Author Topic: Questions from a new guy  (Read 576 times)

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Offline snakeman

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Questions from a new guy
« on: September 14, 2005, 02:21:00 PM »
I am new to the black powder pistol shooting. I was given a Pietta '58 New Army in .44 cal and a cattlemans carbine (from Cabelas) in .44 cal. My question is, what is the best brand of powder, how many grains, and what size of caps do I need. Thanks for any help.


snakeman

Offline jeager106

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Questions from a new guy
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2005, 03:46:56 PM »
Well ain't you the lucky one! :grin:
With both use 20 to 30 grains of Pydrodex "P" grade (yeeeeech) under a .451 or .454 roundball, # 10 or 11 cap. You likely will have to order #10, and #11's are more available.
#11 will work even if they are loose.
If You locate black then use FFFg, that's 3 fg.
If using Triple 7 available at most Walmarts with Pyrodex, then use 3fg grade in Triple 7 BUT cut loads back to no more than 25 grains by volume and I'd suggest 20 grains is enough T-7 to start with.
Be sure to completely clean the things after shooting.
Being new you want to learn all you can here and get some reading materail to boot.
Ask any questions, these guy are a great bunch and will all help out.
BE SAFE.
Those are not toys. Don't think I'm lecturing you, but I don't know if you know anything at all so excuse me if I sound too basic.
Guys, let pitch in and help 'newbie' get hooked like us. :grin:

Offline kjeff50cal

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Questions from a new guy
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2005, 04:08:45 PM »
The very next thing you should get is a Lyman Blackpowder Handbook & Loading Manual. This book has a wealth of information on loads, bullets and powders from .32 to .750 including cap & ball revolvers. I have one (but I do not have any stock in the company) and I swear by it. Then get your shooting kit, powder measures, nipple wrench, loading stand (if you want), balls/conicals, caps (usually #10s), and powder(s) (different types if you are serious about load developement). Remember each firearm is a law unto itself and it will shoot as well as the person using it.

kjeff50cal
Ignorance leads us into the darkness, Knowlege leads us out.

Offline snakeman

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Questions from a new guy
« Reply #3 on: September 15, 2005, 07:27:58 AM »
jeager,
Thanks for the info and no offense is taken. I am not new to weapons. I have been shooting for over 20 years and have been a law enforcement officer for the last seven and will probably be heading over to Iraq after the first of the year with the Army National Guard. Once again thank you for the info and I look forward to being able to learn about these guns and shooting them.


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Offline jeager106

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Questions from a new guy
« Reply #4 on: September 15, 2005, 09:43:43 PM »
Best wishes to you and you are in my prayers.
I'm retired L.E.O. myself, did 22 years, disabled 'in the line'.
Let us know if you need anything at all.