Any Black Powder/ Muzzle Loader Shooters?
Return to DiscussionsLike the title says, are there any group members who shoot black powder guns? Whether it be muzzle loading rifles or cap & ball revolvers, let me hear from you. I have two fifty caliber muzzle loading side lock rifles that are accurate to well over 100 yards with a patched round ball and a cap & ball revolver in .45 caliber. The pistol is capable of hitting a 12oz. can at 100 yards at least 5 out of 6 times. If you use Pyrodex instead of black powder, that's understandable as BP is harder to find these days.
I was beginning to think I was the only BP shooter in this group. I too have a Hawkins .50 cal rifle, the other is a Frontier rifle with the single trigger. I have enjoyed shooting them in the past, but have not done so in several years, due to not having a suitable place to do it. They are fun to shoot recreationally as well as being able to get some venison for the table. Hopefully I will get a chance to start using them again soon.
So your .45 pistol is a front stuffer, too, like your rifle? My BP pistol is a Remington revolver replica by Pietta in Italy. It uses .451 balls & no patches. I load it with 30 grains of FFFG or Pyrodex P. It has a 12" barrel, so it is plenty accurate even out to 100 yards and still packs a wallop at that range. Here's a photo of it next to a 1911 for comparison.
If you intend to shoot it more, I recommend you get a ball mold in the caliber, preferably dual cavity at least. Then you can cast your own with a small lead furnace. You can get them from Lee Precision Molds. I have one of each in 0,451 round ball, 0.491 round ball & 0.50 REAL(Rifleing Engraved At Loading) a 380 grain bullet.