found. I bought one of those red pour spouts from butler creek ,now obsolute but TC has'um and pour straight from the 1lb bottle. If using BP they make one for that. Just remember to close it each time and move away from the fire line as a spark in the bottle would be real ugly!
Start lower like allyopper said. Real solid advise!
LOL,SHills

[cayugad]

I personally like the T/C clear view measures with the funnel, but I have some brass ones as well. I like to start a .50 caliber off with 70 grains, but they usually tune in around 90 grains depending on what you're shooting.

Also, never be afraid to ask a question. No matter how "dumb" you might think it is. As my Dad used to say, "No such thing as a dumb question if you don't know the answer." We'd rather have you ask and get the right information then not, and do something harmful. Like the other reason to use the powder measure is, you never load from your flask into a rifle. One spark and it will be all over with when flask loading.

Also when you pour into your measure, you can be a tapper or no. If you tap to level your charge in the measure, do the same every time. If you don't tap, do the same every time... good luck with your rifle.