Elsewhere on the interwebs, there's a discussion about reduced power black powder cartridge loads. Everyone has their own way to do things, and I'm no exception.
I know some folks put breakfast food in their cartridges to take up the space of a reduced charge. It works great, but it's too messy for me, scooping out what amounts to a second measured charge for one case. I saw this method described a while back, and decided to give it a try. It's faster, easier and not messy. Plus, it works great. Here's how I do it.
Here's the components. Instead of grits, cream of wheat or the like, I use foam caulk backer rod. It's available at Lowes in a big roll for about $4.00. The roll will do several hundred cases.
My reduced power load uses 20gr FFg and a 200gr bullet. Just put the powder in the case, then a piece of the backer rod.
Then cut the backer rod off flush with the case mouth.
And then seat your bullet.
The foam compresses easily and puts a nice compression on the powder. This load with the reduced charge and reduced bullet weight, has noticeably less recoil.
If you're looking for a less powerful load for plinking, informal target practice, or a match. This is an easy way to go.
