The key here is the comment I highlighted.I wonder what type of powder, and the charge used in the gun pictured in the OP. I have loaded smokeless in a BP revolver MANY times, and didn't damage the gun in any way.
If smokeless pressures are kept equal to, or less than the level of black powder loads, there will be no added stress to the gun.
Check it out. BTDT.
Smokeless powder has a LOT more energy in it than black powder does so small changes in the weight of the powder charge can make a big difference.
I'm going a little beyond the scope of the forum but, I have a book that gives loading data for a .45-70. It lists a number of powders and loads for original trapdoors and the modern Ruger #1. The loads for the trapdoor do not exceed 18,000 cup. The loads for the Ruger do not exceed 50,000 cup.
For a smokeless powder that I have, the 18,000 cup load equals 35 grains of smokeless. The 50,000 cup load equals 50 grains of smokeless.
Notice a change of only 15 grains of smokeless powder makes a 32,000 cup difference in pressure. (Some of my data says a 20 grain change in the amount of black powder can change the pressure about 2,600 psi).
I also determined the weight of the smokeless powder is just a little bit lighter than black powder so for the sake of discussion let's say they are the same.
Now, very few hunters would load up their hunting rifle with a 50 g powder charge. Most, would load it with something over 80 grains.
If a person put a 80 grain powder charge of this smokeless powder under a 300 grain slug in his rifle I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the pressure in the breech go well over 65,000 cup. At least for a few milli-seconds before the barrel exploded.
That is why loading smokeless powder into a muzzleloader is dangerous. It is why smokeless powder will usually blow a muzzleloader up. It is why I say, NEVER USE SMOKELESS POWDER IN YOUR BLACK POWDER MUZZLE-LOADER.
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