Blackpowder cartridge handgun CUP

[Grizzlypeg]

Any idea what the original CUP pressure would have been for a Schofield 45 loaded with blackpowder?

 

[fiscus]

In hogdon's manual with smokeless powder all the loads are under 14k cup, also check out this link I don't know how he measured pressures but he has some really low pressure full power black powder loads: http://www.leverguns.com/articles/paco/black_powder.htm

 

[Grizzlypeg]

Thanks. I'm looking at some reloading data for 45 S&W showing 4.2 grains producing 7,300cup and I'm wondering how that might compare to an original black powder load for strain on the gun.

 

[10x]

Be very careful. Some bp firearms are measured in LUP (Lead units of pressure) as CUP did not measure lower pressures very well.

 

[vagrantviking]

If the gun was built for blackpowder and is in good shape you won't damage it with modern blackpowder loads. Modern black is about the same or slightly less powerful than what it was back then.

I have never heard of any original cartridges being loaded with anything other than a full case either. The only loads that I have ever heard of being dangerous with black consisted of a bullet or obstruction that was not tight to the powder.