Powders other than Trail Boss for Black Powder Equivalent Loads?

[flmason]

Hi All,
I was informed in another thread that Trail Boss is good for reduced action match loads, but may not actually come up to the old .45 Colt 40 gr. BP load performance levels.

Are there other smokeless powders that would acceptably match BP performance but be safe in a Kirst or R&D cylinder?

Have to admit I'm a fan of C&B revolvers in and of themselves, but not black powder and percussion for the most part (though ironically I'm dieing to try out a flintlock Hawken or Pa. style rifle, LOL!)

 

[Pulp]

TrailBoss and TiteGroup are the two powders I've used when not loading black. Accurate 5744 will also work, but it will leave unburned powder in your barrel, not a problem, that's just the way it is with low pressure loads.
TiteGroup seems to have a louder bark and more recoil than TrailBoss. TiteGroup and 5744 would be easy to overload and get higher pressures.
Best bet is to look at the websites of the powder companies. Most have loads specifically for Cowboy Action, and all should be safe in a conversion cylinder.

 

[bonza]

Take a look at IMR SR4759 also. Quite a bulky extruded powder that operates at lower pressures. I used to use it alot in a .38/55 rifle, but is useable in pistol calibers too. It is also commonly used in BP/Smokeless duplex loads.

 

[BHP FAN]

HP 38 works pretty good for me...

 

[ArmedBear]

Just about any powder listed.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

Trail Boss does not have a particularly low pressure at a given velocity, vs. HP-38, PB, IMR 7625, or whatever you can name.

That doesn't mean load 'er up, of course. Be careful. But IMR 4756 for example is a lower-pressure powder in .45 Colt than Trail Boss is.