I recently acquired this original Remington #1 Sporting rifle chambered for the iconic .44-77 BN cartridge. Unfortunately, somewhere back in the mists of time, its long barrel was bobbed to 23.5", perhaps to make it more easily carried on horseback.
The .44-77 was traditionally loaded with 75-77 gr of 1F or 2F under a 385 - 405 or larger paper patch bullet. I'm gathering everything necessary to load for it. Considering the short barrel, I'm wondering what powder to use. I have Old Eynsford 2F, Swiss 1.5 and Goex 2F and 3F. Of course the heart of the question is, with the short barrel, will 1.5 or 2F be an incomplete burn and end up blowing out the muzzle? Is 3F a better choice? Or maybe a duplex load with a few grains of RL7 or 4227 at the base under 2F to aid in combustion? I don't know that this would make it burn faster, only cleaner. The chronograph will tell the story. I have 40 pieces of new brass and a couple different bullets to try. I may make 4 different loads of 10 each to start out.
I'd appreciate your thoughts.