Indiana Hunter 50 cal.

[handgun357]

I have a Traditions Indiana Hunter 50 cal.
I would like to know what charge of powder and what projectile would be best for this single shot black powder pistol. Any help would be appreciated........Thanks.....

 

[4V50 Gary]

Using a patched .490 round ball, I'd start with:

20 grains FFF. Fire five shots and wipe between shots. Clean out barrel after 5th shot and then try

25 grains FFF. Same procedure as before, and then

30 grains FFF, etc., 35 grains FFF and if the mfg uppper limits allow it, 40 grains FFF.

Bench rest all shots at 25 yards and make notes of each group. You're shooting for load development right now, not accuracy. You can adjust the sights (if any) later.

You may want to repeat the test with a different thickness patch or different size ball (like .495). Always take notes and mark down which one shoots the tightest group for that gun.