Question from a beginner

[satwel]

I am considering building a small priming horn, possibly a flat one. I've been building flintlock rifles and smoothbores for 30 years but this will be my first attempt at a horn. For a priming horn is it better to start with a small horn or can I use a regular size horn and cut off most of the open end?

Thanks in advance.

[Clark Badgett]

Priming horn = Powder horn
Powder horn = Priming horn
😁

[J.D.]

I'm not an expert horner, however I have made a few. IMHO, you would be better off using a small horn, as opposed to cutting down a larger horn. The medium to large horns sometimes have a very long, solid tip, and thicker walls, which can be a problem when attempting to make priming horns, though the tip can be cut off, above the the end of the cavity. IMHO, using a larger horn to cut down would be more work to thin the tip and walls of the horn. That said, if that is all you have access to is a medium/larger horn, it will work.

That said, IMHO, priming horns are more of a PITA to use than priming from the main horn. I doubt that there will be any appreciable difference in time from spark to discharge, even when priming with 2F powder.

[bigsmoke]

What JD said.

John (Bigsmoke)

[Daniel Coats]

I don't always make priming horns but when I do I use small horns not cut off pieces from large horns.

[J.D.]

That was classic, Dan. LOLOL

[Jeff Murray]

My priming horns are all made from small horns.   They are light and carry plenty of powder.  If you are lucky enough to find a matched set, they really look great with your shooting bag.  I am just finishing a set but they are black tipped.  Take your time till you find what you want.  they will last a lifetime.

[G. Elsenbeck]

Here is one made by Ed Mcdilda a number of years ago.  Only approx 5 1/2 long without the stopper.  Width is 5/8 thick using a piece of white horn covering a smaller piece of wood stopper.  The tip is applied turned horn. 
Gary.
 

[Tim Crosby]

 What you want is something very thin, looking at the base the thinner the better. Small horns are the way to go. Sometimes you can find them at a stock sale, I bought a small box full at a Flea Market once. At Flea markets and Yard sales you may find old hat/coat racks made with horns are also good candidates.
 Try to find the ones with a hollow that goes way up in the tip, be the only guy at a flea market carrying a bent coat hanger

  Tim C.