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.

Black powder is a pace of it own. What are you planning to hunt?
Been thinking about blk pwdr revolver.
Hope this does not add to the confusion.
http://www.uberti.com/

http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/

https://www.regtqm.com/pistols.htm

Regards,

PS
Here's another option. https://www.regtqm.com/pistols_lemat.htm Might be abit much for first blk pwdr.

I have had 7 different black powder pistols the single shots like the TC's and the Rugar black powder are best because they are head and shoulders better than the rest for both accuracy and power. Lee

I plan on using it to hunt deer and for fun shooting. I wouldn't take a pistol shot on a deer from over 30 yards without a modern weapon and at least a red dot. I could probably make a longer shot, but won't do it unless my target is shooting back. Where I do most of my hunting, a 50 yard shot is pretty long.

I clicked those links you posted, they were helpful. The LeMat was invented in my hometown, but I don't think it's for me. Cool nonetheless.

For me, the Ruger is top of the pile in BP Revolvers. The Colt 1860 is a real looker though, sweet smooth lines.

I have a stainless Ruger which I personally think is the top of the line for revolvers. I thought I was going to be able to use it in the muzzleloading hunts but since it is not a true muzzleloader it is not legal (at least in Arizona). If you plan to hunt you need to check the regulations in your state as some states do not allow pistols of any kind for big game. I also have a couple of single shot pistols but since you mentioned revolvers I think you do not have any interest in the single shot ones. My underhammer single shot is legal in Arizona but only used as a back-up for final finishing if the animal is not dead on arrival.

I like the looks of the single shots better for strictly hunting, but I would like one I could take to the range and have some fun with and use as a backup as well. The law prohibits possession of a firearm while hunting during bow season. A blackpowder revolver does not fit into the firearm category as the law is written currently. I am trying to get the law changed, but since Katrina lots of things have been put on the back burner.

The Ruger looks pretty good, what kind of charge can it handle as compared to the '58 Army?

Also, probably a stupid question, but can the same caliber bullets from a muzzleloading rifle be used in a revolver or is there not enough room in the cylinder?

In most cases the revolver diameters are specific for the revolver and the weight of the bullet is usually lighter.