I'm trying to work up some light smokeless loads to shoot in an original 1873 38-40 mfg 1890, using Buffalo arms 180 gr cast. I have Unique, but am puzzled by the wide range of data.
Lyman 44th manual lists under rifle w/172 cast 6.8 to max 10.2
pistol w/172 cast 7.2 to max 10
The Hornady 5th only lists pistol w/180 cast 4.3 to 6.2 max
Alliant shows a cowboy load w/180 cast 7.4 max
quite a broad range.
I loaded up six with 4.4 Unique and the 180 Buffalo I hope to try this afternoon. It doesn't look like a lot of powder in that case, and I start to wonder if it needs a filler? I just want to plink, or maybe shoot a close range coyote sometime.
Anyone have any experience with Unique in a 38-40 ?
Hodgdon sent me loads with Tite Group, Trail Boss, and Universal (I have Universal) with pressures from 7000 to 8200 PSI
Lots of people say use BP, and maybe I'll try it in warmer weather when I can clean it outside, too cold out now.
Thanks
