BPCR Book

[DEDHEAD]

Hello all,
Been reloading for years and years but have recently become fascinated with black powder reloading, so much so I've purchased a Pedersoli Sharps silhouette in 45-70 and a Pedersoli long range rolling block in 40-65.
I wonder if I could get some recommendations for some reference material? God knows there's plenty of info on-line but I would really like some old fashioned, reliable, interesting, hands-on books - with paper pages and everything.
Any informed opinions are truly appreciated.

[Dryball]

Go to trackofthewolf.com They have a plethora of excellent books and reference material.

[Don McDowell]

About the only book in print that's really worth much is Mike Venturino's Loading and Shooting Buffalo Rifles of the Old West. The biggest problem with it is tho, so much of the material in there is somewhat dated. But still a good basic primer.

[4060MAY]

online pdf with some good information
http://www.wahsatchdesperadoes.com/Intro_to_BPCR_Loading.pdf

[Gunlaker]

Those two will definitely get you started. SPG and Mike Venturino's book on loading black powde cartridges is also pretty good. Most of the printed material out there is reasonably old but still worth reading. For paper patching, Randy Wright wrote a nice book for people wanting to get started on that. It's called something like Loading and Shooting Paper Patched Bullets. From Shiloh you can order a copy of Orville Loomer's book on paper patching. It's very short but is worth the read.

Chris.

[Gunlaker]

By the way, enjoy the journey. If you are anything like me it'll nearly be the end of smokeless shooting. I have 1/3 of a can of Reloder 15 left for my .308 and it just might last me the rest of my life :-).

Chris.

[358wcf]

Wolfe Publishing provides us with quite a few texts by the master, Paul Matthews, the 45-70, casting boolits for the 45-70 and competition, loading for BPCR competition, etc-- Wolfe is the publisher of Rifle magazine and its sister publication, Handloader-- outstanding, quality stuff since about 1969. Ask Wolfe for a list of all their books-
I am glad to see noted above the SPG manual by Steve Garbe and Mike Venturino- written by top-flight competitors in the sport, and including loading data and data on wads, compression, etc- I use this all the time-
I will close to let more of our esteemed readers reply-
358wcf[smilie=1:[smilie=1:[smilie=1:

[doc1876]

DEDHEAD, I started here, also, then I took their advise and got Mathews and Lomer's books, and what these guys said just seemed to "come out into the light". I think if you look around here, you will really learn a lot, and these guys are the greatest as far as freely giving info. Like they said, enjoy the journey!, and welcome, that is what they told me, and it has been very true.

[DEDHEAD]

Wow! Didn't expect this much response. Great advice from all, going to jump in with both feet, bullet casting, paper patching, the whole shootin' match!
Many thanks

[country gent]

Wow did the addiction catch quick LOL. I to recomend Shooting and loading paper patched bullet by Randolf S. Wright. The spg manual gives alot of good information and data. Wrights gives you the information to find your load. Dont hesitate to ask questions here there is a wealth of info and shooters willing to help.

[montana_charlie]

I also recommend that online 'book' linked by 4060MAY.
It is where I got a handle on the basics of each stage, and enough extra information to lunch a logical progression toward better performance.

If you get a decent grasp from the Raithel article you will (at least) know how to phrase a question so that a guy knows what you need.

CM

[1874Sharps]

I do not think you can go wrong with any of Paul Matthews books. He was a technical writer in his day job and a shooting enthusiast and writer by night. I have learned quite a bit from him.

[texasmac]

Guys,

A very recent book you may be interested in is the one authored by Robert Ballowe titled, Preparation of Match Ammunition for Black Powder Cartridge Rifles. Steve Garbe (SPG) has a very favorable 1/2 page review on the book in the most recent edition of Black Powder Cartridge magazine. The price is only 12.95 (includes shipping) and you can contact Robert at rmb1951@hotmail.com or 406-251-6652. I'm ordering the book so I cannot give you my opinion at this time.

BTW, the review is just above Steve's 1/2 page review of my book, Browning Model 1885 Black Powder Cartridge Rifle - 3rd Edition, which also contains a bunch of reloading data, specifically many loads for the Browning and my loading techniques. For more details go to www.texas-mac.com (http://www.texas-mac.com)

Wayne

[EDG]

Steve Garbe's magazine is pretty good.
http://www.blackpowderspg.com/black_powder_cartridge_magazine.html

Getting good loads is pretty simple if you have a good bullet.

[wills]

You can get Croft Barkers books from Buffalo Arms.

http://www.buffaloarms.com/ManufacturersProducts.aspx?MANF=913

[hickstick_10]

40 years with the 45-70 covers everything most of Paul Mathews other books expand on, I have alot of his other ones but "40 years with the 45-70" is by far his best.

[doc1876]

after you get done reading the instruction manuals, and want some real "gun porn", Janet Monk is producing a book about her fathers collection of many Sharps rifles, 80 pages pf colored pics........the pictures are great, and the stories are very interesting. I emailed her, and said that I wish she had some of her fathers loads included, because as a champion, his loads would be a great place to aspire to.

[kokomokid]

Agree with Wills ,get the Croft Barker book although your eyes may not use the same aperture sights he recommends. LB

[dromia]

Raithel's writing is well worth studying, even although it is about PP boolits it covers all the bases and is a free download.

It is that well thought of that we have a stickied link to it in the BP PP section here.