Getting started with BP

[Eagleman]

Ok, now I've managed to pass my NRA safety test with a BP pistol I need to get one or two!

But in the meantime I want to get to grips with what I NEED re paraphenalia and reading up as much as I can on BP shooting. I have the link to chuckhawks and very useful that is too although it seems much more rifle than pistol.

So, I intend to put in for a .36 and .45 but I cannot bring myself to have BP proper in the house so it'll have to be substitute. What are the options? Where do I find load lists? What powder flask and what bits do I need and so on and on. Also best places to get stuff etc etc.

I would really appreciate as much info as people can spare the time.

[lilguy43uk]

Ok, now I've managed to pass my NRA safety test with a BP pistol I need to get one or two!

But in the meantime I want to get to grips with what I NEED re paraphenalia and reading up as much as I can on BP shooting. I have the link to chuckhawks and very useful that is too although it seems much more rifle than pistol.

So, I intend to put in for a .36 and .45 but I cannot bring myself to have BP proper in the house so it'll have to be substitute. What are the options? Where do I find load lists? What powder flask and what bits do I need and so on and on. Also best places to get stuff etc etc.

I would really appreciate as much info as people can spare the time.

Loads can be gleaned from "The Gun Digest Black Powder Loading Manual".

As far as flasks, I don't think there's much in it but remember that the spouts can be tailored to give the load that you want to use.

Personally I use old 35mm film containers and put individual loads into them. A small brass funnel to pour the powder into the chambers is needed as well.

For my .44 I use 23gn fffg behind a .454 ball. Powder and ball are separated by a semi greased felt wad so no need to seal the chambers with grease.
It makes a very satisfying bank and chokes everybody with the smoke.

For smaller loads and substitutes you may need to look at a filler such as semolina or cous-cous in each chamber.

If you're getting a capper think about your gun first. The Pietta takes the smaller cap and they will not work well in a capper as they tend to skew sideways and jam and I've been unable to find one to suit the smaller dimensions.

Enjoy (and I'm sure that you will).

[fcat]

Hi,

I'm also trying to get started in the strange world of BP...but still waiting for my FAC...

A couple of web sites:

http://www.charcoal-burner.com/default.asp
- has useful background info an some suggested load info

the MLAGB has a site at http://mlagb.com/
with some load details at http://mlagb.com/shooting/pistol/2002loads.pdf

Are you planning to shoot revolvers or singleshot pistols - I gather that slightly different equipment is used.


cheers
Nigel

not a recommendation one way or the other, some more interesting sites:

http://www.henrykrank.com/index.html
http://www.black-powder.co.uk/
http://www.davide-pedersoli.com/
http://www.midwayuk.com/
http://www.euroarms.net/Avancarica/c...8-A%20ENGL.pdf
http://www.waffen-hege.de/
http://www.feinwerkbau.de/ceasy/modu...veLanguageId=2
http://www.tfsa.co.uk/index.html
http://www.basc.org.uk/content/certi..._application_f


edited to add, I got these books of amazon at a reasonable price and found them interesting..
The Definitive Guide to Shooting Muzzle-loading Pistols by Fuller, Derek
THE MODERN MUZZLE LOADER by ANDREW COURTNEY

[Jim McArthur]

Great info, mates!

Jim

[Eagleman]

Great info, mates!

Jim

Gotta echo that Jim! Thank you chaps for being so jolly informative!