blackpowder pistol load
I have been given a single shot .69 cal flintlock pistol, together with the necessary flints, bullets, patches, black powder for priming and a new jar of Pyrodex RS. The problem is I have no idea how much to charge the pistol with. I'll be mixing the Pyrodex with 5% fffg black powder as per instructions on the label. What's a good safe starting load?
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Pyrodex does not work well in flint guns, too slow a burn rate. Find some 1fg or 2fg black powder (GOEX site for nearest dealer) you can use the 1fg or 2fg to prime the pan, try 45 grains to start with, a black powder basic instruction book is avaiable from either the NRA or the NMLRA.
good luck.0 -
RS I believe is a rifle formulated blackpowder substitute and performance will be poor.
There are pistol formulated substitutes, but, flint locks can still give ignition related problems unless you use a hybrid load of blackpowder and substitute.
As for a charge recommendation ... I recommend that you have the pistol checked over by a competent gunsmith before you use it, and in the process of having that done ask them about starting loads.
Without knowing the mfg. and condition of your pistol, and ball or projectile weight it would not be prudent to advise you on a charge weight.
Try your local library for intro level books on blackpowder shooting, there are several of which a couple are by Sam Fadala that I think are very good for the starting BP shooter.
Lastly, since a hybrid charge will be needed if you want to use a substitute and obtain optimium performance, cleaning will be the same as if you used straight blackpowder so you may want to consider just going with a quality blackpowder like Goex.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0 -
I also have 69 cal. Flinter. Like was mentioned above you will want to check the pistol thoroughly before firing, especially around the wrist. In big bore smoothies I always shoot 2fg in the bore and 4fg for the prime. A good start would be 45-50 grains. 0
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