Methods and devices metering and compacting explosive powders

A powder compaction device, comprising:

• a controller in communication with a drive motor operably connected to a compaction rod, the compaction rod being movable through a loading platform to a cartridge holding platform positioned below the loading platform, wherein the controller is configured to control the vertical movement and downward force exerted by the compaction rod;
• a powder loading station positioned below the loading platform and above the cartridge holding platform, wherein the controller moves the compaction rod through the powder loading station which holds a predetermined volume of propellant powder, the powder loading station being configured to load the predetermined volume of propellant powder into one or more reliefs defined in the compaction rod as the compaction rod moves through the powder loading station;
• the cartridge holding platform removably holding a cartridge fixture having a hollow interior chamber configured to receive an ammunition cartridge, the cartridge fixture having a funnel defined at an upper portion of the cartridge fixture and opening into the hollow interior chamber;
• wherein the propellant powder loaded into the one or more reliefs of the compaction rod is released into the funnel to be funneled into the hollow interior chamber after the compaction rod passes through the powder loading station;
• wherein the compaction rod is configured to compact the propellant powder in the hollow interior chamber of the cartridge fixture.