Happy to move this question to another forum if needed but thought I'd start here.

I have a new-to-me double rifle in 43 Mauser and was able to get 20 loaded black powder rounds and 40 empty cases before they sold out. I have reloaded for one double rifle (9x57R) in the past and several other cartridges over the years, have zero experience reloading black powder and am not an expert by any means.

I have no problem learning to load black powder but would like to try smokeless with some Dacron filler. Cartridges of the World, DGJ and doublegunshop have a few suggestions for smokeless for 43 Mauser and they all seem to reference IMR 4198 only, roughly 34 grains. Like all powder these days IMR 4198 has been tough to find, but looks like there may be some in stock here and there.

I do have: IMR 4895, H 414, H 4895, Ramshot TAC, WINCHESTER 296, H 335 and Reloader 22.

Does anyone have safe, 'do no harm' advice for using any of the other powders above? I'm in no rush and want to do this right and can wait until some IMR 4198 lands on the door step. Happy to jump into the black powder world if that's the way to go.

Would appreciate any advice from the group. Thanks

First, the disclaimers. I do not load nitro-for-black and I am not familiar with the 11x60 chambering. But looking at Graeme Wright's book that does include a chapter on loading nitro-for-black, the powders he was using were IMR4198 and H4198 (using a starting load per the Ross Seyfried approach of 40-45% of the original black powder load), H4895 and IMR4895 and Varget. For the load information included in the book, the Varget loads seem to run ~25% heavier than the H4198 loads. Bottom line, while you would be extrapolating, might check out Chapter Six in Wright's book for some additional data points.

I echo what Mike said above. I've beeen loading nfb ammo for 30 years and always begin with 40% of the black powder charge with IMR 4198. Maybe move up a grain or a few but 40% has done it for me since the late 1980s.

I have an original 71 Mauser. I prefer using black. I have, however, successfully and safely used smokeless data from Hodgdon for 45-70 Springfield TRAPDOOR rifles to load the 11.60 (43) Mauser. They have data on their website that includes IMR 4895 and others.

Thank you all, really appreciate it. I'll get some IMR 4198 and look at the Hodgdon data as well.

As Mike and Cal have stated 40 % of IMR 4198 is the way to go. Also important is the case filler to take up the remaining 60%. Sherman Bell wrote an excellent article on this in the summer 2011 issue of "The Double Gun Journal" Also in the autumn 2005 issue he pressure tested powders, IMR 4198, 4064, 3031 and R-7. Both are "must have" references as is Graeme Wrights book. If you can't find copies PM me and I'll get them to you snail-mail.
Best

The article you refer to in the Autumn '05 issue, is it "Finding Out For Myself - Part X, by Sherman Bell"?

Another powder that works very well in "NfB" type loads is Accurate 5744. Very flexible, requires no filler and usually shoots well. The Accurate smokeless powder loading manual has quite a few loads for various older cartridges using 5744, as does Mike Venturino's "Shooting Lever Guns of the Old West".

I have used 5744 quite a bit with very good results. It does leave some unburnt powder in the barrel which is not a problem, and it performs best for me when the bullet is seated with a firm crimp. Not needing a filler is a real plus.

Also heartily second the recommendation for Graeme Wright's book "Shooting the British Double Rifle" as a gold mine for this sort of thing.

Jim, Yes that is correct, also the summer 2011 is Finding Out For Myself Part XVII.

In the late 1980s I used 5744 for my bpe and nfb loads. Then it went out of production for a decade or so and I switched to 4198. Never had a reason to go back as 4198 worked so well.

Thanks all! This is very helpful and think I found a few 1 pound bottles of 4198. The store took my money at least, but I trust retail inventory systems in the same way as I trust...well I don't trust them until it's in my hands.

Looking forward to getting started, have two shell holders, dies, a well used Rockchucker setup.

I have a load for that round using A 5744 that I will retrieve from my gunshop tomorrow. A5744 can be found.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I have a load for that round using A 5744 that I will retrieve from my gunshop tomorrow. A5744 can be found.

Thanks and I'll take it. Was able to get two one pound bottles of IMR 4198 in my possession - might have had to leave work early for 'an appointment' and drive a few hours but that's how components are these days.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
In the late 1980s I used 5744 for my bpe and nfb loads. Then it went out of production for a decade or so and I switched to 4198. Never had a reason to go back as 4198 worked so well.

cal,
Did you use fillers with your loads?

My load was:

385 gr Lead bullet

25g of A5744 NO filler

Rem 9 1/2

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
In the late 1980s I used 5744 for my bpe and nfb loads. Then it went out of production for a decade or so and I switched to 4198. Never had a reason to go back as 4198 worked so well.

cal,
Did you use fillers with your loads?

Yes. Just a square of toilet tissue roleld between the fingers and pushed into place with the eraser end of a pencil.

This has been very helpful, thanks all. I have a scattering of DGJs and may have the issues referenced. Bullets came in Saturday, have the powder, cases and buying Dacron today.

Now for primers, should have asked earlier. Ledvm, thanks for the load information and mention of a Remington 9 1/2. I think that's the equivalent of a CCI Large Rifle. I have CCI Small Rifle, Larger Rifle and 'enough' Federal Large Rifle Magnum.

Any comments or confirmation on Large Rifle primers?

Again, thank you all for the input and assistance. Hope to have this ready to roll for the fall. Haven't dropped anything with a DR for 20+ years.

I only use large rifle magnum just for the bit extra spark.

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
I only use large rifle magnum just for the bit extra spark.

Thanks Cal, appreciate this and will proceed accordingly.

Large Rifle or Large Rifle Magnum will work interchangeably for the A5744 load.