I have a shiloh Montana rough rider and I am a very experienced smokeless/modern loader. No experience with bp cartridge loading. I just made up some black loads.
I'm using 535 postell 459 and Swiss 1.5f I am seating to the front band, where the brass just covers the lube. I am compressing about 1/10 with a die and using a fiber wad. Powder is dropped thru a 24in drop tube.
According to my volume measure I am using 63 grains. Weight shows 61 grains. That's about all I can fit in unless I compress more.
Does that sound about right?
You'll need to fire them thru the rifle and let it and the target tell you whether or not its about right. That load might work well if the accuracy is there for sillhouette or midrange but the velocity might be a tad low to keep the bullet stable beyond that.
Pour the powder thru the funnel slowly it will settle more in the case than just dumping it.
Don't forget to use good fouling control between shots or you won't get much for accuracy.
Sounds as good as any other place to start. One might also sign into the Shiloh site.
Weather is better this week so I will get out and shoot and see how they do.
Shot my first black powder loads today. 3 touching at 50. About 2 inches at 100. I think my eyes are the limiting factor. I have mva sights on order, I hope they help. I was surprised, the 535 didn't kick as much as my 405 smokeless loads.
I think your on the right track with swiss 1.5 fg. Mb
68 yr Swiss compressed about .15. .74 3 shot group at 100
Pretty hard to beat that as long as it is repeatable on occaision.mb
Ya. I worry about my eyes more than anything else...
OP,
Years ago when I was heavily into BPCR matches I wrote an article on BP loading with the help of some guys on another forum. It ended up being printed in the Single Shot Exchange, so it was apparently "OK".
If you want, PM me with an Email address and I'll send you a copy.
Thanks, I'll take you up on that offer...