Any suggestions would be appreciated. Here is my problem..
I am trying to make a decision on what powder to use for a low pressure load for a new to me 1873 trapdoor carbine made in 1881. I am trying to make a plinking load that will not damage this antique.
I was set to load black powder with a carbine load, 55gr. of power with a 405gr. HB lee mold bullet, with a wad, etc. I have reloaded a great deal but never black powder. Then after a lot of reading changed my mind to use smokeless using Unique or H4895. I have a lot of each. I reached out to Hodgdon about down loading H4895 and got this email.
"Only authentic Black Powder such as Goex fg or old eyensford 1.5f should be used in this original rifle. Smokeless powder can only be used in modern made reproductions."
I could swear hodgdon has load info on their website for loading 1873 trapdoors with smokeless.
So, now, I am in limbo. Do I need to learn how to load black powder for my TD??
Sorry, kind of lengthy.
Pete