Pyrodex Pellets

Published on August 31, 2019
Duration: 4:19

This guide details the process of loading and firing Pyrodex Pistol Pellets in a .44/.45 caliber cap and ball revolver, as demonstrated by Dustin Winegar. It covers proper pellet handling, seating, priming, and considerations for chronograph testing, emphasizing accuracy and safety. The instruction comes from an expert with high technical proficiency in black powder firearms.

Quick Summary

Pyrodex Pistol Pellets offer a convenient way to load .44/.45 caliber cap and ball revolvers. Handle them with a tool to prevent oil contamination. Seat them firmly without crushing, followed by a round ball. Testing showed average velocities around 1070 FPS with good consistency, though crushing pellets can cause outliers. Avoid lubricants during chronograph testing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Pyrodex Pellets
  2. 00:23Product Specifications & Handling
  3. 00:46Loading Procedure Demonstration
  4. 01:17Live Fire Testing & Chronograph Setup
  5. 02:32Data Analysis: Velocity & Consistency
  6. 03:40Conclusion & Lubricant Note

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pyrodex Pistol Pellets simplify loading cap and ball revolvers?

Pyrodex Pistol Pellets are pre-measured 30-grain charges designed for .44/.45 caliber cap and ball revolvers. They eliminate the need to measure loose powder, making the loading process faster and more consistent, especially when combined with a handling tool to prevent contamination.

What is the recommended procedure for loading Pyrodex Pistol Pellets?

Handle pellets with a tool to avoid skin oil contamination. Place one pellet in each chamber, seat it firmly but without crushing, then follow with a round ball. Prime with appropriate percussion caps. Avoid lubricants during chronograph testing.

What are the key ballistics findings for Pyrodex Pistol Pellets in a .44 caliber revolver?

Testing in a Remington New Model Army showed an average velocity of 1069.3 FPS. A tight 10 FPS spread was observed when excluding an outlier likely caused by pellet crushing during loading.

Why should lubricants be avoided when testing Pyrodex pellets with a chronograph?

Lubricants and felt wads can interfere with the optical or magnetic sensors of a chronograph, leading to inaccurate velocity readings. For precise data, it's best to omit them during testing.

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