do cowboy loads cause more residue buildup?

[gunpilot]

I shot ultramax factory cowboy ammo in my vaquero and noticed a lot of black residue. Do these cause more residue buildup than standard factory loads?

[LEO]

I have not shot any of Ultramax's cowboy loads but have shot some of their other loads and their ammo just seems to be dirtier than some other brands.  Function was good, accuracy was ok just more fouling than normal.

[leverfan]

I haven't shot any factory ammo at a match, except for some shotgun loads from time to time.  Ultramax is probably using a dirty burning powder.  If you reload, there are plenty of clean burning options that will, if loaded to adequate pressure, leave your gun with minimal fouling.

Usually, I shoot Frontier Cartridge class, and load up with Goex ffg, and I sure hope your Ultramax ammo is shooting cleaner than that!

[LEO]

leverfan, I don't know about gunpilots loads but the ones I shot were not a whole lot cleaner than black.  My stainless revolver looked black when I finished a box.  But like I said shot fine just dirty

[Bitterroot Bob]

Howdy,
The amount of residue left behind varies from powder to powder. My Unique powder .44-40 loads smoke more that most .38 Spl BP loads (which doesn't say much for the gamers who shoot them in BP class), but much of that is simply the graphite coating that controls the burn rate of modern powders. It leaves a gray film that wipes off.
What I have noticed is that most reduced .45 Colt loads do not develop enough pressure to swell the brass case and seal the chamber when fired. That results in gas being blown back between the chamber and the case, leaving a red-hot empty and a lot of black soot on the brass. The only cure is to use a heavier bullet, a bulkier powder that better fills the case, like Trailboss, or a faster powder that builds pressure quickly, like Bullseye, AA#2, or Tightgroup.


Bitterroot

[shaner]

i also think alot of the  residue is the lead  bullet, lcast lead will burn also and leave  things black, i can use the same load usin berrys  bullets ,and have half the  dirt