That's the Pedersoli? They're a good time. I have the 20 gauge one and the only issue is that with 777 powder it wouldn't ignite. In the short term I added a little real black before the 777 to help ignition, and in the long term I switched to musket caps and even with straight 777 I have 100% fast ignition.
That's the Pedersoli? They're a good time. I have the 20 gauge one and the only issue is that with 777 powder it wouldn't ignite. In the short term I added a little real black before the 777 to help ignition, and in the long term I switched to musket caps and even with straight 777 I have 100% fast ignition.
Some of us are in states that restrict quantity severely so I try to save it for the flintlocks, although I do always have a little priming flask in my range bag and a couple of grains will often clear up reliability problems long enough to upgrade the nipple. The Howdah's the only one I've seen that wouldn't run at all with the standard nipples and Remington or CCI magnum caps - it seems to have an exceptionally bad design in that regard.
If OP has access to real black powder clearly they should use that, but if they run to the range with substitute in hand because that's what they have they should be aware of this. If I didn't have some real black I would have been using the CO2 unit and going home unhappy.
You'll just have to try it. I'd recommend loading only one side to start and having a plan B just in case (ball puller, CO2 system, nipple wrench and a couple of grains of real black to put under it. If none of those apply maybe run a blank charge). I've heard that Pyrodex is slightly easier to ignite, and who knows, maybe mine is marginal in some way (hole not quite drilled in the wrong place - I don't know, I'm just fishing here). I did a search at one point and lots of people seem to have at least some reliability problems with the Howdah unless they switch to real black or musket caps although my case seems to be a bit extreme.
If you're interested in the musket cap solution go here http://www.possibleshop.com/s-s-nipples.html and get two of the very last item listed. Of course, you'll then need to go buy musket caps...
I should also say in my 20 gauge with .600 balls and .015 patches I find 40 grains 777 very easy to shoot - I can do two quick shots into the upper or lower A zone of an IPSC target at reasonable distances. Since mine's smooth I also run it with #4 buckshot and it patterns very nicely at that power level and no cushion - just an overpowder and an overshot card.
I've shot up to 60 grains 777 and it's somewhat unpleasant. I should say that these are past the recommended loads but it's very well built and there are people on the forums that run them hotter even than that.
Went to range today armed with a 50 cal bullet puller, CO2 unloader and musket nipples to fit the Howdah.
4 hours of nonstop shooting with FFg Pyrodex, 0.490 RB and 0.010 patch with #10 caps, no problems. Varied the load from 20 to 35 grains. Had unburned powder coming out at 35. 25 seemed to be optimum.
Well made gun but accuracy seems to be marginal. Right barrel shot ok but left was low. No repeatability with either one.
That .490 ball, and 25 grains of powder was for the shooter not the shootee.
Ifn the tiger gut up onto the efelant's back you shot yerself, afore the tiger started chewin on you.
And dats why ya gots two shots.....ifn case ya missed yerself with the first one.
Fred :shocked2:
The 20 gauge would be the only bore size of these replicas typical of the originals that usually ran in the .65" to .80" range. When playing "repel boarders" with big kitties, the more-the better! Have never found a printed recommendation for 19th century Howdahs, but if it was my hide, it'd be "lots"!! Probably wasted, but I'd sleep better. :haha:
You guys need to handle a 11" double barrel 50 cal pistol with a 25 grain before you think you need something larger. Some of my shots put a hole through the 3/4" target brace wood that looked like it was drilled. Believe me, it would have no problem going right thru a tiger skull. I can't imagine shooting even a 30 gr load.
