I just bought a used BP revolver.  I have shot several BP rifles and own one.  This is my first experience with a BP revolver and I can't find good information on how much powder to use.

 

The revolver came in a box but the box was for a different revolver as was the manual that was included.  The gun I bought is a Pietta and I'm pretty sure it's a 1858 New Model Army.  I found the instruction manual online and the instruction manual says to use 12 to 15 grains of 3-fG powder.

 

Here is my question:  When I load the revolver with 15 grains of powder, there is a huge gap between the ball and powder.  I did fill this area with tightly packed cotton and test fired it once but clearly there should not be this big space.

 

Everything I've read on line says to load it with somewhere between 25 and 35 grains of powder - more than twice what the instruction manual says to use.  Rather than do that and blow off my fingers, I though I would seek the wisdom of the group here.

 

School me please.

 

Yes, it's a '58 New Model Army.

 

Yes, 25-35 grains of FFFg Goex real Black Powder will work just fine.  (I use 27 grains myself as I find it to be a "sweet spot".

 

Yes, the instructions are wrong and were written by a lawyer for Pietta.  No the lawyer isn't a shooter and no he/she doesn't understand sdv's or barrel obstructions.

 

 

Here is what I load for this revolver:

27 grains Goex FFFg real black powder

 

Ox-Yoke pre-lubed .45 cal wonder-wad (I add additional bore butter to my wads to keep fouling soft and gun accurate)

 

.454 Hornady round ball

 

Then use the loading lever to ram the ball and wad down onto the powder charge.  Use the same amount of force each time so the ball is at the same depth in each chamber of the cylinder.  This will lower the sdv and make the gun more accurate!

 

If you want to come up for a match, you'll always be welcome!

 

Dave "Rosey" Rosenthal

NRA Distinguished Expert in Muzzleloading Pistol (the Country's 1st)

Thanks, Dave. 

 

I'm going to try it with the heaver loads this weekend.