Conversion cylinders for 1858Rem?

[Driftwood Johnson]

Was not intending to imply TB was a BP or BP sub, and don't think I did

No, you did not.

However it sounded to me that Ooohrah was making the classic error of thinking Trail Boss is a BP substitute by asking if it smokes and stating that was a prerequisite. I have heard this so many times on so many boards, I have also read people erroneously stating that Trail Boss is a BP Sub. I wanted to nip it in the bud and explain in no uncertain terms that Trail Boss is not a BP Substitute.

 

[Oohrah!]

I had never heard of TB, so I was just curious. I like the smoke and noise, so I will stay with BP or sub. I have a conversion cylinder, but haven't started loading yet (just got my mold).

So, Driftwood, for the larger cases, can you do a cornmeal/BP mix to get the powder compression but a lighter load?

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

So, Driftwood, for the larger cases, can you do a cornmeal/BP mix to get the powder compression but a lighter load?

No, you do not 'mix' the powder with the filler. You load the powder, then if you want filler you pour the filler in on top. When you seat the bullet you will actually be compressing the filler, not so much the powder. Compressed powder does not compress evenly for its entire depth, what actually happens is the top 1/8" or so gets compressed, forming a 'crust', the rest of the powder is basically uncompressed. If you ever have need to pull the bullet from a compressed load you will observe this. To empty the powder out of the case, you pick through the crust with a pointy tool, then the rest of the powder falls out. With filler, only the filler at the top actually gets compressed, the powder remains pretty much uncompressed, although it is solidly stacked in the case.

I gave up loading filler in BP cartridges years ago. Just too much extra work, not worth the effort. You have to measure out the powder and you have to measure out the filler too. Simply measuring the powder is simpler. For less recoil, go to a lighter bullet, or substitute a cartridge case with less powder capacity such as 45 Schofield instead of 45 Colt.

However, make note of what I said elsewhere. A lighter bullet may actually not extend as far into the cartridge case, meaning you are actually increasing the powder capacity. Use my 'little stick' method to determine the proper amount of powder for each cartridge/bullet combination.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Good insights on Trail Boss DJ. Thanks.

 

[Oohrah!]

Appreciate you taking the time to detail this out. Still a newb at this.

 

[44 Dave]

I use Trail Boss when loading smokeless, It is little doughnut shapes and takes more space/gr. but not volume replacement for black powder. Was using Unique but for light loads it doesn't burn clean.
Just ordered $200 of black powder today, most of my shooting is wilt it.