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Black powder shooter question.

R

Richard from SE AZ

Member
I have never fired a black powder rifle. I have a 36 cal navy that I used to shoot all the time. I was given a Hawken in 45 cal. Question... How much Pyrodex of FFFg by volumne is a normal charge ? This is a percussion cap firearm.
 
Check with the maker for a Manuel. My guess would be 50 to 100 gr. But I have only .50 cal. muzzleloaders. Also the weight of the bullet could change it.
 

I have the Lyman black powder manual. If I am interpreting it correctly, a 45 caliber, with a 28" barrel, and a 1-48" twist, gives 40 grains of Pyrodex P (FFFg equivalent) as a nominal load. 120 grain is maximum.
 
Hawkins rifles from Thompson have great info on line. I expect 70 to 100 grains. Use a powder charge measure to set the charge. use a primer hole cleaner after each shot. Clean to no residue after shooting or sooner. Jim
 
(quoted from post at 11:23:42 09/04/17) I use a 38 special spent round, seems to work just fine.
Click to expand...

I load .38 special cases with 1.3cc of black powder. 1.5 cc would pretty much fill that case.
 
45 to not much over 100. Differnt amounts will give the bullet a different trajectory. Experiment. Have one thats is dead on at 60gr and 90 both. Anything else and the lead flies everywhere, no pattern to it. So target is 60, hunting 90. Mine I think says 125 max. Should be able to download a manual.
 
Depends some on bullet- round ball with patch around 140 grains, REAL slug at 300 grains weight or a small 'mini ball' with flared skirt at 250 grains- basic long colt bullet with hollowed base. 45 to 70 grains 3F for round ball good for 100 yards small game, target using the 1 grain weight to caliber as start to upper level 1.5 caliber as grain weight. Heavy bullets starting with the 250 grain weight about same start powder charge- depending on barrel and twist- you have the medium twist good for twice round ball weight bullet so a Buffalo brand REAL with 70 grains 2F or Pyrodex pellets would be decent deer load to start. 3F same weight would be decent also - but would advise a thin grease fiber wad between powder and base of bullet for a gas check, reduce base burn that would spread shot a bit, 4 inch at 100 yards good enough for deer- careful loading will get 2 inch groups. Rendevous target shooters at 100 yards will do that size pattern, sometimes tighter. Don't have Navy Arms Kentucky .45 anymore, advice on that one was round ball and 'short' .45 bullet about 230 grains cast for a 1911 reload and cup base. RN
 
(quoted from post at 07:13:04 09/06/17) I think if you are using real black powder it comes out the same. Substitutes you must go by volume.
Click to expand...

I experimented with some American Pioneer powder. (black powder substitute) I found that a 1cc dipper of powder will weigh anywhere between 11 grains on the scale, and 11.4 grains. Same powder. Same dipper. Same scale. Came to the conclusion that the substitutes MUST be measured by volume and NOT by weight.
 
(quoted from post at 11:21:09 09/04/17)
I have the Lyman black powder manual. If I am interpreting it correctly, a 45 caliber, with a 28" barrel, and a 1-48" twist, gives 40 grains of Pyrodex P (FFFg equivalent) as a nominal load. 120 grain is maximum.
Click to expand...

Rusty nailed it. If this is a side lock I would not recommend using the pyrodex pellets.
 
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