.32 Caliber Cherokee

[Lightfighter10]

Just picked up a .32 cal TC Cherokee, really just wanted the barrel as I have a .45 as well. Wondered what loads are recommended, I have .311 round balls, .15 patches, and Pyrodex P. I have been plinking with 15 grains, but would like a load range, and what others have found most accurate in this rifle. Thank you for your consideration.

 

[D. Buck Stopshere]

Best thing to do is work up a load, starting at 15 grains, and increasing the load in five grain increments. You probably won't need more than 35 grains for a suitable hunting load if that much. I'd be thinking 25-30 grains.

Accuracy may improve if you try using .315 RB & .015" patches. Its a tighter fit, but for target work it will be hard to beat. Your .311 RB will be easier to load and reload, especially for hunting them varmints like rabbit and squirrel.

Of course, GOEX or Swiss FFFG black powder tops Pyrodex for gut accuracy, but they are hard to obtain for some folks, driving a couple of hours to pick up a pound of black.

I would recommend buying a 1/4" stainless steel range rod ( about a foot longer than barrel) for loading either or both round ball sizes. Leave the wood ramrod in the stock.

Some folks wanting to increase the weight of the Cherokee will replace the factory rod with a stainless steel or brass rod with or without a jag to add ounces to the barrel weight and balance.

Hope this helps.

 

[D. Buck Stopshere]

Looking at my copy of the Gun Digest, "Blackpowder Loading Manual, Expanded 3rd Edition", the range of charges, using GOEX FFFG, was from 10 grains (1120 FPS MV/ 125 FP ME) up to 50 grains [Not Recommended, but safe to shoot in the Cherokee] (2016 FPS MV/ 406 FP ME).

They noted that 10 grain load enabled the owner to get 700 rounds per pound, again with GOEX. It is especially accurate with 20 grains, using a Hornady .310 RB & .010" patch. Both loads are great for small-game hunting at close ranges.

The 30 grain load is the "optimum" load (1871 FPS MV/ 350 FP ME) . The 50 grain load was not as accurate.

A 40 grain load (1919 FPS MV/368 FP ME) is ideal for turkey in states that allow rifle for taking such game at 20 to 50 yards.

The 24" Cherokee barrel has a 1:30" twist with .006" grooves.

"FPS MV" is "Feet Per Second Muzzle Velocity". "FP ME" is "Foot Pounds Muzzle Energy".

Hope this helps.

Buck

 

[Prairie Dawg]

Here's the T/C manual:
www.dakotaskipper.net/ebay/Shooting_TC_Side_Lock_Black_Powder_Guns.pdf

If you are going to hunt anything large, like turkeys, I would suggest a .32 Maxiball.
Very accurate in my Cherokee and lots more mass to take down larger animals.
--Dawg

 

[bubba15301]

mine likes 40 gr of pyrodex p and a .310 rb .015 patch

 

[PapaG]

.315 ball, .008 indian head linen, and 30 gr fffg works great in mine.