New Kentucky 54 Cal Pistol

[Vaquero]

Hey Al what grain ball and powder?
I have a 54 cal Renegade, never shot a 54 Pistola.

RP

[BigAl52]

I use a .530 Hornady ball Randy. I think there around 230 gr. Powder I will use 3f Swiss probably about 30 gr of it. Need to play with the powder charge.

[PT7]

I use a .530 Hornady ball ... around 230 gr.

Found a shortcut formula for calculating the weight of a RB at http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/math.html, "The Mathematical Shooter" article:

Weight = 1502.6 x (Diameter x Diameter x Diameter)

As an example, here is the calc of Al's .530 RB.
W = 1502.6 × (0.530 x 0.530 x 0.530) = 223.7025802gr

I use .490 RB for my Trapper:
W = 1502.6 × (0.490 x 0.490 x 0.490) = 176.7793874gr

Lots of math info available in the article for shooters; numbers definitely are basic to the sport.
PT7

[BigAl52]

Thats way to much math for me PT around 230 sounds close enough.

[PT7]

Agreed, Al....way too much! Yet was cool to find a shortcut. Your "around 230 sounds close enough" is what I've read in individual articles, and what more is needed? Your Kentucky shoots a .530 which won't change. RB math is done.

Safe and happy shooting with that newbie.
PT7

[JEBar]

I use a .530 Hornady ball Randy. I think there around 230 gr. Powder I will use 3f Swiss probably about 30 gr of it. Need to play with the powder charge.

AL .... in our 50 cal TC Hawkin I used standard round balls pushed by FFF Blackpowder .... its been so many years since I fired it that I have no clue as to the powder charge used .... is there a source for such info ..

[BigAl52]

Jim
Theres no real chart for that, that I am aware of. TC did have some recommendation starting loads in the owners manuals. I typically start with a 2f charge of Swiss at 60 grains and they play with it from there to check accuracy. If I were to use 3f in a 50 which alot of people do I would back off of that by 10 grains and make my starting load 50 grains. Some shoot less some shoot more than that depending on distance and accuracy. I havent used alot of 3f in my rifles although alot of people do that to save buying 2 different powders. Swiss is also hotter and cleaner than the Goex powder.

[JEBar]

info appreciated .... I seem to remember an old standard that said up to twice the caliber .... for 50 caliber, 90 to 100 grains .... but don't have a clue if that is a solid recommendation or not .... all I've ever used is FFF black powder .... no experience whatsoever with FF or Pyrodex .... prior to reading your post I'd never heard of Swiss powder, I have no clue what it is

[BigAl52]

Swiss is just another brand of black. I have heard its better because of the wood they use to make it and its been very consistent over the years. Most people that have been around blackpowder for a longtime will tell you its the best and the most expensive. Goex now has one that supposed to be close called olde eynsford. Ive never used it and have always tuck with Swiss because of my past experience.

[JEBar]

info appreciated .... I have no clue what brand we used .... don't even know if the brand still exist .... do have a can or two back home, will have to look when we get back there