Historical Muzzle Loader Accessories: what are they and can I make them? Kieth explains

Black Powder
31

I am not sure there is an average length of a horn Ob, they vary a lot in length & circumference. Mine is 9 1/2" long from base to spout not including the plug length & not going round the curve of the horn.
Here are a couple of originals:

Centimetres: 32.3 (length), 7.8 (outside diameter)
c. 1762 - 1765
Area of Origin: Quebec, Canada
Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada

This one is 11 inches long.

Outlet hole anywhere from 1/4 inch to half an inch. You can either use a piece of dowel, or you can make a plug from scratch. The plug will need to have a slight taper for a tight fit.

3FG powder is usually used in calibers up to & including .45, over that 2FG is used. You can use 3FG in a .50 caliber, but the pressure created is higher, so you need to bare that in mind when working up a load. Some say 3FG burns cleaner, I never noticed much difference if any, I used 2FG in my .50 caliber CVA back in the Territory for hunting buffalo.

.50 RIFLE .490 ROUND BALL. Patch thickness .015. Minimum load 50 FFG. Maximum load 100 FFG

https://cva.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Side-lock.pdf
Keith.

32

Thanks Kieth. That’s pretty much what I was thinking. Faster burning and higher pressures. I’ll just assume 90gr to be max until I use it or swap for some FF.
I’ve discovered horns are hard to find. Lol

33

@Oldbloke, You might get lucky at an abattoir if there is one near by.

34

I wonder if anyone ever tried to modernise this design. Perhaps make it smaller, more portable and include priming compound and a projectile. All in one sort of. Hmmm.

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jiFfM
jiFfM.jpg750×600 62.8 KB

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I tried the abattoir. They don’t have horned beef anymore. Probably an OHS issue. Lol.
I now have someone on another forum from up north keeping one eye open for me. Just have to keep looking. In the mean time I’ll keep using the wife’s (SWMBO) tuppaware. Lol

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+1. :rofl: :vulcan_salute:

Can we sack that idiot? :rofl:

38

What about test tubes? Seems like the most practical option. Pre-measured, etc.

39

I think it would atleast call for a vote…:joy::joy::joy::heart_eyes:

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LOL grandpa is ranting again

41

Merry Xmas. Hi Ho Hi Ho :joy:

42

Yep, can do. There are a few options. Just would like a horn as a project.
A but surprised regarding their scarcity. Just keep looking.

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43

What about using a ram’s horn? Too curly?

44

My neighbours have short horn cattle. I’ll see if they ever have a random mortality or do a slaughter. I do have some ram horns, though…

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Rams horn could be used I guess but generally too curly. Same goat horns. Anyway prefer to stick to traditional method.
One will turn up.

46

Saw another one from the states circa 18th century. I think what was traditional was to use what was locally available and as a lot of interest in this stuff is USA based, they eat a lot of beef… etc, etc…

I’ll let you know it i hear of some cattle horns.

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www.etsy.com/au/listing/622224224/set-of-3-cow-horns-animals-horns-decor?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cow+horns&ref=sr_gallery-1-3

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Thanks @Gwion Sheesh didn’t I mention? I’m tight and need them for FREE, or close to it.
About 12 months ago the pet shop had them for $8 each. They are really a waste product.
If I don’t get one in the next few months I’ll look more seriously at other options.
I’m in no hurry.

49

I have a few cows with horns but you may have to wait quite a long time. Average lifespan is about 17 years these are probably 6.

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Thanks. If one falls over pls keep me in mind.