New Black Powder Shooter

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18 July 2021, 15:40

CFBguns44

New Black Powder Shooter

Hi guys,
I'm very new to black powder cartridge shooting and I recently acquired an old winchester lever in .44-40. When looking to reload, what is a good starter powder and where's the best place to get lead for those? I understand that things might be hard to find right now, but any advice would be appreciated!

18 July 2021, 23:42

cal pappas

I shoot FFFg and IMR 4198. 40% of the original black powder load in 4198 equals original pressures and ballistics.

Lead? Are you looking for lead bullets or do yo cast? If you cast I have a ton of lead in one pound ingots: about half soft lead and half in wheel weights. I may have bullets and brass but will have to look.
Cal

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Cal Pappas, Willow, Alaska
www.CalPappas.com
www.CalPappas.blogspot.com
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20 July 2021, 18:43

CFBguns44

Interesting. I'll have to look at smokeless powder then.
As far as bullets, I'd be looking at lead right now, but buying them as I don't have the molds or any of the other equipment. If you'd have brass, I'd be interested in looking at it.

21 July 2021, 07:07

loud-n-boomer

Before you go too far down the smokeless road, is your Winchester an 1873 or an 1894. There is a significant strength difference between the two. In an 1873, and assuming it is in good condition, I would stick to light smokeless loads if you choose not to go the black powder route. I shoot a lot of black powder and don't find cleaning to be any big deal, as long as you do it the same day as you were shooting.

One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas. How he got into my pajamas I'll never know. - Groucho Marx

21 July 2021, 09:12

cal pappas

CFB:
PM me your phone or email. I have a fair amount of bullets and brass for the 44-40. I am planning to take themn to a gun show this weekend.

Your 1873 is not as strong as the model 1892 (not the 1894--that was a typo above)but it is easy to load smokeless to black powder energy ande pressure levels by the formula I noted above.

If I hear from you I will make a count of exactly what I have.
Cal

PS. Also brass and bullets is readily available--search the net.

22 July 2021, 07:38

loud-n-boomer

Cal, thanks for catching the typo. That is what I get for answering posts too late at night!

In pistol cartridges I would use FFg or FFFg black powder. Make sure to use a bullet lube formulated for black powder cartridges. I use SPG for my bullets with excellent results. I personally stay away from the black powder substitutes.