Powder measure

Firearms using gunpowder could be loaded using a small scoop or charge cup to determine the correct amount for each shot.

Some early smokeless propellants called bulk propellants were designed for a similar volume and reaction rate as gunpowder, but most modern smokeless powders have improved efficiency offering more energy from smaller charges.

Modern smokeless propellants come in a wide variety of shapes, density, reaction rates, and energy to weight relationships.

[5] Bridging or compaction of granular propellants may cause these volumetric dispensers to produce dissimilar charges.

Uniformity is enhanced by maintaining a similar level of propellant in the feeding hopper and by avoiding non-uniform vibrations while dispensing charges.