Rosomak: I am assuming that your knowledge of black powder cartridge loading is limited. If so, here is some basic info that may help.
Note: Black powder and bp substitute charges are always measured by volume.
This method described below, works for both 'real' black powder, and Pyrodex. Other bp substitutes, ie: Triple 7 require a slightly different method. In which case, follow can instructions.
Easy way to figure out bp charge, for your brass:
Wrap a small strip of tape etc., around the end of an unsharpened pencil, or dowel. Next: Measure the distance between the crimp groove and base of your bullet. Think of the base of the pencil/dowel, as base of the bullet. Transfer that measurement, onto the tape(Pencil or marker, etc.). The pencil or dowel is subsequently inserted into the case, to monitor powder level.
Trickle powder into your case, until the level brings the pencil mark up about level with the top of the case mouth. Then, trickle a bit more in, to raise the powder level up approx. 1/16". Doesn't have to be exact. This extra powder is added to provide compression of the charge. Necessary for consistent ignition, with bp or Pyrodex.
In the case of 41 Long Colt, this should end up as approximately 18 grains of Fffg bp. Or: Approx 15-16 grains of Pyrodex P. May not be exact, as different case brands vary a little in capacity. Likewise, bullet seating depth can also vary. Depending on bullet weight and specs of mold it was dropped from.
Use your brass case as the standard for measure. Provides the most reliable results.
If you have a powder scale, weigh this powder charge. That should give you the approximate volumetric powder charge, in grains. Will be useful to know, from here on.
Note: As previously mentioned: Pyrodex is approx. 15% less dense, than black powder. Though still loaded by volume, the same as black powder. Always use the black powder charge, for reference. DO NOT...."top up" the Pyrodex charge, to the same grains as bp. Can result in some nasty pressure spikes.
If you have a small volumetric measure (Lee* scoop, etc.), that will hold approximately the same volume as your test charge, use this to measure a preliminary charge, onto your scale. Then, either add or subtract a little powder, to arrive at the exact powder charge, in grains. This will offer consistent, shot to shot results.
Once you're fairly confident in the accuracy of your scoop....you can also simply dump the powder from the scoop directly into the case without adjustment. Bp and Pyrodex are pretty forgiving, if the powder charge varies by a little.
To create fairly good consistency, scoop to scoop: Card the powder charge level each time, before dumping into the case. Fast and simple, and the method many bp cartridge shooters follow.
Likewise, you can use an old brass case, etc., as your powder scoop. A twist of wire, etc. around its base, can serve as a handle. In this case, dump your initial powder charge into the case, then measure the level of the powder charge. Trim the case, to this level. I like to trim the scoop to deliver slightly under the full charge,. Then trickle up. Scoop and correct on the scale, as necessary. That's it. Not at all complicated.
Bullet lube: Hard, waxy, paraffin-based lube used for smokeless powders, does not play well with bp, or Pyrodex. Nasty fouling, is the result. Instead, use a soft lube, intended for bp. This will reduce fouling, considerably. There are any number of commercially made bp lubes available;
SPG, for example, is excellent.
You can also make your own. Not hard to do. Simply melt and mix beeswax(Not paraffin), plus either salt free lard, or tallow(Any tallow works) together, in about a 50/50 mix. The end result is a cheap and reliable bp lube.
It bears mentioning that, if your lead bullets are already lubed with smokeless powder lube, that lube will have to be removed first, before applying the new bp lube. In which case, simply heat the bullets to the point where the lube will wipe off easily, then re-apply new lube. I usually just dump them into hot water, let soak for a couple of minutes, then wipe off. Can get a bit messy, but works well.
To re-apply the new lube: I like to run a little lube into the lube groove with my finger. To avoid some of the mess, you can also use a small, flat applicator, ie: popsicle stick, plastic knife, or small, stiff brush, to apply lube. . Then, run the bullet through a sizing die(Lee sizer works very well). Will have to hone out closest diameter Lee sizer to get correct sizing for .41 Colt. Not hard to do. Or, if you own a Lyman 45, 450, or 4500 lubrisizer.....order from Old West Bullet Molds....noted below.
Of course, when loading with smokeless powder, no change in lube is necessary.
Kind of a windy treatise. But, hope some of this helps.
Al
ps: * Lee scoops come in handy for this task. The Lee scoops come graduated in cubic centimetres. 1 cc is approximately 15.4 grains. Use this as a rough guide, when selecting the scoop that most closely matches the volume of your powder charge. Works well, and easy to calculate.
Remember: Always think of volume. Not grains.
Additional info: If you cast your own....For 41 Colt bullet molds, bullet sizing dies, top punches, etc. , this is a good site to visit: Old West Bullet Molds. Should have everything you need. Will ship to Canada(With exception of bullets)
