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Black Powder Load Question

fourdees
A few weeks back, I asked some general questions about blackpowder shooting. It was suggested that I get a copy of Sam Fadala's Blackpowder Handbook of which I did. A great read and lots of information, but no load data. I have looked in several other blackpowder books at the local gunshop but still no data on my rifle. I sent an email to the manufacturer...two weeks later they asked for my serial number...three weeks later I am still waiting.

The rifle is an Investarm SPA .54 Cal (I believe it is the same rifle Cabelas was selling as a Hawken. It has a 28 inch bbl (1 in 48 twist)and it is a percussion.

Do any of you have a book with load data for this rifle in it? If so, can I get the name of the publication or the data?

I am itchin' to shoot... Thanks in advance.

fourdees1@hotmail.com

Fourdees
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    Shooting a .55 Harper/Eaton with a Bosca Barrel, 1 in 48 twist, Under Hammer Bench Rifle, I used 70 grains of 2FFG Dupont Black Powder..I was able to set a New Mexico Black Powder Shoot State Record with a 50x4x's at 100 Yards back in 74...and an Arizona record of 50x5x's in 1975...my suggestion to you is to Start at 50 Grains of 2FFG Black Powder and work up a Load that shoots a consistantly Good Group! If Your shooting Pyrodex or anyother of the Makers of Imitation Black Powder's...Then follow the manufactures recommendation...! I don't care one whit what someone says about shooting a specific Powder load...Its the Group that your Rifle shoots with the load YOU have madeup by Trial and Error...A serious BP Shooter will take His/Her time and workup a Good load and sometimes take several Weeks to do it!..I wish You well in your endeavor.........

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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  • He Dog
    Fadala also wrote the Black Powder Loading Manual, published by Lyman. Here is one possible source for the third edition:
    http://www.rayrilingarmsbooks.com/cgi-bin/rrb455.cgi/807.html

    He Dog
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  • fourdees
    Thanks for the responses. I believe Sam's Blackpowder Reloading Manual was one of the books I looked at and this brand was not covered.

    I did manage to get some .54 data for another rifle so I guess that is my starting point. Some books disagree on powder loads. One recommended starting with the same grains as the caliber and then slowly adding until unburned powder is expelled from the barrel...another book says DO NOT do this method...use the manufacturers load data. Problem with too many books...like too many chefs!

    Captian Kirk, thanks for the suggestion...one of the .54 cal loads called for 70 grains.

    Again, thanks for sharing your expertise!

    Fourdees
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  • Throckmorton
    http://www.reloadammo.com/
    Give this site a looksee,might be somethng for ya in there.

    Throckmortons' the alias,cas is the game.
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