I recently obtained a Winchester Model 1892 in 44.40 cal. According to the serial number it was made in 1896 and would be a black powder rifle. Also obtained with the rifle were a number of cartridges loaded with black powder, which, naturally I had to try out. They functioned very well and were quite accurate. I took one apart and found it to be loaded with 44 gr. by weight of black powder and a soft lead bullet of 200 gr. I have a 44.40 bullet mold and a set of dies. On talking with some black powder shooters I have been advised that I must use bees wax cookies and cardboard wads on top of the powder. The cartridge I took apart didn't have any of these so I have come to font of knowledge for advice. Such as, what is good for lube,and can smokeless powders be used in a rifle of this vintage? All published data I have seen show low feet per second. The rifle is in very good condition, which, after lots of cleaning shows good rifling with no pitting.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.