Loads by volume or by weight?

[cynrays]

I have two Knights and a Tradition. Last year I was using volume and the muzzleloaders shot all over the place. I was just about to give up, so I started weighing the loads. Now I can get one to two inches at 100 yards. If any of you are having the same problem, try weighting the loads.
Remember volume is not the same as weighing.
I believe 100 grains of triple 7 is 77.7 grains. Thanks for reading...

[SURVEYOR]

NAW! I must do a good job at measuring volume.

[kudzu]

I started doing the same thing with my thunderhawk. I went from 1 1/2 '' groups to .75.  With the pyro. 115 by vol. = 80 by weight.

[S.B.]

I asked the same question a while back and never got a good answer. Thanks for asking again.

[Redhawk1]

I asked the same question a while back and never got a good answer. Thanks for asking again.

This topic has been talked about on several occasions and I have seen a lot of good input. I know for a fact I have given a lot of input myself. Sorry if you did not find the answers to your satisfaction.


cynrays, I have and use both methods. I mostly use the volume measure for my muzzleloader's and weight for my BP cartridges.  But if you want the most consistency measure your powder by weight. What I did was measure out 10 loads by volume and then weighed them, once I got the average I used that as the weight I would use by weight. But it comes down to what you like to do, either can and will give you consistency at the range once you find what works well in your particular gun.

[S.B.]

So, your measuring, and then when you get the range for the powder used, you weigh, to get closer to perfect load(for the rifle being tested)?

[bubba]

I tried this over the weekend with my muzzleloaders. I tightened my groups considerably and loved the results. I will continue to weigh my charges. I shot 5 shots could be coivered with a quarter at 50 yards and about an inch and a half at 100 yards. For me tht is very acceptable out of a muzzleloader.

[S.B.]

I tried this over the weekend with my muzzleloaders. I tightened my groups considerably and loved the results. I will continue to weigh my charges. I shot 5 shots could be coivered with a quarter at 50 yards and about an inch and a half at 100 yards. For me tht is very acceptable out of a muzzleloader.

bubba. So, your measuring, and then when you get the range for the powder used, you weigh, to get closer to perfect load(for the rifle being tested)?

[bubba]

yes I worked up a load by volume. Then when I had the load by volume. I weighed 5 charged I had done by volume then took the average of the 5. Now I weigh before I go to the range. I am a nurse and have access to medicine bottles so I put the powder in the bottles and take them with me.

[Hammerspur]

When I take pre-measured loads with me to the range I tote them in 35mm film canisters. Most film processing/photo shops will give them away by the boxful for the asking... I'm partial to the clear ones (Fuji Film?) so what's inside can be readily identified.
Steve

[kudzu]

For my smokeless charges I use 7mm brass, and for my BP I use the speedloaders. Both are weighed, not volumed.

[slave]

Weight based loads our more consistant. Once I  have found a volume load that produces good results I will measure out three loads by volume in my scale. I then divide the total weight by three and pre-weigh out a charge by weight. I have never recorded a beter 3 shot group by using volume over weight.

[S.B.]

Weight based loads our more consistant. Once I have found a volume load that produces good results I will measure out three loads by volume in my scale. I then divide the total weight by three and pre-weigh out a charge by weight. I have never recorded a beter 3 shot group by using volume over weight.

You don't raise or lower the amount by .1 grains, to find the most accurate weight? Most black powder measures I've seen only have markings ever 10 grains or so, not very close?

[slave]

Working in Composites I have seen a lot of powder Binder application systems. Powder is always subject to rh, static and other factors. Volume almost always changes more than Mass in any set of conditions. The amount of energy created by the powder is more of a function of its total mass not space. I have found one 120gr volume load may weigh 2gr heaver or 2gr lighter than another 120gr volume load dumped on the same scale from the same volume flask loaded with the same batch of powder. Now I am not sure how much of a difference it makes in most hunting situations but a 4 gr diference opens up my groups at 100yds. To me the key is placing the same mass of powder in each time. Consistancy is critical.       

[S.B.]

slave, if I remember correctly from blasting school, rate of burning is very important in the amount of gas produced?