As to powder charges in a .36 caliber, I believe max is around 20-25 grains of Pyrodex "P" grade, depending on whether you are using a felt wad or not. Target load is about 15 grains coupled with cream of wheat, round ball, & grease on top.
In a .44 caliber, 30 to 35 grains is max depending on whether you are using a felt wad or not. Target load is 15 to 20 grains, coupled with choice of filler, ball, and grease.
In both calibers, the important thing about target loads is that the rammer is able to seat the ball on the reduced powder charge to compress the powder. Loose powder does not perform well.
In a target load, using a felt wad, you may be able to seat the ball firmly to compress the powder, depending on the load height in the cylinder. The felt wad is just a convenient substitute for grease over the top of the ball. Less mess and clean-up. Few competitors, however, use the wads because of the cost savings that grease provides.
Most of us here that shoot in NMLRA line target matches with revolvers, use cream of wheat or corn meal after the reduced powder charge so that the ball is seated just below the cylinder face. With these fillers, there is no need for the felt wad. Some form of grease is applied over the ball to soften the fouling in the barrel.
In my Ruger Old Army, "Dragoon Model", .44 caliber, I use 18 grains of Swiss 3FG coupled with cream of wheat, a .457 RB and T/C Bore Butter on top. In my Ruger (custom-made) "Old Navy", .36 caliber, I use 15 grains of Swiss 3FG, coupled with cream of wheat, .380 RB, and Bore Butter on top. These loads are accurate out to 50 yards.
Hope this helps.
Are you still in the Tarheel state?
I can put you in touch with about six muzzleloading clubs here in NC.
You can reach me at
[email protected]
Buck Buchanan
Field Rep-NC
NMLRA