Once you have determined the proper load for your muzzleloader, you want to make sure you measure the powder the same way every time.
Powder is measured in grains, which is a measurement of weight, not volume. Since most shooters do not bring a scale with them when loading, you probably use a powder measuring tool that is measuring volume.
There are different sizes of the powder particles. 4F is finer than 3F, and 3F is finer than 2F. That means that if you measure 70 grains of 2F compared to 3F, there will be more 3F in the same space. After you pour the powder in the measuring tool, you may notice that if you tap the container the level of powder drops. This is because the powder pieces are settling down when it’s tapped.
I was instructed to fill the measuring device slightly high and then sweep it off so that it is level. Do not tap it. You want the powder to be loose but full. Next step is pouring it down the barrel.
The main thing to remember is that if you choose the tap the powder or not to tap the powder, do it the same way every time. Otherwise you will have a variety of loads that will impact the consistency of your shooting.
