Anyone use BP in modern cartridges?
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location:
Posts: 1,345
Anyone use BP in modern cartridges?
Looking into loading some 44mag cases with BP. I know some do it but can find very little information. The operating pressures are much higher with smokeless powder than BP, correct? AANNDD...I'll run out of case space long before I reach SAAMI pressure maximums. (I've read recommendations of 21gr) The 44-40 with a slightly smaller case used 40gr but I hear for some reason that 35gr is about all you can fit in a 44 mag case and still seat the bullet properly.
So, does anyone have experience or advice here? My gun is stainless (cleanup worries lessened) and is a Ruger Super Blackhawk (Stronger than the S&W frames).
Im mainly just trying to have some fun...but if I could work up some loads I felt comfortable with I'd love to hunt deer with a BP load during firearm season. (My state allows 'shotgun, pistol, or MZL' during the "firearm".) season).
So, does anyone have experience or advice here? My gun is stainless (cleanup worries lessened) and is a Ruger Super Blackhawk (Stronger than the S&W frames).
Im mainly just trying to have some fun...but if I could work up some loads I felt comfortable with I'd love to hunt deer with a BP load during firearm season. (My state allows 'shotgun, pistol, or MZL' during the "firearm".) season).
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Posts: 986
RE: Anyone use BP in modern cartridges?
Basically with black powder in straight wall cases you just fill to the top and leave enought space for the bullet. A little compression is OK or drop the powder from about 24 inches through a drop tube to settle it. With black powder you do not want any air space. Black powder is not a good idea in any bottle neck cartridges however. If you want less powder you will have to fill the space with cream of wheat or similar filler. Your pistol will easily handle any loads you can stuff into the case using black powder.