Originally Posted by
Jeff Houck
The following information come from this book: Lyman Black Powder Handbook,C. Kenneth Ramage, editor, 1975
It would be worth peoples time and effort to get this book for their library. There is also a second edition out, but I've not been able to browse thru it for BP pressure data. Both books are available thru Amazon.
It lists 3f AND 4f loads for 31, 36, 44 and 45 caliber handguns using C&H and Goex powders, with both RB and bullet. The 36 and 44 listings give pressure data. All pressures are so low that they were measured in LUP, ie lead unit pressure rather than CUP which is copper unit pressure.
44 cal., 8" barrel, 155gr bullet #450229
28gr. G-O 3f gave 861 vel, 8820 LUP
28gr. G-O 4f gave 885 vel, 8480 LUP
28gr. C&H 3f gave 785 vel, 6080 LUP
28gr. C&H 4f gave 862 vel, 7220 LUP
44 cal., 8" barrel, 138gr. RB
37gr. G-O 4f gave 960 vel, 7420 LUP
37gr. C&H 4f gave 943 vel, 6820 LUP
45 cal Ruger Old Army, 7 1/2 barrel (no pressure data for this one)
190gr. #45467, 33gr. G-O 3f gave 780 vel
190gr. #45467, 33gr. G-O 4f gave 863 vel
190gr. #45467, 33gr. C&H 3f gave 709 vel
190gr. #45467, 34gr. C&H 4f gave 898 vel
There is lots more data for the 31 cal., 36 cal., and the 44 cal., all showing the same low LUP levels for 3f vs 4f.
So here is data from Lyman that supports using 4f powder in cap and ball revolvers.
Hope this helps, Jeff