I have an original antike damastus handpistol. The caliber is .615 It's a smooth bore (Not rifled!)
Can someone tell me what the starting loads are and what the maximum load is with blackpowder. Because it's very old I am afraid to blow it up.
Greetings Hendrik

I'd think like that myself if I was in your shoes. Before I'd suggest an answer to your question, I have a few for you. Has the gun been thoroughly examined by a competent gunsmith? You say "antike", and I assume you mean antique, as in old relic. It may have value well beyond its old appearance, has it been appraised? Wouldn't you hate to destroy an old pistol worth $5,000 or more dollars just to shoot it once?

Please do not misunderstand my questions, as I shoot old damascus guns myself, even with (GASP!) smokeless powder. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about this, and I have had more than a few I don't or didn't shoot for various reasons. They are a joy to use, and I often think I'm an Army of one in this regard. Tell us a little about the gun. Maker, place of origin, markings, and CONDITION etc. If you can download a photo it might help.