How much powder?

[Bob Dwyer]

Hi, gents. How much powder should I expect to use in my Pietta 1860 Army? The gent that sold it to me gave me a pound and a half of Pyrodex P. What would be a good starting load, and should there  be a do not exceed load for this gun? Thanks
Bob

[Hawg]

Steel frame 30-35 grains. brass frame 15-20 grains max. You're not going to overload a steel frame with bp or subs.

[Bob Dwyer]

Steel frame 30-35 grains. brass frame 15-20 grains max. You're not going to overload a steel frame with bp or subs.

Thanks, Hawg.
Bob

[Captainkirk]

Hawg nailed it (as usual). Basically, you can't overload a steel framed gun with BP or subs to do any damage. Your accuracy may suffer, and if the ball protrudes even a smidge you'll lock it up.

[Bob Dwyer]

Thank you gents

[Lyle]

The link below lists various loads for 36 and 44. Notice the velocity difference with the same charge just using a larger diameter ball.

http://poconoshooting.com/blackpowderballistics.html

[Bob Dwyer]

I'm finding 28-30 grains to be my most accurate load.
Bob

[ssb73q]

Hi Bob, yes, 30gr in a .44 is the preferred loading, Colt or Remington.

Regards,
Richard

[Bob Dwyer]

Hi Bob, yes, 30gr in a .44 is the preferred loading, Colt or Remington.

Regards,
Richard

Thank you Richard! You guys are really helpful on this forum. I've been on other before where old timers make you feel like an idiot for asking a simple question.
Bob