The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Just got my traditions trapper .50 cal percussion.

arcticap · December 17, 2018, 04:24 PM

I looked up Maryland's BP pistol and revolver deer hunting regulations and thought that they would serve as a good reference since the state has a wide variety of deer sizes.

Muzzle Loader Pistols and C&B Revolvers require a 6 inch barrel or more of at least .40 caliber, must use 40 grains of black powder or equivalent:--->>> http://www.eregulations.com/maryland...earms-airguns/

The Traditions Trapper can certainly be loaded with more than 30 grains of 3F powder.
Their sidelock rifle/pistol manual clearly states that it can be loaded with 45 grains of 3F which is a conservative load:--->>>[SEE PAGE 48] https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/d...1477335832.pdf

Many owner's manuals intentionally recommend much smaller than safe maximum powder charges.
I think it's because some people will load double powder charges in their gun and not realize it.
The Trapper has the same basic construction of their sidelock rifles except with a shorter barrel.
IMO the maximum powder charge that's listed is significantly under the actual safety threshold for that pistol.

Where did you read 30 grains 3F maximum, in their revolver manual?
That's quite understandable if you clicked on the wrong link to download it from their website.

December 17, 2018, 04:24 PM	#7
arcticap Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2005 Location: Central Connecticut Posts: 3,166	I looked up Maryland's BP pistol and revolver deer hunting regulations and thought that they would serve as a good reference since the state has a wide variety of deer sizes. Muzzle Loader Pistols and C&B Revolvers require a 6 inch barrel or more of at least .40 caliber, must use 40 grains of black powder or equivalent:--->>> http://www.eregulations.com/maryland...earms-airguns/ The Traditions Trapper can certainly be loaded with more than 30 grains of 3F powder. Their sidelock rifle/pistol manual clearly states that it can be loaded with 45 grains of 3F which is a conservative load:--->>>[SEE PAGE 48] https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/d...1477335832.pdf Many owner's manuals intentionally recommend much smaller than safe maximum powder charges. I think it's because some people will load double powder charges in their gun and not realize it. The Trapper has the same basic construction of their sidelock rifles except with a shorter barrel. IMO the maximum powder charge that's listed is significantly under the actual safety threshold for that pistol. Where did you read 30 grains 3F maximum, in their revolver manual? That's quite understandable if you clicked on the wrong link to download it from their website. Last edited by arcticap; December 17, 2018 at 06:59 PM.