load for 1860

[pakm]

my new 1860 came in this morning. I dried all the oil off it and it looks like the cylinder will take a 30 gr. black powder charge. I got a large flask and tried two tubes on it. I weighted the bp from both tubes and one was 38.5 gr.s and the other was 28.5 gr.s(I held my finger over the end of the tube as I turned the flask upside down.  looks like there is enough room for a bullet and bullet lube plus the powder. O, I added some bee's wax(from Dixie gun works) to another pasety like stuff and it seems to be right for over the bullet lube.  I'll try as soon as I can,,, it's kinda cold out side right now.(it diddn't get to 40 today) with a 25 knot wind blowing.
 does 30 gr;s of BP seem about right for a .44 1860?

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Yes that load, just under 30 grains, is about right.  Now wait for the weather to improve and go shoot some pudding.

[Blackfoot]

It'll work in the cold, go shoot!

Lafitte

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[Montana Slim]

28-30 grains is a good starting point. You need to have enough powder to get a tight pack when you ram the ball down....otherwise, you'll likely experience hang fires.

I speculate your lube will be on the "extra" stiff side when you get out into the weather.
Under 40 F I recomend straight Crisco or store-brand equivilent.

Save the thicker blend for summer use.

Slim