Most Simple Gadget/Addition...?
- Thread starter JeepHammer
- Start date
sigshepardo
New member
I use a simple loop of paracord burned together to keep my press handle from falling down when somebody bumps it.
Also have been using a rubber washer in place of the crush washer on my AR. Works surprisingly well
Also have been using a rubber washer in place of the crush washer on my AR. Works surprisingly well
Light holder for Dillon 550B
Here is my version of a light used to check the powder dumped into the case. The light is from Cabela's ($10), uses an AAA battery and has a flexible neck. I used a 2x4 block, drilled 2 holes then used a band saw to cut it right down the middle and thru the holes. Drilled another hole in the center. Used a small bolt (5/32) and wing nut to hold the 2 halves together and to adjust the clamping force. This attaches to the primer tube shield and allows for adjustment to get the light exactly where you want it.
Here is my version of a light used to check the powder dumped into the case. The light is from Cabela's ($10), uses an AAA battery and has a flexible neck. I used a 2x4 block, drilled 2 holes then used a band saw to cut it right down the middle and thru the holes. Drilled another hole in the center. Used a small bolt (5/32) and wing nut to hold the 2 halves together and to adjust the clamping force. This attaches to the primer tube shield and allows for adjustment to get the light exactly where you want it.
Attachments
Returning to powder charge setting
To return to a prior powder charge setting on my Dillon 550B I use a calipers to measure the powder cavity of the charge bar. After playing with the charge bar to get the desired powder weight, I remove the charge bar and measure the cavity. This measurement is documented with the other load data for the respective cartridge along with the powder charge weight.
To return to a prior powder charge setting on my Dillon 550B I use a calipers to measure the powder cavity of the charge bar. After playing with the charge bar to get the desired powder weight, I remove the charge bar and measure the cavity. This measurement is documented with the other load data for the respective cartridge along with the powder charge weight.
Attachments
I had a friend who was an experienced black powder shooter that showed me how he handled a Ruger Old Army. He eschewed any kind of powder horn and used an old dinner style squeeze ketchup bottle to hold his black powder. He took translucent soda straws, plugged one end and then measured a load of black powder, put it in the straw, marked the outside with a Sharpie then cut the straw off about a half inch longer. Takes longer to describe than to do. Once made they lasted forever and if he ever lost one or destroyed one it was no big deal to make another.
At the range the black powder went from the squeeze bottle into the straw, the straw full of BP was dumped into the cylinder and a ball was rammed on top. Crisco was smeared over the ball. (He would use nothing else.) Cheap and easy and seemed to work fine although I have nothing to compare it to.
At the range the black powder went from the squeeze bottle into the straw, the straw full of BP was dumped into the cylinder and a ball was rammed on top. Crisco was smeared over the ball. (He would use nothing else.) Cheap and easy and seemed to work fine although I have nothing to compare it to.
JeepHammer
Moderator
Black powder revolvers are the only kind of pistol I actually enjoy shooting, but it takes a certain kind of person to shoot black powder.
A quick shot of non-stick cooking spray helps get the crud off the front of the cylinder/barrel/frame.
Wood grips come off and the entire pistol can go in an ultrasonic cleaner.
'Moose Milk' (made with 100% grain alcohol formula) helps knock the crud.
If you can't take your revolver down to loose springs & screws, best leave it hanging on the wall to look pretty...
My wife loves her stainless Ruger, while I'm mighty fond of the brass frame versions.
Just TONS of myths about black powder revolvers, worse than AR myths.
Once you shoot one awhile and just understand it's 90 minutes of cleaning when you are done, they are a crap load of fun!
A quick shot of non-stick cooking spray helps get the crud off the front of the cylinder/barrel/frame.
Wood grips come off and the entire pistol can go in an ultrasonic cleaner.
'Moose Milk' (made with 100% grain alcohol formula) helps knock the crud.
If you can't take your revolver down to loose springs & screws, best leave it hanging on the wall to look pretty...
My wife loves her stainless Ruger, while I'm mighty fond of the brass frame versions.
Just TONS of myths about black powder revolvers, worse than AR myths.
Once you shoot one awhile and just understand it's 90 minutes of cleaning when you are done, they are a crap load of fun!
Great idea ... tell me, do you use washers that are about the same diameter as the tube?
JeepHammer
Moderator
I use a baffle at the bottom of the tube, like everyone that has consistency issues,
Then I tape a couple washers "About" the same diameter as the tube together with a string to get them out, and lower them onto the powder.
I SUSPECT
(you can't say you are positive about anything on this forum or the 'Experts' will chime in with everything from hollow earth changing gravity to some hair brained idea about powder not dropping consistantly being a government plot)...
I suspect the added weight compensates for less mass in the powder column as you throw charges and the powder weight lessens in the tube.
I also suspect it helps with powder density, how well it packs when it falls as charges are thrown.
Another 'Trick' for Dillon powder throwers is the spring the old style came with.
Adding the spring to the new style helps with my consistency between throws...
It doesn't have to be a metal spring, I've used rubber bands & hair ties with good results.
The washers seem to help with every type of thrower I have (save that goofy square Lee with the disk that leaks more than it gets in the cases).
Then I tape a couple washers "About" the same diameter as the tube together with a string to get them out, and lower them onto the powder.
I SUSPECT
(you can't say you are positive about anything on this forum or the 'Experts' will chime in with everything from hollow earth changing gravity to some hair brained idea about powder not dropping consistantly being a government plot)...
I suspect the added weight compensates for less mass in the powder column as you throw charges and the powder weight lessens in the tube.
I also suspect it helps with powder density, how well it packs when it falls as charges are thrown.
Another 'Trick' for Dillon powder throwers is the spring the old style came with.
Adding the spring to the new style helps with my consistency between throws...
It doesn't have to be a metal spring, I've used rubber bands & hair ties with good results.
The washers seem to help with every type of thrower I have (save that goofy square Lee with the disk that leaks more than it gets in the cases).
Brian Pfleuger
Moderator Emeritus
The addition of a short section of McDonald's straw into the end of the dispenser tube of the RCBS Chargemaster is a legendary "fix" that, you would think, could not be simpler.
The whole idea was just to make a small lip that prevented powder (especially ball types) from flowing to quickly and over-shooting the intended charge. It only requires 1/8", or even less. However, a quick perusal around the 'net will shows that some folks seem to have no idea why they're doing it and find incredible ways to complicate the issue. There are pictures of people with brass fittings, pieces of pens, 2" of straw sticking out, straws with serrations or teeth cut in them... who knows what else.
Amazing what you can do to a "most simple" gadget.
The whole idea was just to make a small lip that prevented powder (especially ball types) from flowing to quickly and over-shooting the intended charge. It only requires 1/8", or even less. However, a quick perusal around the 'net will shows that some folks seem to have no idea why they're doing it and find incredible ways to complicate the issue. There are pictures of people with brass fittings, pieces of pens, 2" of straw sticking out, straws with serrations or teeth cut in them... who knows what else.
Amazing what you can do to a "most simple" gadget.
JeepHammer
Moderator
+1 on J. Morris!
Stupid simple and saves a CRAP LOAD of time!
When I first saw it, it was a face/palm moment for me, it was just SO SIMPLE & easy it just escaped me.
Makes you wonder what you did with the extra brain cells when you see a solution like that...
I was actually going to cast some powder tube weights out of lead or discarded cartridge brass, but the washers are so cheap/easy I never devoted the time to it.
I see there is a guy on eBay selling lead weights for $29 plus shipping... If he can sell them, more power to him.
Stupid simple and saves a CRAP LOAD of time!
When I first saw it, it was a face/palm moment for me, it was just SO SIMPLE & easy it just escaped me.
Makes you wonder what you did with the extra brain cells when you see a solution like that...
I was actually going to cast some powder tube weights out of lead or discarded cartridge brass, but the washers are so cheap/easy I never devoted the time to it.
I see there is a guy on eBay selling lead weights for $29 plus shipping... If he can sell them, more power to him.
