[BrianG]

FWIW, I would use an ammeter to accurately measure current. Calculating current by using resistance of a given gauge wire assumes that wire is exactly that gauge (and is that stranded or solid), and doesn't take into account contact resistances. Using the wire as a load is fine, but wrap a few more turns to keep the current a little lower and you could use an Eagletree to measure the current since it uses a HE sensor with minimal parasitic insertion resistance.