Black Powder Loads in Revolvers 15 vs. 24 grains

Published on January 2, 2015
Duration: 6:48

This guide details a method for testing different black powder loads in revolvers, using a chronograph to gather empirical data on velocity and recoil. The expert, an experienced black powder shooter, demonstrates safe loading practices and analyzes the performance differences between 15 and 24-grain loads in both 8-inch and 12-inch barrel Pietta revolvers. The findings provide practical insights for optimizing black powder revolver performance.

Quick Summary

Testing black powder loads in Pietta revolvers revealed significant performance differences based on charge weight and barrel length. A 24-grain load in an 8-inch barrel produced ~490 fps, while the same load in a 12-inch barrel exceeded 800 fps. The 15-grain load offered reduced recoil, especially in the longer barrel, making it pleasant for casual shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Load Discrepancy
  2. 01:30Testing 24 Grains in 8-inch Barrel
  3. 02:15Testing 15 Grains in 8-inch Barrel
  4. 03:28Testing 24 Grains in 12-inch Buffalo Revolver
  5. 04:41Testing 15 Grains in 12-inch Buffalo Revolver
  6. 05:10Conclusion and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the performance differences between 15 and 24 grains of black powder in a .44 caliber revolver?

In an 8-inch barrel, 24 grains yielded around 490 fps, while 15 grains dropped to 316-391 fps. In a 12-inch barrel, 24 grains exceeded 800 fps, and 15 grains was around 400-470 fps, with significantly less recoil for the lighter load.

How does barrel length affect black powder revolver performance?

Longer barrels, like the 12-inch Pietta Buffalo, significantly increase muzzle velocity and efficiency compared to shorter barrels (e.g., 8-inch). This is evident in the jump from ~490 fps with 24 grains in an 8-inch barrel to over 800 fps in the 12-inch barrel.

Is 15 grains of black powder an effective load for .44 caliber revolvers?

While 15 grains provides a very pleasant, low-recoil shooting experience, especially in longer barrels, its effectiveness for performance-oriented tasks might be limited due to significantly lower velocities compared to heavier charges like 24 grains.

What safety precautions should be taken when loading black powder revolvers?

It is crucial to load only one chamber at a time to prevent accidental chain fires. Always ensure the firearm is unloaded when not actively engaged in shooting and follow manufacturer guidelines for safe powder handling and firearm operation.

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