Newbie question about triple 7 and loads for Rem

[ChasMack]

I am new to BP and I bought a brand new Pietta Remington 1858 in .44 cal. The only store around here for 50 miles had some Hodgdon Triple 7 powder. The info that came with the pistol listed black powder and pyrodex along with suggested loads. What is the Hodgden then? I don't want max loads right now if ever. Where would I find load info for this pistol? Thanks for any help!

Chuck

 

[45-70 Ranger]

There are many threads here on this forum covering this powder. Also, go to the Hodgdon site and find their ML loading data. This powder is much hotter than BP,and thus you will need to use much less of it. Burns clean and your wepon will have less fouling with lighter loads.

Just go to the search area on THR's toolbar. It's all there.

Good luck with your weapon,

Wade

 

[mykeal]

What is the Hodgden then?

Hodgdon is the manufacturer of Pyrodex and Triple 7; they also recently bought Goex, a major manufacturer of real black powder.

Pyrodex is a synthetic black powder substitute; it weighs slightly less than real black powder, so loads must be specified in grains of volume rather than grains of weight. Pyrodex P is a pistol powder generally 1:1 by volume equivalent to FFFG real black powder; Pyrodex RS is a rifle powder generally 1:1 by volume equivalent to FFG real black powder.

Triple 7 is also a synthetic black powder substitute which is roughly 15% hotter than real black powder, again by grains of volume. It comes in FFG and FFFG granulations like real black powder. Triple 7 also weighs less than real black powder so any comparison must be by grains of volume. To get the same performance as a given load of real black powder you must use 15% less Triple 7 by volume; that is, for a load of 30 grains by volume of real black powder, use 30 * .85 = 25 grains of the same granulation of Triple 7.

One word of caution with Triple 7: it does not like heavy compression and will give inconsistent results if highly compressed. You should use enough force to ensure the ball is seated on the powder and no more.

As far as a load for a .44 1858 Remington New Army, anything in the range of 20 to a max of 35 grains by volume of real black powder will suffice. The best load is up to you to determine for your gun.

 

[ChasMack]

Thanks for the feedback! You guys are a big help I wanted real black powder but it looks like I'll have to send for it and or wait for my dealer to get a order together so I can avoid a bid hazmat fee. Thanks again!
Chuck

 

[Fingers McGee]

Here's the link to the Hodgdon load data.

http://www.hodgdon.com/PDF/muzzleloading_manual_2008.pdf?CHECKBOX_1=on

The cap and ball data is at the bottom of the page.

Have fun