44 cal pietta 12" barrel

[fatman]

Bought the Pietta 44 from Cabelas this week. Brass frame.Cabelas instruction manuel says 35 gr 3-f bp or 28 gr pyro. How about 777?
I have been reading many post which did not speak highly of brass. I wanted to bring this gun with me to VT a a back up when I bear or deer hunt. I planned to use light loads.. 15-20 gr. for practice and then up load for the hunt.What is the max load I should load for the hunt using this brass frame 44? Also do these lubed wads eliminate the need for grease?
Thanks
Fatman

 

[Don]

Fatman,

I wouldn't load any more than 25 grains of powder in a brass frame gun. As to 777 I would avoid it altogether its just too hot for the soft brass guns. You might get away with shooting one or two times with 777 but repeated use will loosen the gun quickly. I have a few brass framed revolvers and have shot between 20 and 25 grains of powder in them without a problem. I also use a loading tool and load the cylinder off the frame to reduse stress on the frame. If you treat them right brass framed revolvers will last quite awhile, not as long as steel guns but still long enough to get your moneys worth. Yes lubed wads do eliminate the need for grease over the ball but I use both sometimes just to keep fouling soft. Have fun with your new toy.

Don

 

[fatman]

thanks don, I will. looking forward to shooting.

 

[Charley Hart]

Ditto on the brassies. I have a Buffalo model I think the same as yours and it shoots rather well, but I should have spent the extra $$$ on a steel frame. Haven't noticed too much wear yet.

As far as a back up...fine for deer, for bear you better get a Walker... I guess you are more of a man than I!

 

[fatman]

Yeah, I should have spent a bit more as well. I was ignorant to the issues with brass frames. Should have looked into it first but then again I will just have to get another toy...with a steel frame. Thats why I have that money jar.Whats this walker you mentioned?

 

[Charley Hart]

Check the other threads. You can load more powerful charge then the normal 44s. 45-60 grains.

I was only saying get a more powerful gun. I recently bought a conversion (for steel frames only!) cylinder for my rem and so far have really enjoyed it.

Happy hunting!

 

[fatman]

Thanks I will