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November 27, 2020, 04:48 AM | #1 |
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Is there any reason the Lee PPM shouldn't be used with BP?
As the title suggests.
I have a Lee Perfect Powder Measure. I don't use it. I have a Lyman Gen 6 and VV powders metered badly out of the Lee. But if I can get BP, is there any reason not to use it for charging purposes?
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November 27, 2020, 09:20 AM | #2 |
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I could probably google a Lee measure, but instead I'll assume they are plastic with a 'useful life window' that is in direct sight.
I've used a few of their molds and had success, but would not consider most of their products due to my personal experience and observations. I like to buy once. I would not use any plastic measures due to concerns over static electricity (but am sure some folks do). I would recommend either using a black powder pencil type adjustable measure or even a BP pistol powder flask if you cannot make a scoop from a 45-70 case with a copper handle brazed on. If the loads are for your breech loader (paper cartridges) no drop tubing is necessary anyway, so you would not be losing any reloading speed. Hope you are able to get black powder. A gunsmith friend of mine has helped quite a few people shooting inline cap guns after they met with lackluster BP substitute groups. All were new to muzzleloaders and were amazed at how accurate a BP charge was and how simple cleaning was as well. JT
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I hunt not to kill, but rather to have not played golf... Last edited by JT-AR-MG42; November 27, 2020 at 09:29 AM. |
November 27, 2020, 11:11 AM | #3 | |
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NO
Quote:
Be Safe !!!
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November 27, 2020, 12:56 PM | #4 |
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November 27, 2020, 02:38 PM | #5 |
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BP is measured in grains by volume not mass. Give Lee a call and ask 'em.
https://leeprecision.com/contact-us.html
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November 27, 2020, 04:25 PM | #6 |
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So when the Sharps Rifle Co. said around 1880, "For fine shooting, powder should be weighed on a scale." they were wrong?
I don't worry about static electricity on a plastic measure igniting powder, they ship even black powder in plastic cans now. But static cling is a great annoyance. My BP measure is a Redding with a metal hopper... double base smokeless destroyed the cheap acrylic factory hopper anyhow. And my plastic PACT scale pan is coated with graphite mold release. |
November 27, 2020, 07:59 PM | #7 | |
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If you know the basics, you have the answer !!!!!
Quote:
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November 27, 2020, 08:16 PM | #8 |
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When shooting with black powder,filling the space completely, no air gaps trumps charge weight,
As far as static or any other hazard, I'd bet Lee can give you better info than my opinion. Contact them |
November 27, 2020, 09:31 PM | #9 | |
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Quote:
The Perfect Powder Measure doesn't measure mass (or weight). In fact, it doesn't "measure" anything. It is set to discharge a specific volume with each stroke. So if black powder is to be dispensed by volume, just set the PPM to discharge the required volume. But you'll need some sort of calibrated device that measures volume. If you want to check the weight, you have to throw a charge into the pan and put the pan on a scale. Just like with smokeless powder.
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November 27, 2020, 09:34 PM | #10 | |
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People generally avoid weighing or measuring black powder in equipment that has steel parts due, I suppose, to the potential for ignition. I would not worry about plastic parts.
Measuring scales used to have brass pans. My late 1970s RCBS 10-10 scale does, at least. If you are worried about weighing powder BP charges, you can make powder dippers out of cut off brass cartridge cases using twisted wire in the extractor groove as handles. Quote:
Volumetric powder measures have been around for centuries. They are marked by weight for a volume of black powder, sometimes by granulation. Since BP is hygroscopic, powder weight for a given volume could vary depending on weather conditions, but powder volume would always contain nearly the same volume of powder. It's a simple tool, but very effective.
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Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services Last edited by Scorch; November 27, 2020 at 09:41 PM. |
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November 28, 2020, 08:01 AM | #11 |
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Volumetric measures provide consistent amounts of an approximate weight.
The volume's actual weight varies by BP manufacturer, grain size, humidity, phase of the moon, and what you ate for breakfast. Don't worry.... Be happy. |
November 28, 2020, 10:23 AM | #12 |
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I forget, did the OP end up with a "paper cutter" Sharps?
He will be fine with volumetric powder charges, much as the typical hunting muzzleloader. I have known of target muzzleloading shooters to preweigh a day's loads into pill vials. My main use of black powder has been in BPCR competition where most shooters weigh their loads like the Sharps Rifle Co told them to do 140 years ago. There are a few who use high end volumetric measures with the care a modern benchrest shooter operates his Harrel or Culver. The other worry over mechanical measures besides their plastic hoppers is the fear of "striking a spark" with a steel drum in an iron housing. If that bothers you, Hornady and Lyman make rotary BP measures with brass moving parts. |
November 28, 2020, 10:32 AM | #13 |
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Thanks for the insights, folks.
As yet, I have no idea if I'll use this but if BP shooting became a realistic option then it might come in handy which beats sitting at the bottom of a box, forever ignored. And yes, I got a Sharps which, so far, has spent many an evening being polished and cleaned in front of Netflix. It also featured in rather a splendid impersonation of of Rooster Cogburn as I stood on the sofa during a few scenes from True Grit.... Who says I don't take BP seriously?!
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November 28, 2020, 06:15 PM | #14 |
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The Sharps Carbine appeared in True Grit with Glen Campbell as Texas Ranger la Bouef.
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November 29, 2020, 03:35 PM | #15 |
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True but Rooster impersonations are more satisfying!
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When the right to effective self-defence is denied, that right to self-defence which remains is essentially symbolic. Freedom: Please enjoy responsibly.
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