Same loads in Traditions 50 cal Kentucky rifle and in Pistol?

CRAZYLOCH

CRAZYLOCH

CGN frequent flyer
Rating - 98.3%
57   1   0
Location
604 Canuckistan
Curious, I own both Kentucky pistol and rifle from Traditions, both shoot great, both 50 cal, but i notice the hardware and all is the SAME in both firearms (barrel size, locks, etc).

So really the only ONLY noticible difference is the length of the barrel.

My question: Kentucky rifle can be loaded to 110 grains of BP (real) the Pistol is stated at 55gr BP.

Technically if i load both ffg only, ( and i do, works just fine in the pistol) can i not load a higher load in the pistol since the hardware is the same?

I can only think maybe the 10" barrel is too short and may not be long enough to burn all the BP? Can someone give me your opinions? It feel like saying a 2" revolver has to shoot a lighter load than a 6" revolver....hmmm :confused:
 
No. BP is loaded in grains, but by volume. Has no comparison to smokeless. BP handguns don't shoot the same bullet weights as rifles either.
Lymans BP Handbook and Loading Manual has BP handgun loads.
 
The Black Powder Loading Manual by Sam Fadala has listings for a .50 cal. Traditions Trapper pistol. He recommends 20 to 45 grs FFFg or 45 grs Pyrodex P with a .490 patched round ball.
He has loads for many black powder pistols and the highest load is 60 grs of FFg for the big .58 cal. Harpers Ferry pistol.

You may not blow up your pistol with the heavier loads but you could do damage to the wood. In the short barrel you are not going to be burning all the powder of a heavier load.
 
I use the same Ball since in both, and Black Powder is loaded in Grains. As per the manufactuers manual and all my time shooting.

I only use real black powder (usually ffg by the way. Am i correect? :)
 
It's more about the lighter pistol wacking :HR:you in the head with each shot because of the heavier recoil and the waste of the extra BP being pushed out the shorter pistol barrel that its advised to use less powder.The weight of the unburnt BP being pushed out adds recoil same as the ball being shot and yes the stocks are lighter with less support for the barrel so it may break or crack.
 
I have a 45 cal pistol, and it gets it's best accuracy using an empty 9mm case which IIRC is about 17 grains. I would suggest starting at 25 grains and work up a few grains, then check to see what your best group is.
Cheers nessy
 
That little pistol would buck out of your hands, and you would have a large quantity of unburnt powder cast ahead of you. If you doubt that, fire any muzzloader over a fresh blanket of snow with a max load of loose powder.
 
OK, Thank you for the info, I was just curious. now i wonder where i can get a flint lock to replace the p-capp lock with lol. What can i say, i am going for the full Jack Sparrow look LOL... AAArrrrr.
 
Assuming you shoot RB's in both guns, and are loading for best accuracy, rather than highest possible muzzle velocities, you should find 80 - 100 gr FFG work best in the rifle and 20 - 45 gr best in the pistol. Most rifled pistol barrels have a much faster rate of twist than corresponding rifles so can spin the ball adequately with less muzzle velocity. The reduced charge is no real handicap with pistols because they aren't intended for shooting past about 50 yd anyway. Also, the reduced recoil is a bonus and conducive to accuracy. As was noted, heavy loads simply waste the excess powder by blowing out the muzzle.
 
I have a lyman plains pistol 50 cal and have shoy 50 cal minni's and 80 grs FF just for fun feels like a 44 mag going off .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom