Charge range for Colt 1860 Army?

[jphendren]

What is the correct powder charge range for an Colt 1860 Army? Min to Max. I've read that too stiff of a charge can stretch the frame and crush the wedge, what is a good charge of Swiss FFFg to stay below to prevent this?

Jared

 

[mykeal]

You can fill the chambers (probably about 40 gr FFFg) on an 1860 Army without damaging the gun. Accuracy will be poop, but it'll make lots of boom and smoke. Min charge is probably about 15 gr. I'm assuming the use of a lubed felt wad here, which takes up a few ci's, and no filler. You can actually load and shoot less than 15 gr but you will need to use some filler (corn meal) in order to get the ball to seat on the powder with the loading rod. Either that or use a loading stand.