black powder

Hi, I was recently tempted to load black powder ammunition with a Lee Loader Classic. I read somewhere around here a discussion about the security issues involved. Quote: Some people have argued that BP is ultimately quite stable and will not ignite that way. I thought it was a good idea to...

Hi, I would like to reload my old BP 38LC with a Lee breech loch hand press. I've read here and there that 38 short & long colt dies would allow me to reload some 38SP or 357 ammo. Could someone confirm or infirm this? Besides, how can I get a correct crimp for 38LC ammo? Would the standard...

I recently purchased an original Winchester 1887, manufactured in late 1887. It's in incredibly good shape -- but it ain't a wall-hanger just yet. I had a respected professional gunsmith pronounce it safe to shoot, and I intend to shoot it! However, finding 12 gauge blackpowder 2.5" shells is...

Good morning everyone. I'm the latest owner of a Shiloh Sharps made in the 1980's. I'm an experienced smokeless reloader and muzzle loader shooter, but I've never loaded BP cartridges. I ordered a couple of Paul Matthews' books, but hoping to find some good information here as well. Any...

I purchased an ASM Walker repro for a really good price. It has a few issues, but only one I don’t fully understand. The bolt drops prematurely after dry firing, and the cylinder rotates partially, leaving the hammer almost between chambers. I have a hunch that replacing the bolt would fix...

Howdy, I was walking through Scheels today and came across this kit for a Navy 1851 revolver. Powder horn, pistol, the whole works. I've never fired anything black powder but I have a passion for history, especially history of the West and shooting (obviosly). The price was $237 and that was...

Ok, calling on those old timers who know the science of BP, check my logic here and tell me if im missing something or am i hitting the mark I keep reading all over the different black powder boards everyone saying that "subs combust, BP detonates" first off, neither one detonates, from the...

I just read the single vs double barrel thread, and some comments on shooting ducks got me thinking about loads. I use lead 6 shot with a square load for pheasant and chukar, but what would be the ratio for steel shot? I’d probably use BB’s due to availability; but would like to hear what’s best...

I had this posted on another forum and it was suggested in that forum for me to post it here in this forum in the hopes of gaining more knowledge from all of you. I am certainly no expert by any means, but I sure think this is an interesting find. Here is a copy of my post... Please do bear...

recently I kind of got intrigued by black powder revolvers. I’ve never held or shot one before and I’m hoping the pros can share some pitfalls and tips about ownership and use based on experience. Any models/ manufacturers that would be a good choice for a rank amateur to buy and try? I have...

While looking for something else I came across an interesting article about firing undersized projectiles designed for cartridge arms out of a muzzleloader using sabots and/or paper patches. The idea was to test the performance of the projectiles at terminal velocities, but I'm sure muzzleloader...

I am a target shooter. I do not hunt. I like muzzleloaders for the ritual of capping, loading the powder, seating the projectile, taking a shooting position, sighting, and firing. If I fire a dozen rounds in an hour it is a lot. I have several muzzleloaders, but the two I prefer are my CVA...

First i know 54 cal is not a 500 yard firearm, that being said at local range they have a group that does 50 cal or larger at 500 yards (just for fun and to do best at trying) must be purcusion cap or flint lock and iron sights. I would like to try this some mord but need some advise. So here...

Hello, We all know not to use smokeless powder in an old BP-only gun... I won't do it, I swear. I wonder however why that it... BP burns faster and has a fast pressure rise time. It would seem logical that smokeless would be less harmful to old guns, assuming equal pressures. Do old guns blow...

So I recently purchased an original Springfield 1863 percussion cap. I've heard of them coming loaded from who knows when, so I checked mine when I got it. Sure enough, there's AT LEAST one charge and bullet in there. When comparing how much extra room the ramrod should go down, it seems that...

Need help identifying an old percussion black powder rifle. Don't know to much about it. Total length is 5 feet, has octagon barrel (which has small circles around the end of the barrel), the percussion assembly has the word "Leman" on it, no other markings on the barrel or stock. See photos for...

I had a thought the other day that I haven't been able to work out a straight answer for. Let me first make some points: 1. If a person makes a short barreled rifle without ATF paperwork, that is illegal. 2. A black powder firearm would be exempt from this rule. Here's where my question comes...

Hi Everybody, I have a question about Bullet Sizes for the 1858 Remington New Model Army .44 Caliber Revolver. I am casting my own bullets and round balls for my 1858 Remington New Model Army .44 Caliber Stainless Steel Target Revolver. The diameter of the round ball from the Lee double cavity...

Hello, I have a black powder revolver for home defense. Why such outdated technology? Because I live in France and that's the only thing I can legally have without having a shooting or hunting licence and having to register it. France is getting more and more insecure and I don't see why I...

I had the bore slugged on my 1873 Trapdoor, it came out to .458. What size bullet do I use? .456, .458, .460? I was planning on shooting blackpowder cartridges. I am also not able to cast bullets at this time, so I will have to buy bullets. Is hard cast ok?