James, maybe this is a question better suited for the reloading forum. Those blackpowder loads...I like that idea very much. As a person torn between buying a .44 or 45-70 rifle this summer (both will be handloaded) I read ever word in this forum with interest, but none of it was new info. I know it was originally a bp cartridge, but don't know jack about loading bp ammo. I assume you can use the same cases, but what about primers? And what kind of BP? All these new BP alternatives can get confusing. (not to mention ff, fff...etc) Have you chronographed these loads, what vel. are you getting. I'd guess 70gr is a good starting point?

Oh, almost forgot, BP loads aren't a problem for modern leverguns...just messy, right?

Thanks for any tips. The idea of using blackpowder may tip the scales in favor of the 45-70 for me. (I know the .44 could also, but I imagine its case capacity would restrain it to rather anemic levels.)