I know you will ask " WHY " but I'm an Odd guy any way. I think its safe as the old shells used BP but just to be safe I want to ask, how much and what type, FFF-FF ? And what primmer ? And I would be use'n 250 gr swaged wheelwaights.

Short44,

The 44 Spec never was a BP round, the older 44 Russian was BP. How ever, there is no reason not to load up some BP Specals. Use Goex fffg or the new "Cowboy" powders. Blackpowder should be lightly compressed under the bullet.(1/8") The right bullet lube is very important to keep the powder fouling soft, SPG will be the easiest to find. Any large pistol primer will do.

Have fun,

Hog Killer

Just don't forget to clean gun and the brass with hot soapy water or a good black powder cleaner.

Short44, There are a couple of other things to keep in mind. First, you may want to try Pyro. P since it will foul your bbl. less. Also, you'll need a medium-heavy crimp to help ignition and possibly mag. primers as well. (Try it both ways.) Moreover, you should be using softer CB's: Swaged wheelweights, if that's what they are, may be too hard to properly obturate to fit your throat & bore. Lastly, CB's used with BP or BP substitutes require a different lube, one which will keep the fouling (Yes, even with Pyrodex.) in check. ...Maven

Paul is spot on, SPG lube works great on keeping the fouling soft. I use mag primers & a good crimp. Just fill the case so you can compress the load, NO AIRSPACE. Clean thoroughly after shooting. Make sure to clean your empty brass after shooting as well. I used to carry a plastic container half filled w/ soapy water & drop my fired cases in @ the end of the days shooting, shake them up, rinse them in hot water & let them dry.

Thanks guys, I'll get some FFF and wheelwaight bullets and try this, mostly for fun you know, the smoke show, and clean real good after.

I loaded up some 44 Mag cases with FFFg black for fun a time or two. It was kind of interesting, but then I gave up on it. Too much trouble to clean the gun up afterwards.

quote:

Originally posted by The Maz:
I loaded up some 44 Mag cases with FFFg black for fun a time or two. It was kind of interesting, but then I gave up on it. Too much trouble to clean the gun up afterwards.

Yup, I agree with Maz, did the same thing. derf