Does anyone use Lee Dippers as a powder measure for your cap and ball revolvers?

[Mr. Buttons]

Hi gang, I am getting myself geared up for CAS this season. I have a couple of .36 Uberti 1861 revolvers and am looking for options for a powder measure.

I know many people like the flasks with interchangeable spouts or brass adjustable powder measures. I must admit these flasks look classy, however as I have not bought either (yet) I was thinking perhaps lee dippers might work fine (I already have the dippers).

According to the Lee Dipper conversion chart a 1cc lee dipper equals 15.9 grains of FFFG (or Pyrodex P) and a 1.3cc dipper equals 20.7 grains FFFG (or Pyrodex P). Either of these should be good loads for a .36 Navy. I was just thinking that scooping and charging through a funnel would be all I would need to do (instead of spending cash on a flask, etc).

Does anyone use dippers for this purpose or am I out to lunch and should just go head and buy a flask with adjustable spout?

Just looking for thoughts and advice.


thanks and regards

 

[gab]

I use Lee dippers for loading my Ruger old army cap and ball - works great! I store my podwer in a small plastic baking powder can and measure and transfer the powder using a Lee dipper. I put a small funnel into the cylinder I want to load and then pour FFFG powder from the dipper into the funnel. For target shooting or plicking at the range it is a good way to go.

 

[stevejones]

Lee dippers

Well, that's exactly how I did it... No reason not to. Its just that a flask is a little more convenient. Build yourself a stand to hold the revolver while you are loading. it will make things easier. And make sure you use wads between the powder and ball or/and seal the top of the ball with a lube. I used Crisco but wonder lube or something comparable will work. You do not want to forget to do this as it does 2 important things. The first being it will prevent a chain fire from occurring were all the chambers will go off almost at once. The second is it helps keep the powder fouling soft. Another important thing is to lubricate the axle (?) the cylinder rotates on as it will bind up

Cheers. Steve

 

[dixda]

Use the 1.3cc dipper, the most accurate load seems to be 21gr of FFFg in my 1851 .36 cal Navy's.
Get yourself a flask, you will find that they meter out your charges quicker. KD

 

[hornhead]

i never pour directly from a flask or a horn.

i always use a dipper or measure.

just in case there's an burning ember in the bore or cylinder.

better to have a dipper set off than a flask. no problem using the spout from a flask to fill the measure tho. as dixda said it's a bit faster and tidier.

 

[MauserMike]

Ever consider making up some combustible paper cartridges?

I use a flask and loading stand. As for the burning ember, I guess you can never say never but I think its pretty unlikely with the shallow cylinder vs a long gun.