Am I overloading my .44?

[Tower75]

Hi guys,

I own a - new to me - .44 Pietta "Colt" Army cap 'n' ball revolver. Took her down the range the other week and had a ball with it. I was using 30 grains, a beeswax wad and a .451 ball.

I just happened to look at the Pietta website the other day and their site states I shouldn't put anymore then 15 grains in a chamber!

I've been loading double that.

I'm not intentionally trying to blow myself up, in fact, I thought 30 grains was avarage - I know people that stick more than that in - should I knock the charge down to 15 grains, or am I safe to still load 30?

Regards
T

[Doz]

It's a lot more than I use, but a lot depends on the type of powder and the distance you're shooting. Not to mention whether or not you prefer spectacle over accuracy!

This is worth a look: http://www.mlagb.com/shooting/pistol/2002loads.pdf

Edit: It's also worth bearing in mind that black powder and it's substitutes (Pyrodex etc.) are supposed to be measured volumetrically rather than by weight. In practice I don't know how much difference this makes, but that's the official line!

[Steve]

I've got a Uberti 44 'Remington' and have gone upto 30 grains with no problems.20 grains however is the more accurate load over 25mtrs.

Edited to add-this is with fine black powder.

[alan108]

When I had my Uberti .44, I loaded 25gns of Hodgdon 777 fffg with no problems, (easier to clean than black powder). Fairly accurate over 25 yards,and great fun,so much so that i've joined a club and as soon as i'm a FULL member it's off to buy a couple more pistols.

Alan :)

[Tower75]

...Not to mention whether or not you prefer spectacle over accuracy!

I'm just looking to keep the Rebs and Indians away!

I was at 25 yards. Accuracy wasn't bad, considering. I even managed to hit a 500ml empty water-bottle... somehow.

But thanks for the info, guys

[Doz]

I'm just looking to keep the Rebs and Indians away!

They'll be creepin' up on ya through the smoke!

[Sim G]

They'll be creepin' up on ya through the smoke!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Now that, made me laugh!

[Tower75]

Why do you think I carry a cavarly sabre?

[Steve]

I've got a Uberti 44 'Remington' and have gone upto 30 grains with no problems.20 grains however is the more accurate load over 25mtrs.

Edited to add-this is with fine black powder.

Thought i might as well update this.

As im an RCO and keyholder i went to the range other day with a friend to try some different loads.I tried 35 grains of black powder and although my shots went high along with lots of smoke,huge theatrical muzzle flash,fair bit of recoil-the gun handled it.The cylinder was so full of powder i couldnt fit any packing agent in!

However,17 grains is by far the most accurate load...but not nearly as exciting. :lol:

[Dave 101]

I went to Roding armoury yesterday to pick up some ammo and the brothers had a cylinder well not a whole one , at least three quarters of it that someone had overstoked , or maybe put the wrong type of powder in , it was from a Colt .

Dave