max load for 1860 brass frame

[chuck-ia]

a friend was given a colt 1860 brass frame revolver, (pietta) I told him the max charge I would use would be 30 grains black powder, I don't think he believes me. I think he wants to use more. any advice on this? thanks, flinch

 

[Don]

Flinch,

I would use even less than the 30 grains you recommended. Brass framed revolvers shoot loose eventually but using max 30 grain loads will hurry the process. I would recommend 20 to 25 grains of fff black powder or pyrodex P. I don't recommend 777 in brass framed guns, its too hot. Even the redused loads of BP or pyro will produce energies and velocities sufficiant for most uses, in fact its quite a lethal load.

Good Luck

Don

 

[John Taylor]

It should hold up for a while with 10 grains and a little corn meal on top to hold the powder in.

 

[Don]

Flinch,

As I said, if you want to put full power loads through a revolver its best done with a steel gun. If you want to have fun then 20 to 25 grains will serve fine. Ten grains is a non starter and isn't even serious advise.

Don

 

[chuck-ia]

thanks for the advice. flinch

 

[echo89]

I asked this question a couple of months ago, and linked the thread below. I got a lot of good advice, and it got my brass frame back on the range. I had moved on to steel frames as I got deeper into BP, but hated to completely retire the gun that got me started.
Summing up, light loads = long life.
DC Brass frame wear and tear

 

[John Taylor]

Don, don't nock it till you try it. Ten grains and enough corn meal to to fill the chamber will put holes in the 25 yard target. noise and recoil are like shooting a 22 short. A brass frame 1860 will last a long time with this load. I have seen many brass frame pistols and one Henry rifle come into the shop that did not last very long. The more powder you use the sooner they go bad.

 

[Zonie]

My recommendation for a brass framed gun (Colt, Remington, Spiller & Burr) is:

.36 caliber: 12-15 grains FFFg (approx 620 fps)

.44 caliber: 18-20 grains FFFg (approx 630 fps)

 

[chuck-ia]

thanks again for the info. I will pass this along to my friend. flinch