A really dumb (but totally honest) question.......

[rjo3491]

I know that they're different measures, but in general, how many grains of ffg are there in a pound of the stuff.  This may even vary from product to product, so I'm just curious for a ball park response.

Thanks!!!http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif

[cma g21]

1 pound = 7,000 grains

[williek]

7000 grains in a pound. Exactly.
However, we load by volume not by weight, but there will still remain 7000 gains in a pound which is close enough for a ballpark figure.
williek

[rjo3491]

It was the volume vs. weight issue that was tripping me up.  As quickly as the two of you fired back (no pun intended), I should have Googled the thing and looked it up myself.  Thanks very much!!

70-80 shots per can - less what I spill, good information!

[Keith Lewis]

Weight equals volume is OK for a ballpark guess but can be dangerous for real loading as there is a vast difference in density of the powders out there for muzzleloaders. You MUST load by volume measure!!!!! If you want to weigh you have to throw several volume measures and then weigh them to get an average after that you can load by weight once you know what your volume measure weighs.

[Redhawk1]

Weight equals volume is OK for a ballpark guess but can be dangerous for real loading as there is a vast difference in density of the powders out there for muzzleloaders. You MUST load by volume measure!!!!! If you want to weigh you have to throw several volume measures and then weigh them to get an average after that you can load by weight once you know what your volume measure weighs.

That's what I did for my Shiloh Sharps. I came up with 73 gr. by weight to be 70 gr. by volume. I weight all my 45-70 charges of black powder.  

To get the best consistent loads it is best to weigh each charge. JMHO

[Nic_58]

If you want to weigh you have to throw several volume measures and then weigh them to get an average after that you can load by weight once you know what your volume measure weighs.

That's exactly what I do for my muzzleloaders.  Works great for me.  I don't have to mess with measuring out loads at the range as I do all my powder weighing at the workbench and keep premeasured loads in small plastic vials with screw on caps.

[Keith Lewis]

I do the same. I found some 1/2 ounce bottles that have a screw on top that actually fit the .50cal bore so well there is not  a chance of losing powder when you dump the charge. I have about 300 bottles like that and can probably get more as I deal with a plastics company for my lubrication business. The bottles are usually about 1/2 full with a measured charge of 100gr. If I am shooting several powders (for comparison) I use a felt tip marker and color code the top of the cap on each bottle after making the weighed charges.

[daddywpb]

If I am shooting several powders (for comparison) I use a felt tip marker and color code the top of the cap on each bottle after making the weighed charges.

Did you mean measured charges? :grin:

[Redhawk1]

If I am shooting several powders (for comparison) I use a felt tip marker and color code the top of the cap on each bottle after making the weighed charges.

Did you mean measured charges? :grin:

To me it sounded like weighed charges. If you want consistency, it is the way to go.

[Keith Lewis]

If I am shooting several powders (for comparison) I use a felt tip marker and color code the top of the cap on each bottle after making the weighed charges.

Did you mean measured charges? :grin:

No; not measured I meant weighed charges. I determine what the measured charges weigh and then I weigh all the charges I put into the bottles. I think it probably does not make a big difference but I like knowing how much propellant I have put into the bottle and using the weight makes me feel a little more exact. Like I said; you have to start with volume measure and determine what the weight should be from that.