Getting horn ready for use.

[leparker]

I recently found this powder horn at an antique store. I don’t think it’s particularly old.What do I need to check on this inside to make sure it’s ready to hold powder? If it needs cleaning how do I do that? Thanks

Parker

[whetrock]

Looks like a very nice horn.

I assume it is empty now. Is that correct?

It needs to not leak. That's the important detail. You can usually just look over it to search for leaks. If you are not satisfied with a visual inspection, you can blow into it and then feel around and see if you feel air coming out. If it has small holes, they can be repaired.

Don't pour anything into it. Don't pour oil or water into it. You do not need to clean the inside.

[leparker]

Looks like a very nice horn.

I assume it is empty now. Is that correct?

It needs to not leak. That's the important detail. You can usually just look over it to search for leaks. If you are not satisfied with a visual inspection, you can blow into it and then feel around and see if you feel air coming out. If it has small holes, they can be repaired.

Don't pour anything into it. Don't pour oil or water into it. You do not need to clean the inside.

Yes, it is empty. Thank you for the suggestions.

[elk killer]

blow into it with the butt near a candle, will tell you right off if its air tight
oh yea light the candle...

[Daniel Coats]

It will also tell you if there's any black powder dust in the horn.

[T.C.Albert]

Maybe just me, but that stopper peg looks pretty thin.
Might be a pretty small spout hole? If so that peg is pretty fragile
And powder will pour very slowly. If that’s the case you may want to drill it larger.

TC

[leparker]

Maybe just be, but that stopper peg looks pretty thin.
Might be a pretty small spout hole? If so that peg is pretty fragile
And powder will plus very slowly. If that’s the case you may want to drill it larger.

TC

I’ll check that out TC, just received your pouch book in the mail Friday. Great book

[T.C.Albert]

Thanks. If you run into any snags using it to build a pouch get ahold of me. I’ll do what I can to help.
TC

[Tim Crosby]

 If you have to drill the hole out be very careful, the bit my catch and crack the horn. A reamer and round file is the best way to do it.

   Tim C.

[whetrock]

If you have to drill the hole out be very careful, the bit my catch and crack the horn. A reamer and round file is the best way to do it.

   Tim C.

I'll echo what Tim said. (I cracked one years ago, just as he warns.)

Using a round file also helps you control the hole better, so you can move it to one side or the other if needed. And it keeps you from drilling out through the side of the horn! (I've done that, as well.)

You can use the shank of a small flat file as a reamer. The angle on that sort of shank is a good taper angle for horn plugs.