ORIGINAL: BigTiny
I am interested in getting a blackpowder revolver for hunting. I have no other blackpowder weapons, but I have been shooting for a long time. I like the looks of the 1858 Army target model at Cabela's, but would like some input on the subject. The gun I select will be shot quite a bit and will be subjected to harsh treatment during hunting season. When I looked at all the choices in powder and bullets and stuff, it got a little confusing. Any help is appreciated.
I have the exact revolver you are interested in. They are an excellent shooting revolver. I load 25 grains of 3f powder and a .451 roundball and a #10 Remington Cap. It will hold its own at 25 yards and under with any modern revolver for accuracy. There are also bullets you can shoot out of it. They are a round nose 200 gr .451 bullet. They are hard to load. As they sometimes get hung up on the loading post. I personally would stick with the roundball.
As for hunting, rabbits and squirrels are a lot of fun with the revolver. I personally feel it is too under powered to be shooting at deer unless they were really close, and I mean close. If you wanted a six shot hunting revolver, look at the Walker Colt or the New Ruger as they are built a little stronger and can take a bigger powder charge. For a single shot, Tradition's makes a Buck Hunter Pro I believe it is called. They can shoot a roundball with 70 grains of powder. And are .50 caliber. A real hand cannon mind you.