1861 Springfield load questions

[bernie]

I am curious about the loads that the soldiers of the War of Northern Agression used in the 1861 Springfields. How many grains of powder were generally used per load. I have looked for this information, but not had any luck finding it.

 

[72coupe]

60 grains of FF under a minie ball with a musket cap was the standard load.

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

You must be referring to the American Civil War, the one that started just after the election of Abraham Lincoln and Started with the Bombardment of Fort Sumpter.

I think a common load was "Buck and Ball", If in a smooth Bore. Rifles use minie balls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_and_ball
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_ball

(We wouldn't continue to argue about it with you, if you just promise to take us with you next time!)

 

[bernie]

Thanks for the 60 grain answer, I always assumed it was a heavier charge.

If I may drift my own thread a little bit, while the Fort Sumter affair is generally recognized as starting the war, as an Arkansan I must point out that Arkansas State Troops siezed the Federal Armory in Little Rock, AR prior to that!

 

[Ohio Gun Guy]

John Brown's raid was almost a year prior I believe.

It was something that was just going to happen.

 

[junkman_01]

John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, VA was October 16, 1859.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p1550.html