Shooting Black Powder cartriges

[cruddymutt]

Ive recently found the joy of shooting black powder SA revolvers. Looking to step up into BP cartriges. Im going to order a Henry Big Boy in 45lc next week and just want to make sure it wont hurt the Henry shooting BP 45lc.

[Peter in CA]

It will not stress the Henry when you shoot BP cartridges, assuming that they are loaded correctly. What will be stressed is YOU cleaning the Henry after you have fired the BP cartridges. You will need to clean everything that has come in contact with the black powder. Everything. Use a black powder rated cleaner. Make sure that you clean the cases too.
Don't forget to use a black powder lube on the bullets. Smokeless lube will not work.

Peter in CA

[cruddymutt]

I got the cleaning part down and have been working on a dedicated BP reloading set-up. Im pretty well read up on removing the smokeless lube and relubing with BP lube, drop funneling the powder into the case, etc etc. Looking at a few different firearms to eventually purchase but the Henry Big Boy will be the first and was the only one I wasnt sure if BP would negatively affect. Thanks!

[14delta]

You may have a problem with fouling in a 45 colt lever gun using black powder, You're going to have to use heavy bullets(250 gr.) and a stout charge for the case to seal the chamber.
If you plan on a steady diet of black powder in your rifle the 44/40 cartridge would be a better choice, It has a much thinner case than the 45 colt and seals the chamber with lighter bullets and lighter powder charges.
You might also want to go over to the SASS wire forum and do a search on the Henry Big Boy before you buy one.
14delta

[cruddymutt]

My friend either "participates" are "wants to participate" in SASS (cant get a straight answer out of him) and I was able to shoot his Henry BB in 45lc as well as his pair of Vaqueros. It was with 225gr and 250gr smokeless loads using Unique powder with i think he said 9gr. Not sure. Lots of fun. He is the one who told me some guys use BP instead of SP and that got me thinking since I already have BP here for my cap and ball revolvers.
I am planning on an El Patron but my LGS is having a hard time finding one at the moment so I figured I will go ahead and get the Henry ordered. I am not set up for smokeless powder handloading yet, still working on it, but I am set up for BP cartridges.
Not planning on attempting SASS, just something different.
Thanks for all the replies.