Finally got back to this horn. I boil the base of the horn for ten minutes or so, until I can squeeze it with my hand. Then I smear wood glue on the base plug and tap it lightly into the horn. This seats it well and usually seals it up tight. I predrilled a couple holes for small nails to hold the base in place until the glue dries. Next up is shaping the base, final scraping and installing the pins.

Have you tried a hose clamp, or zip tie? Just tryin to think outside the box, could be a drying issue too I spose.

The pins are just to keep the wood from popping out as everything dries. Just takes a minute to put them in. They don't hold the horn tight to the wood at all.

Is the plug tapered, or straight walled?

Yes, wondering too

Wood glue isn't waterproof so why not use an apoxy? I'm presuming you'll use wood or brass plugs to pin the holes?

I use titebond 3 wood glue, very water resistant. I haven't had any issues with my horns in wet weather.

I either carve hickory pins or use brass tacks for the final pins.

Yes, tapered and shaped to fit the horn.

Very cool! I've got a bison horn sheath laying around that I've thought about making either a powder horn or an open-reed coyote call with someday. Do you have plans on what you'll use as for a stopper? I think the traditional stopper plug was a violin key, if my memory serves me right. Keep us posted on progress!!

Powder horns are fun projects that don't take much time, but if you have patience, even a beginner can make a fine horn.

Fiddle pegs became popular as stoppers in the 19th and 20th centuries. Earlier plugs were often just a piece of stick carved to fit. I usually whittle one out of a piece of butternut wood.

looking good

A friend called a few days back he had gone to a flea market with his wife this last Sunday. A fella was selling some steer and Bison horns. He picked me up a few for future projects. Looking forward to seeing what size and condition they may be in. An enjoyable project to do when a fella is in the mood.

Thats cool. Hopefully he has an eye for good horns.

Amen to that!

I have had a horn for some time. One of these days I want to make it into a powder horn. Your post is encouraging, Thanks

Nice looking horn.

If you can get a copy of it, Scott and Cathy Sibley's book, Recreating the 18th Century Powder Horn is excellent. Step by step, every single detail is covered.

Thanks, I found the book on Track of the Wolf and it is on its way. Looking forward to getting it and putting the information to work. Thanks again

Any tips on how to get the shell off the horn? I have a few I want to work with but the "core" is still in them.

Boil. It also may be on there for good!