So going to give hand loading a try. I just picked up a lee bandleader kit along with case trimmer and i wanted to load some blackpowder cartridges for fun. Normally i think I'm just going to load 158 grain lead bullets sitting on 2.3 grains of imr trailboss. How much blackpowder can i load instead for the same bullet? Im just going to be shooting maybe a box of rounds at the range then cleaning the rifle right away so i don't think i need lubed bullets? The kit comes with a .5 cc dipper, can i use that for blackpowder? thanks
Blackpowder 38 Special - lee handloader
- Thread starter James1873
- Start date
lead bullets need to be lubed especially with black powder. you have to figure out where the base of the bullet will be in the case and use enough black powder so it is slightly compressed if you want a lighter load you will have to use a filler as black needs to be compressed. good luck
You might be able to get away with using smokeless powder lube if you're okay with doing more bore scrubbing. This might start to be a problem the more rounds you shoot YMMV.
I boil my cast bullets to get the lube off and then replace it with a beeswax/crisco mix. But then again I'm shooting at least 25 rounds per revolver a day, so the lube is absolutely necessary.
Goex recommends 16 grains of FFF, so that's a good place to start.
http://www.goexpowder.com/images/LoadCharts/Cartridge-Pistol-Revolvers.pdf
Chances are with 16 grains of powder and a 158gr bullet seated and crimped properly you'll have enough powder compression, but it's best to double check it anyways. You'll find the black powder load will be snappy and loud compared to your trailboss load.
Have fun! I've been experimenting with black powder for Cowboy Action shooting and loving it.
I boil my cast bullets to get the lube off and then replace it with a beeswax/crisco mix. But then again I'm shooting at least 25 rounds per revolver a day, so the lube is absolutely necessary.
Goex recommends 16 grains of FFF, so that's a good place to start.
http://www.goexpowder.com/images/LoadCharts/Cartridge-Pistol-Revolvers.pdf
Chances are with 16 grains of powder and a 158gr bullet seated and crimped properly you'll have enough powder compression, but it's best to double check it anyways. You'll find the black powder load will be snappy and loud compared to your trailboss load.
Have fun! I've been experimenting with black powder for Cowboy Action shooting and loving it.
