Well, I had a bad case of insomnia (and boredom) last night. I was weighing triple 7 pellets on my Lyman scale when a thought occured. Do different powder measures hold the same amount of powder? So I did an experiment. I used GOEX ffg, which should be close to a 1:1 volume/weight ratio, being real black powder. I had three powder measures: a clear plastic T/C model, a solid brass one by CVA, and the speed loader from Traditions with the graduated markings. The two adjustables were set at 100grains. With each measurer, I poured 100grains worth of powder from my clear T/C flask, and then weighed the charge. I did this ten times for each measurer. Throwing out the highest and lowest readings, I got an average weight for each measurer. The T/C averaged 91.5 grains. The CVA did a bit better at 95.8 grains. The Traditions speed loader averaged in at 102.7 with the most variation in weight between charges. This is probably due to the fact that each charge had to be "eyeballed" to 100grain hash mark. This little experiment makes a strong case, in my mind, for measuring charges by weight. What y'all think?

Ambien.

Actually, that is very interesting. I use one of the clear T/C's. I don't have a scale.

Do you have 777 ffg powder? If so, I would sure be interested in the actual weights of 10 different measures from the clear T/C.

Ever tried to fill your powder measure full.. then tap the side a few times packing the powder and watch the powder sink into the measure.. w/ about a 10-15gr gap???

I also weighed some charges of Goex FFG in a T/C cear plastic adjustable measure. I made sure to fill it over the top and level it off with the funnle that swings around.

100: 90
110: 108.4
120: 119.8

I have three powder measures and not one of them will throw identical charges to the others. Also run the same test using one measure and see the difference you get from throw to throw. Are you a tapper, are you a level person? The best measure Ifound is a Thompson Center funnel type clear see through measure.

There was a discussion a while back. The question was, is it worth while to weigh your charge (according to volume of course). Many people felt it a waste of time and that a simple powder measure produced better results. I personally tested that theory of weighted charges VS measured charges. I shot from 100 yards so the possibility of a wider group would be more likely. The weighed charges in three different tests out shot the measured for group size. Not by much, but they did produce a tighter group.

I think that's why many people claim such excellent accuracy with pellets. They basically have a measured load (although my understanding is, pellets vary a great deal. Perhaps someone can comment on this point). which stayed the same shot to shot.

And interesting test doegirl. Does this mean you're going to start measuring loads for you range and hunting trips?

If you weigh all your charges, you will certainly eliminate the variation in charges you'll get from merely measuring them by volume. The big question is, "will the variation you get with measured charges give you lessaccuracy thanyou'll get with weighed charges?"

It seems that the answer to this question is "not really". It has been imperically determined that when shooting BLACK POWDER that it takes at least a 5-grain variation in powder charges to cause a statistically significant variation in the muzzle velocity of the projectiles. Since what we seek for the purpose of accurate shooting is consistency, a person would have to be making an error of at least five grains of powder from one shot to the next to make any difference in the muzzle velocities of each shot, and consequently in the size of the group being shot. Even a slight difference in the pressure withwhich the bullet is seated can make a similar difference. Even the most careless among us will usually measure charges to a smaller tolerance than five grains!(I get 1750 FPS with a PRB in my .50 with 90 grains of FFg - this is only 19 FPS per grain of powder - even a five-grain error in measuring powder equals less than 100 FPS difference in MV.)

I have never weighed a powder charge for a black powder rifle, yet I have several with which I can consistently get 1" or less groups at 100 yards with PRB on a calm day.

eldeguello, did the test involved check any powders beside Black and Pyrodex?Lee

I find the best remedy to all this is only using one measurer for range/hunting experiences -- pour the powder without tamping it afterwards -- slowly pouring it down the barrel with muzzle pointed directly upwards. I actually have two brass measurers- but both are identical make & model with no variances.

The best shot groups do come with digital weighed measures thou. However, I'm not into the real technical aspects of this sport - like chronograph reading reports after every shot-- unhappiness over non-touching shot groups -- masterization of 200 yard distances.

Just my .02 cents

While I do not weigh my powder charges, I have done it. I just do not see the point, although to be honest, if I were going hunting where shots were 200 yards, I actually might take the time to weigh them out. The way I look at it, anything I can do to that projectile to make all things as equal as possible, might pay off in along range accuracy difference.

Also remember when you change powder containers, going to a new pound, you need to re-measure and find the average for that pound as well. It's like starting new.