Description
I’ve been loading black powder cartridges and muzzleloaders for years, and I can tell you that the single biggest upgrade you can make for under ten bucks is a proper, repeatable powder measure. Fumbling with dippers or eyeballing charges from a flask is a recipe for inconsistency—or worse. That’s where the Traditions Adjustable Powder Measure With Swivel Spout comes in. It’s a simple, reliable tool that lets you dial in a precise volume of black powder or substitute, lock it in, and throw identical charges every single time. For the shooter who values accuracy and safety in their loading process, this little tool is a no-brainer.
Here’s the thing—precision doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The Traditions measure is about as straightforward as it gets. The brass body houses a threaded adjustment rod. You turn the knurled knob at the top to raise or lower the internal plunger, which changes the cavity’s volume. Once you’ve found your desired charge—say, 70 grains of FFg for your .50 caliber sidelock—you lock it down with the set screw. From then on, it’s just dip, tap, and pour. The swivel spout is the real star, though. It rotates a full 360 degrees, letting you pour directly into a rifle’s muzzle or a cartridge case without contorting your wrist or spilling precious powder. It’s a small feature that makes a huge difference on the bench. At just $9.53, the value proposition here is almost absurd.
Key Features
Let’s break down what makes this measure work. The adjustable cavity is the core function. It’s graduated, though I always recommend verifying throws on a scale. The range is generous, easily handling everything from small pistol charges up to hefty rifle loads common in muzzleloading. The locking set screw is robust enough to hold your setting through a long loading session, but still easy to adjust when you need to switch loads.
The swivel spout is what elevates it from a basic measure to a genuinely handy tool. That free rotation means you can position your powder horn or flask above the measure, fill it, then rotate the spout to perfectly align with the muzzle of a long rifle or the opening of a powder flask. It eliminates funneling for most tasks and drastically reduces spillage. The build is solid brass and steel—materials that won’t spark. It feels substantial in the hand, not like a flimsy piece of kit. It’s a tool that, with basic care, will outlast your current rifle.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Brass body, steel components |
| Adjustment | Threaded plunger with knurled knob |
| Spout | 360-degree swivel spout |
| Capacity Range | Approximately 0 to 150+ grains (volume) |
| Locking Mechanism | Set screw on adjustment rod |
| Best For | Black powder, pyrodex, other volumetric substitutes |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The price is unbeatable for the functionality. The swivel spout is brilliantly practical and works exactly as advertised. Construction is robust and spark-resistant. The adjustment is fine enough for precise charge setting. It requires no gunsmithing or modification—it’s ready to use straight out of the box.
Cons: As a volumetric measure, it’s calibrated for black powder by volume, not weight. If you’re loading smokeless powder by weight, you’ll still need a scale. The graduations are a guide, not a precision measurement. The set screw could potentially mar the adjustment rod if overtightened, but that’s user error.
Who This Is For
This is an essential tool for any muzzleloader shooter, whether you’re running a Traditions Kentucky Rifle, a CVA Wolf, or a Thompson/Center Hawken. It’s also perfect for the cowboy action shooter loading black powder cartridges for their revolvers or lever-actions. If you’re tired of inconsistent charges from a dipper or the guesswork of pouring from a flask, this measure brings immediate order and repeatability to your loading process. It’s a foundational piece of kit for safe, consistent black powder shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use this for weighing smokeless powder?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. This is a volumetric measure designed for the granulation and density of black powder and its common substitutes like Pyrodex. Smokeless powders have different densities and are always measured by weight for safety. Use a proper powder scale for smokeless.
Q: How do I clean it?
A: It’s simple. Disassemble it occasionally—unscrew the knob and remove the plunger. Wipe down all parts with a dry cloth to remove powder residue. You can use warm, soapy water if needed, but ensure it’s completely dry before reassembly to prevent corrosion. A light coat of oil on the threads is a good idea.
Q: Is it compatible with all powder flasks?
A: The swivel spout has a standard size that fits the pour spout on most traditional brass powder flasks. If your flask has an unusually large or small opening, it might not seal perfectly, but for the vast majority of flasks from brands like Traditions or CVA, it fits just fine and prevents spills.
Look, for less than the cost of a box of primers, the Traditions Adjustable Powder Measure With Swivel Spout solves a fundamental problem in black powder shooting. It brings precision, safety, and convenience to your bench. It’s one of those tools you’ll use every range trip and wonder how you managed without it. This measure is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. If consistent accuracy is your goal, start with a consistent charge.




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