Loading Black Powder Cartridges?

[flmason]

My impression of black powder is that it can ignite under compression. So I'm thinking standard smokeless powder measures that can cut grains would be a no-go?

Does this also hold true for Pyrodex?

I'm curious what the correct and safe procedure for loading say .45 Colt with black powder would be so as to avoid accidental combustion of the powder?

Seems like other than more loads per pound of powder, and of course it's smokeless... there may not be any real velocity advantage to the use of something like Trail Boss powder. Granted those *are* advantages, but it seems possible that BP or Pyrodex loads might actually be able to provide higher velocities safely?

 

[peacemaker45]

Hmm. First, there are definite hazards to loading with standard powder measures. I'm not sure cutting grains is one of them, though. People are usually more concerned about the static electricity from the plastic hoppers causing accidental ignition. As a result, the usual practice is to charge the cases using a hand dipper (which functions as a volumetric measure) and powder funnel.

However, regarding compression, black powder does need to be compressed. Can't leave it rattling around the case the way smokeless can.

On a Dillon Square Deal, my procedure for loading .44-40:

First, empty the powder hopper. Don't remove it, since it actuates the funnel, which is also the expander die.

Insert lubed case at station one to resize/deprime. Pull handle.

At station two, the powder die expands the case on the downstroke, and the case is primed on the upstroke. Once primed, dip powder from glass bowl, and using funnel, charge case.

At station three, insert lube cookie, if used, then bullet. Pulling the handle seats the bullet as usual.

Station four roll crimps, as usual.

As for comparing black powder to Trail Boss, that's apples to oranges. Trail Boss is designed for light to very light target loads in large capacity cases, not max velocity. If you're loading for a strong gun, (like a ruger) and want magnum level loads, look to blue dot or 2400. Black powder produces stout service level loads. Trail Boss is for poofy cowboy loads. Its main virtue is that it is bulky, so one can use light charge weights in big cases (cases designed for blac powder) with little risk of a double charge, and consistent location of the powder in the case.

~~~Mat

 

[BHP FAN]

I just use the same measure with a funnel that I load my BP rifle guns with,and load on my Lee single stage.Cast all summer [outdoors] and load all winter,downstairs.

 

[Oldfalguy]

Cowboy cartridge loads are reduced loads in several calibers and are what is recommended for the cartridge conversion cylinders. I am going to get a box of 45LC and 45 Schofield and see which one I like best and then by ten boxes or so. I would roll my own as mentioned above but lack the brass though it is also obtainable- I understand some Schofield rims are not exactly spec- i.e. they make Schofield from trimmed LC cases which is not as wide a rim. I think Starline?? Brass makes the correct brass but unknown at this time if the "correct" rim will even fit the conversion cylinders- landsake!!
Regardless this ammo is fine for your conversion or you can load your own with reduced smokeless load or with black powder- Saw some 44 Colt by Goex at Cabelas yesterday in fact.
Mark

 

[BHP FAN]

Ultramax makes the best store bought Cowboy ammo,and it comes in neat ''old timey'' boxes,too.Sportsman's Guide has it for pretty reasonable.I used it in my Remington with R&D Conversion Cylinder with very good results.