Hey that's a pretty good idea! I'd warn against parafin and stick to beeswax though. On a really hot day parafin can get soft or even melt, and one wouldn't want to dump powder fouled with parafin into the gun while loading. Might only be a summertime at the range concern, but still, such would be my luck.

I like the fixed measures, some references call them "chargers", as mentioned, no chance of screwing up the setting when loading.

LD

FYI - beeswax and paraffin have similar melting temps:

Beeswax 144-150°F

Paraffin 125-165°F

So neither do real well on a hot day - if using paraffin just get one of the higher temp versions - the package will generally tell you the melting point - Gulf Brand Paraffin is a common one found for canning and melts at around 140°
Both types will get soft at even lower temps - I use a lot of beeswax in my leather sewing and it will get malleable soft with just body heat alone...

how "big" an antler to make 90gr measure?

Mike M, You'll want that antler tip big enough for a 1/2" hole about 1 3/4" deep. That, of course, is approximate. Shoot sharp, Mike N

Mike N. Thanks!

Mike M, Bravo!! Mike N

If you have access to some river cane, powder measures are really easy to make. Cut the cane about 4' long above the nodule and again below the nodule about 3/4 of an inch. Then shape it how you like and bore a hole for the string. Measure your charge and pour it into the cane. put a rod down to the powder level and mark it. Measure that length from the mouth of the cane measure and cut it off. Done.

If it is hot enough to melt wax this ol boy is soaking in the brook,me and duke.

quote:

Originally posted by Walking Crow:
If it is hot enough to melt wax this ol boy is soaking in the brook,me and duke.

Amen brother....

I make mine mostly out of deer antler, but have used 45/70 brass.

With the 45/70 brass I just plug the open end with a dowel about 5/16 to 3/8 inch / glue it & pin it / cut the dowel off leaving about 1/2 inch of it exposed to drill a hole for a piece of leather to hang it from my bag - cut the base off & dress it smooth to the point of what I want for a charge. Nothing fancy just like my antler powder measures, nothing fancy, but workable.

I've used antler and river cane and both make excellent measures. Up here there ain't no river cane. But I have a couple I use a lot & made years ago. All bamboo has a great use.

We don't have river cane here either....Might have to get inventive....

Back in 2012 I suggested use of a turkey wingbone. The large piece that folks often add to a turkey-bone turkey call.

LD

quote:

Originally posted by Loyalist Dave:
Back in 2012 I suggested use of a turkey wingbone. The large piece that folks often add to a turkey-bone turkey call.

LD

Now that you mention it, I remember that. Thought it was a good idea at the time, and still do, thanks for reminding me....