A Do-It-Yourself Trigger Weight

by Edwin C. Hall (June 2003)

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Trigger Weight Using Nosler Bullets

Description and Construction:

This trigger weight is by no means official but it does give you a quick method to test your guns.  I decided to use Nosler 185 grain Jacketed Hollow Point bullets as the basis for my weight when I discovered how close they all measure to the 185 grain value.  Unlike lead bullets which can vary several grains from their stated weight, the Noslers all come in extremely close.  Another reason was because I commonly use these bullets, so I have a ready supply.

All you will need for this project will be a piece of wire stiff enough to hold its shape with up to four pounds suspended by it (a coat hanger works well), a supply of Nosler 185 grain JHP bullets and a plastic bag strong enough to hold the bullets.  Cut the wire to about 12 inches and bend about three inches at a right angle (or slightly more to allow for springing during weight checks) to the rest of the wire.  Now place a bend about 5 inches down in the same direction as the first and then bend the wire back such that the end is somewhat centered below the three inch bend at the top.  The idea here is to provide an area of the wire to clear the grip so the weight will hang below and the wire won't contact anywhere other than the trigger.  Now create a hook in the bottom end of the wire which will hold the plastic bag of bullets.  Refer to the picture above for an idea of the shape.

Once you have the wire bent into shape all you will need to do is count the number of bullets required to make up the weight you desire and place them in the plastic bag.  Then hang the bag on the wire and check your trigger.  The weight of the wire and bag will add to the total and is not taken into account for the bullet counts given below, which are calculated such that the bullets alone will be just above the weight referenced.  Therefore, if you would like to be more precise, you might want to weigh your wire and bag and reduce the bullet count appropriately.

Weight Table Using Nosler 185 grain Bullets:

Desired WeightBullet Count
2 pounds 76 bullets
2.5 pounds 95 bullets
3.5 pounds135 bullets
4 pounds152 bullets
1000 grams 84 bullets
1500 grams126 bullets