1858 Loads

BlackRock52 · Wednesday at 11:32 AM

I have 2 steel 1858 Remingtons -- both .44 -- both Pietta's. The "Owner's Manual" that came with them says use a load of FFFG 12-15 Grains (Weight? Volume? - manual does not say). I also have a paper cartridge kit (readily available) that includes a powder measure that delivers 24 Grains by volume. Internet research says 20-30 grains with 25 grains as likely the best for accuracy.....
So to say a bit confused is an understatement

(Just noticed and corrected the cartridge kit powder load -- it's 24 grains by volume -- NOT the 44 i mistyped)

TFoley · Wednesday at 11:35 AM

It is generally agreed that between 25 - 30gr is good for a .44cal shooting ball. Measurement with BP is usually by volume.

BlackRock52 · Wednesday at 11:53 AM

That's my understanding. Don't know why Pietta "Manual" gives such different numbers unless:
misprint
translation goof up
lawyers
something else
maybe BP is hotter in Italy (sarc)

APG · Wednesday at 12:08 PM

According to the Pietta owners manual it's 12-15 grains of FFFg recommended and up to 35 grains of FFFg maximum. It's a pretty big difference. I use around 20-25 myself.

Maven · Wednesday at 12:13 PM

Maybe Pietta was giving load data for brass as well as steel framed revolvers?

Nobade · Wednesday at 12:27 PM

Lawyers. Pedersoli loads are usually way too light as well.

stubshaft · Wednesday at 4:10 PM

My Pietta shoots best with 30 grains of 3F and a .454 ball.

TNGhost · Wednesday at 4:48 PM

APG said:
According to the Pietta owners manual it's 12-15 grains of FFFg recommended and up to 35 grains of FFFg maximum. It's a pretty big difference. I use around 20-25 myself.

That is rather confusing the way they lay it out. Normally you see suggested "starting" grains as a single number and not a range and not, with a separate chart for maximum. Lyman's Black Powder Handbook and the writings of Sam Fadala have always been my go-tos for load information

But what do I know? I use 4f in my revolvers.

Also, I was taught long ago that black powder was always a volumetric measure and have seen that repeated in many texts on shooting with it.

Johnny Tremain · Wednesday at 7:01 PM

I was using 35gr of holy black.
Then I found out that 777 give you more bang for my buck. I now use 30gr of it.
With 30gr you can fit a wad, which is highly recommended.

Gtrubicon · Thursday at 10:09 PM

I shoot 30 gn 3f in my 58, but 25 gn pyro p is better.

D Yager · Thursday at 11:40 PM

I like 4f as well, it wakes up the gun.

SDSmlf · Thursday at 11:45 PM

TNGhost said:
But what do I know? I use 4f in my revolvers.

There you go, trying to knock the earth off of its axis. Don’t we already have a sufficient number of problems here to work on and solve? But 4F is a nice option, particularly for the shorter barreled revolvers.

D Yager · Thursday at 11:55 PM

It works well in longer barrels too. I want to at least cause a minor earthquake.

SDSmlf · Thursday at 11:59 PM

Let’s wait for @Britsmoothy to check in.

Britsmoothy · Thursday at 1:38 AM

SDSmlf said:
Let’s wait for @Britsmoothy to check in.

Nothing to add here, others have seen the light. My work is complete

AlexB · Thursday at 7:49 AM

You can fit 40 under a ball no issue in a Pietta and 35 under a kerr conical.
That's a pretty hot load of t7 but it works fine however it has made two retaining clips fall off the barrel.

justinoldguy · Thursday at 8:31 AM

BlackRock52 said:
I have 2 steel 1858 Remingtons -- both .44 -- both Pietta's. The "Owner's Manual" that came with them says use a load of FFFG 12-15 Grains (Weight? Volume? - manual does not say). I also have a paper cartridge kit (readily available) that includes a powder measure that delivers 44 Grains by volume. Internet research says 20-30 grains with 25 grains as likely the best for accuracy.....
So to say a bit confused is an understatement

You can safely dump as much powder in the cylinder as it will allow, while still being able to seat the projectile. Does not matter what powder (black or sub, 1f thru 4f) or what projectile, if you can ram it below the face of the cylinder, you and your gun will be fine. However, max loads are seldom the best loads. I get the best combo of accuracy and energy in my guns with 32 grains of 3f and a .454 roundball, and 25 to 27 grains with a conical. I am not a fan of pipsqueak loads and filler, enjoying my guns to be loaded as intended. Actually, I use more Pyro RS than anything else in revolvers. It is widely available, including walmart, cheap, and actually outperforms "Holy Black", even Swiss, in REVOLVERS. Swiss is way more energetic in rifles. Chronos don't lie, or get their feelings hurt by truth.

Mogadishu Meanderer · Thursday at 8:45 AM

TFoley said:
It is generally agreed that between 25 - 30gr is good for a .44cal shooting ball. Measurement with BP is usually by volume.

Now I am really confused!!!… by volume based on what??

Dexterado · Thursday at 8:52 AM

Mogadishu Meanderer said:
Now I am really confused!!!… by volume based on what??

When they say recommended charge, they’re talking grains as in how many grains your flask nozzle holds. I have different nozzles for my flask that are between 25 and 40. I use different nozzles depending on what I’m shooting. I have an 1858 that is broken at the moment, but I would use the 30 grain nozzle, and .451 ball. It’s an old Gregorelli Uberti one though.

Eras Gone · Thursday at 8:58 AM

The US Army Ordnance Manual states 25 grains for a .44 cartridge using a 216 grain conical ball. Some competition shooters use as little as 12 grains with filler with a round ball. You can't overload the chamber, so use what it comfortable to shoot and offers the best accuracy.

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