n00b questions re: ML Pedersoli Pistols

thevest

thevest

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I'm interested in getting a Pedersoli percussion cap pistol. Probably a Kentucky - they just 'look right' to me. Unfortunately, I know nothing about black powder (although I do have reloading experience with smokeless). I'm not too concerned with keeping things authentic, so I'm trying to use whatever maximizes shooting time and minimizes loading/cleaning time.

There's loads of info here about ML rifles, and BP revolvers, but I can't find a lot on the percussion pistols. Hopefully someone withe some experience could help.

1. Are rifle "bullets" and pistol bullets interchangeable? For example, Hornady has plenty of .50 flex-tip bullets and .50(44) sabots, but they're all decribed as rifle bullets - any reason they would not work in a pistol?

2. Would a pistol have the same 'charge' as a rifle using the same calibre and weight of bullet?

3. Do pyrodex or blackhorn 209 reduce fouling at all, or are they just more convenient.

Thanks!
 
1) Make sure the bullet length matches the rifling twist and you should be OK. Not sure what the twist is on the pedersoli pistols, but they're probably made for ball.

2) Depends on the pistol/rifle. Likely lower.

3) Haven't used blackhorn, Pyrodex will cause rust (rather than just promote via salts like black powder). If using Pyrodex clean right after shooting.

J
 
Depending where you are there may be a blackpowder shooter who can show you the ropes. It's worth it since there are lots of tricks and tips that are different from modern shooting.


1) rifling twist determines bullet weight. Like was said, probably made for round ball.

2) Generally pistols take a smaller charge than rifles, but depends on the maker. Also, blackpowder is measured by volume, not weight like smokeless.

3) Goex is what I use. I wouldn't bother searching for a "cleaner" blackpowder or substitute. From what I can tell they cause more problems than they solve. Just clean with hot soapy water and you're fine. Solvents don't do anything to the corrosive saults that cause the problems with blackpowder.
 
Assuming you have the RPAL, buy yourself a copy of Lyman's BP Handbook and Loading manual. It has a section about percussion handguns. BP is loaded in grains, but by volume. Isn't the same as smokeless.
Goex is a BP brand name.
 
Thanks, I'll look into picking up that book.
I'm rather fond of my hands, and would prefer that they not be reduced to shrapnel because I used the wrong bullets/powder.
 
thevest said:
Thanks, I'll look into picking up that book.
I'm rather fond of my hands, and would prefer that they not be reduced to shrapnel because I used the wrong bullets/powder.
Click to expand...

I would be very surprised if a "kentucky type" pistol was made for anything but patched round ball. Usually you use a ball which is about .010" below bore diameter so for a .50 cal you would use a .490 ball. The thickness of patch depends on the gun and depth of rifling. Maybe start with .015 patches and go up or down from there. There should be resistance to loading but you should not be hurting your hand pounding on the head of the short starter. Actually instead of a ramrod, just use a short starter with a mallet head and a handle 10 - 12" long and it doubles for both purposes.
You are unlikely to blow the gun up with a heavy charge but you will get an undesireable amount of recoil which can damage the wood work if not the first time then over a series of shots. I would think you would probably want to use around 30 gr of 3F GOEX in a .50 cal.
Finally I heartily endorse buying a copy of Lyman's Black Powder Manual

cheers mooncoon
 
In The Black Powder Loading Manual by Sam Fadala there are loads given for a CVA .45 cal. Kentucky pistol: 20 grs of FFFg with a .440 diam patched round ball giving 859 fps and 40 grs of FFFg giving 1153 fps.

A CVA Hawken .50 cal. pistol with a .490 diam patched round ball has loads of 30. 40 and 60 grs of FFFg giving velocities of 887 fps, 1019 fps and 1159 fps respectively.

That 60 FFFg gr. load is the highest given for any handgun. Most are between 20 and 40.

All the handguns tested use round ball except for the big .58 cal. Harpers Ferry pistol which uses a .575 diam Minie bullet.
 
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