Black powder cartridge rifle

[Robin]

It occurred to me that in my firearms technological evolution I skipped over something that I think would be interesting, and challenging. Reloading and shooting the single shot black powder cartridge rifle. I would like to keep the caliber in the .38-.40 range.
Any of you fellows have experience with this area of gunnery?
Robin

 

[SmallGameAddict]

Have you by chance read thru the appropriate section of "Cartridges of the World" to see what was once offered and get an idea of what interests you, versus what's actually available?

I'm assuming you're looking at a repro, seeing that authentic antique pieces are usually prohibitively expensive.

 

[SmallGameAddict]

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That's pretty cool, and a real nice looking rifle.

 

[Robin]

Research is half the fun. I have read a considerable amount on the subject, that is how it always starts, hah! Yeah, reproductions is the only way I can get into this fascinating subject. These days I am more enamored with the smaller calibers like the .38-55, or .40-50 (both of which are fully capable of taking deer or bear) and feel no need for a stiff recoil to verify that I have pulled the trigger, plus the smaller calibers are available, not as easily found as the venerable .45-70 or the .50-140, ouch, but still around!
Robin

 

[SmallGameAddict]

Research is half the fun. I have read a considerable amount on the subject, that is how it always starts, hah! Yeah, reproductions is the only way I can get into this fascinating subject. These days I am more enamored with the smaller calibers like the .38-55, or .40-50 (both of which are fully capable of taking deer or bear) and feel no need for a stiff recoil to verify that I have pulled the trigger, plus the smaller calibers are available, not as easily found as the venerable .45-70 or the .50-140, ouch, but still around!
Robin

Interesting! Please post as you progress. I've never actually done it, but considered and researched more than once. What ultimately stopped me was reloading the cases. Even with the proper reloading tools for handling black powder, safety is a little dicey.

 

[Robin]

I don't see any issue, safety or otherwise. Learning the proper techniques in the reloading process to wring out the most accuracy possible is the challenge.
Robin

 

[SmallGameAddict]

Ultimately I suppose it's no riskier than adding gas to the tank in my tractor.

 

[Jsmegs77]

Years ago, when I went to the range in Calverton (LI) with my grandfather, there was a gentleman a few benches over shooting a Remington rolling block and reloading his (single) shell casing from a blackpowder flask. Never forgot that...

 

[meketrefe]

It occurred to me that in my firearms technological evolution I skipped over something that I think would be interesting, and challenging. Reloading and shooting the single shot black powder cartridge rifle. I would like to keep the caliber in the .38-.40 range.
Any of you fellows have experience with this area of gunnery?
Robin

I dont reload black powder because it can be filthy but you have a huge ramge of options and they do not have to be single shot but you cand doit with many conventional cartriges and bolt action, pump or lever guns that are lighter, more versatile and stronger.
You can reload the 44mag with black powder if you want it doesnt have to be a 45 70 only.
Even a 357 mag. It all depends on the gun and what you want to do with it.
If you like to tinker you can reload with paper, carboard or wood wads and also try round balls and even make bird shot shells ifor a 44mag or 45.

 

[Acer-m14]

few yrs ago i got some info and loaded up some 12ga hulls with black powder and a oz of shot .. then went to the skeet shoot .. i hit the clays but the convo after that was fun ..

 

[Robin]

Yeah I understand that Mek, but in my climb up the evolutionary ladder of firearms I like to stay as traditional as possible. I started with making my own archery equipment, went to the flintlock, made a few cap locks, skipped to the bolt action, and then these modern AR type guns. The BPCR is interesting to me and closes the gap.
Robin

 

[meketrefe]

few yrs ago i got some info and loaded up some 12ga hulls with black powder and a oz of shot .. then went to the skeet shoot .. i hit the clays but the convo after that was fun ..

A nice practical joke in skeet is to load a few with blackpowder, shorten the wad and also conpress.some confetty betwen the wad and shot so when a friend asks you for a spare shell you give them one of those. Lol

 

[SmallGameAddict]

Actually, I'd love to have the rifle I posted. 38-55 is a decent cartridge for deer and black bear. Bit of a rainbow trajectory @ distance, but known for excellent accuracy.
Buddy of mine has a Win 94 chambered for it, was his grandfather's.
I'd prob load smokeless, but it'd sure be fun to use.
Can't make it a financial priority right now. I do enough nickel and diming when I should be 100% focused on the savings account, if we ever want to get outta NY.

Edit: you don't find 38-55 cases everyday, but if I remember correctly, easily formed from 30-30 brass.

 

[Robin]

They are readily available from a few sources.
Robin