Cowboy Load generally refers to ammunition loaded with pure lead bullets and either smokeless powder, black powder or black powder substitutes that falls within pressure and velocity ranges found in non-magnum or +p loads. (Sometimes called standard velocity - whatever that means) Cowboy loads are not what is euphimistically refered to as "Mouse Phart" loads or "gamer" loads. SASS ammunition must meet velocity and power factor limitations to be legal for use. Cowboy loads are not:
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like mattel had a bunch of NOS fanner fifties they sold cheap.
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a load that will get a bullet of a given weight out of the barrel of a handgun or rifle and have it hit the target and make it bounce.
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when you compare the ballistics of cowboy ammunition, you NEED a lever gun to get the velocity and energy the normal HANDGUN load developed in 1880.
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cowboy loads are loaded to a lesser pressure for one or both of two reasons:
1) less chance of damaging the targets
2) allows for better control
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SASS Ammunition requirements are:
The minimum standard for center-fire smokeless ammunition used in all SASS matches
State, Regional, National, International, and World Championship Competitions is not less
than a minimum power factor of 60 and no velocity may be less than 400 fps. The maximum
velocity standard for revolvers is 1000 fps. The maximum velocity standard for rifles is 1400
fps. Pocket pistols, derringers, and long-range rifles are exempt from the power factor and
velocity requirements.
Power factors are simply calculated by multiplying the bullet weight times the velocity
and then the resulting number is divided by 1000. Some examples are as follows:
100 gr bullet traveling at 600 fps has a power factor of 60: (100x600)/1000=60.00
77 gr bullet traveling at 800 fps has a power factor of 61.6 (77x800)/1000=61.60
200 gr bullet traveling at 400 fps has a power factor of 80 (200x400)/1000=80.00
Commercial Cowboy Loads far exceed the minimum power factor.
Please, don't assume, don't guess, don't repeat uncertain facts. If you have't tried it, I cordially invite you to attend the next match near where you live. I'm certain you'll find it quite different than what you think.