new to black powder 1860 Army

[DCB]

I started out using pyrodex pellets and now ready to change to fffg 454RB 143gr with the wad.
my book calls for 35grs as a max load.
I am thinking of starting at about 25grs .
What are you shooting, I am addicted to the smoke .
What are you using for a load? the wads seam to help with accuracy.
Dave

[DCB]

The powder flask that I have only throws 18grs.
The brass measure is off by 5grs
over thinking this yeh

[Castaway]

You’re not going to blow up the pistol with black powder. Your upper limit will be whether you can seat the ball deeply enough for the cylinder to turn and if the other five don’t “pull” during recoil. If there’s a standard load, it’s probably 30 grains. Critical in shooting is a lubed wool wad under the bullet to keep the fouling manageable. If your cylinder starts to bind, change lubes. There are as many lube recipes as there are on opinions as to how best to clean up afterwards. I’m partial to Gato Feo’s concoction of 2 parts paraffin, 2 parts mutton tallow and 1 part bees wax by weight. Ignore those who spout off about paraffin creating unmanageable fouling. They’re repeating things they think they know. I would read; http://geojohn.org/BlackPowder/bps1Mobile.html
One last article, also one of the best is; https://www.go2gbo.com/threads/prope...revolver.2772/

[DCB]

Thanks for the links I read one. and the other as soon aS I HAVE TIME

[Hickok]

If there is any way possible, dump the pyrodex out in the yard......get some black powder, preferably 3f.

Just my opinion about pyrodex and cap and ball revolvers....and I ain't budging!!!

[Maven]

DCB, 25 gr. FFFg or Pyrodex P (loose powder) is a good place to start as is the use of a greased wool over powder wad. If you're using Pyrodex RS (loose powder) or FFg, increase the charge (volume) to "30" gr. Btw, there's nothing wrong with using Pyrodex (not the pellets in a revolver though) if you can't get real BP (I've used it for years), but you just have to be extra vigilant about cleaning and oiling the gun after its use.

[DCB]

thanks maven, I have a pound of fffg. thats where Im headed. 25grs,454 RB and a wool wad. I have some grease and some bullet lube made from wax, vasoline, and STP thought that might work.
Dave

[ButchC]

The powder flask that I have only throws 18grs.
The brass measure is off by 5grs
over thinking this yeh

I have the same problem both my 18gr spout and my 30gr spout seem to be short a few grains. Once I get my hands on some BP I'm going to find out which one's lying.

[sharps4590]

They're all off...to some level, it seems. For over 40 years I've bought longer spouts and cut them to the volume the revolver likes. Most consistently, 30 grs. for 1860's and 20 grs. for '51 Navies.

I agree with Hickock about the Pyrojunk....an' I ain't changin' my mind either.

[DCB]

Thanks, I was looking at a nice brass powder flask, shinny get you every time. I think ill pick up one of those.

[Castaway]

When you use a flask with spout, your going to end up with about 2-3 grains less than spout designation because of your finger filling up a portion