smokepole tc
36 Cal.
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just ordered apietta 1858 8" barrel my first revolver 44 cal. looking for suggestions on ball size powder loads black powder or pyrodex any help would greatly appreciated Thanks.
new gun
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rafterob
62 Cal.
The consensus seems to be .454 ball for pietta .44s. Black powder, pyrodex or 777 will all function well in increments from 15 to 30 grains. I shoot 18 grains and a .454 ball, I use corn meal as a filler. There are many posts regarding use of fillers or wads, they are not necessary but may improve accuracy with small powder loads. Have fun with the new toy!
Robert Egler
50 Cal.
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For what it's worth, I use .451 balls and 25gr FFg with corn meal filler in mine. I find my accuracy is really sensitive to powder charge and filler. A very little too much or too little in one chamber and the point of impact at 20 feet can change a lot!
At this stage, don't worry about Squirrel Tail's filler. Just use the loads mentioned above and have fun with your new gun.
After you've shot it a bit you may want to see if you can get it to shoot more accurately.
Most have found that loading the ball so that it compresses the powder and ends up just below the front of the cylinder gives the best accuracy.
If you use a light powder load like 20 grains, the ball will be way down in the chamber when it hits the top of the powder.
What to do?
This is when Squirrel Tails comment about using a filler comes in.
Folks add just enough filler to raise the level up so that when the ball is compressing the load it still ends up just below the chamber mouth.
Have fun. :thumbsup:
After you've shot it a bit you may want to see if you can get it to shoot more accurately.
Most have found that loading the ball so that it compresses the powder and ends up just below the front of the cylinder gives the best accuracy.
If you use a light powder load like 20 grains, the ball will be way down in the chamber when it hits the top of the powder.
What to do?
This is when Squirrel Tails comment about using a filler comes in.
Folks add just enough filler to raise the level up so that when the ball is compressing the load it still ends up just below the chamber mouth.
Have fun. :thumbsup:
In my Navy Arms 1858 the .454 ball loads pretty easy with just a slight lead ring cut from the ball. I use 38 case and 357 cases for powder measure. With 38's it's 24 grains of 3F anf 27 1/2 with the 357's. I use the felt wads so that I do not have to grease the front of the chambers. Remington #10's work very well. I hope this helps and that you will enjoy the smoke! Geo. T.
