Amount of black powder for a .45

Calebd2 · January 9, 2010, 04:55 PM

Hello,

I am a new black powder shooter and had a question on proper load amount.
I received a .45 black powder pistol from someone. I have a decent collection of firearms, but have never shot black powder. I acquired all the necessary equipment for it, however I have been unable to locate information on how much black powder I should be using to load it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

ClemBert · January 9, 2010, 04:58 PM

Don't you suppose it might be helpful if you clued us as to what kind of black powder pistol you have. Not every .45 BP pistol is the same.

simonkenton · January 9, 2010, 04:59 PM

I'm assuming this is a cap and ball pistol.
Is it brass framed, or steel framed?

No more than 22 grains if brass.
If steel, you can use 28 to 30 grains, no problem.

Use fffg powder.
Have fun!!

kwhi43 · January 9, 2010, 06:59 PM

I'm assuming this is a single shot pistol. 20 grs. of FFF Black Powder would do. 30 grs, if you can hold it and shoot it well.

January 9, 2010, 04:55 PM	#1
Calebd2 Junior Member Join Date: January 9, 2010 Posts: 1	Amount of black powder for a .45 Hello, I am a new black powder shooter and had a question on proper load amount. I received a .45 black powder pistol from someone. I have a decent collection of firearms, but have never shot black powder. I acquired all the necessary equipment for it, however I have been unable to locate information on how much black powder I should be using to load it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

January 9, 2010, 04:58 PM	#2
ClemBert Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 936	Don't you suppose it might be helpful if you clued us as to what kind of black powder pistol you have. Not every .45 BP pistol is the same.

January 9, 2010, 04:59 PM	#3
simonkenton Senior Member Join Date: April 25, 2008 Posts: 891	I'm assuming this is a cap and ball pistol. Is it brass framed, or steel framed? No more than 22 grains if brass. If steel, you can use 28 to 30 grains, no problem. Use fffg powder. Have fun!!

January 9, 2010, 06:59 PM	#4
kwhi43 Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2008 Location: Kansas City Posts: 1,393	I'm assuming this is a single shot pistol. 20 grs. of FFF Black Powder would do. 30 grs, if you can hold it and shoot it well.