Blackpowder noob help

[vinny_land]

Hi,

Recently came across a Pedersoli 44 caliber flintlock pistol. After doing some research, it is the Kentucky type and apparently Pedersoli doesnt make their Kentucky type pistols in this caliber anymore. Also I may add is that the barrel is brass...not steel.

With the limited experience I have with blackpowder, I need a little clarification on a few things such as my equipment and technique.

1. I mic'd my barrel at .435. Ball size would be ~.430 correct?
2. In regards to lubed patches, will a standard .40 cal cleaning patch work? I heard Crisco or olive oil in a plastic bag will work. Simply dump the patches in a bag with lube and squeeze bag to even coat all patches with lube.
3. With the powder charge, my pistol came with a flask, but I read that I should never load my gun with the flask (risk of the flask becoming a grenade) but rather use a measuring device instead and have the flask pour BP into the measuring device.
4. Safe charge weight should be from 18-30 gr of FFF (3F)? Pan charge should use FFFF (4F)?
5. Also what size flint is the proper size for flintlock pistol? I've read that a 3/8'' flint is enough for a pistol.

[vinny_land]

blackpowder flintlock pistols too old school for the CGN crowd?

[AndrewTannerCA]

There are a few of us around here that play around with BP / front stuffers.

I would ask your question over at the Traditional Muzzle Loading Forums The guys over there will get you set up quick.

[gun toting monkeyboy]

Yes, it sounds like you have all of that right, but I would go hit a more front-stuffer oriented forum. Many of us here dabble. They get really into it on other forums.

-Mb

[CSACANNONEER]

I'd suggest a .420" ball and real 100% cotton .015" patches (think about it, .420" ball + .015" patch x 2 = .450" which should be a nice tight fit. I use a .530" ball with a .020" in my .54 cal.

I use spit to lube my patches. There's no need for crisco or anything else unless you want to use it.

You can probably load your .44 with 50 grains of FFFg but, I'd start with about 20 grains and see how you like it.

A full pan of FFFFg will get you going. Experimenting with a little less than a full pan will come with experience.

The size of the flint will be detremined by the size of your hammer and it's relationship to the frizzen. It really depends on your specific lock.

[vinny_land]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I considered signing up with the muzzleloading forums, but why make a hassle and joining another team lol.

Now I gotta try and find some blackpowder locally first and some other things, such as ramrod/cleaning rod and a flint.

[Flintlock Tom]

These guys should be able to fix you up:

Second Amendment Sports
2523 Mohawk St.
Bakersfield, California 93308-6003

They have PB accessories.

[scrat]

"Also I may add is that the barrel is brass...not steel. "

You sure that is a shooter

If so i would not be shooting anything over 30 grains keep loads low to around 20 grains

[Justin Case]

What's wrong with brass? I have two BP derringers in brass. I've been shooting them for years - hot loads even.

[vinny_land]

Just got an email back from Pedersoli and they recommend starting at 18gr of 3F. So I'll experiment from there since the recommended is up to 30gr.

The reason why I'm hesitant to even try a light load with a brass barrel is BC I thought brass in general is a soft metal. Look at brass mallets or even cleaning rods. Designed to deform to not mar a finish on something.

[MMA]

for flints, check out Track of the Wolf. They list the 1/2 inch for a Pedersoli Kentucky pistol. But it depends on the size of the lock/frizzen.

[vinny_land]

^Thanks for the help. Really answers some of the flint questions I had.

[Alan Block]

Many flintlock pistols had brass barrels. They will take a charge equal to a steel gun. Do NOT fill the pan with 4f. Just a little works a lot better. You should be able to see the hole. Any flint that is not too wide and catches on the barrel is ok.

[vinny_land]

Many flintlock pistols had brass barrels. They will take a charge equal to a steel gun. Do NOT fill the pan with 4f. Just a little works a lot better. You should be able to see the hole. Any flint that is not too wide and catches on the barrel is ok.

Thanks for the info...just saved me from buying a separate tub (4f) just for priming.

[Alan Block]

You still should use 4f for priming - 3f works but is slower. Just use a small ammount. 1 lb should be a lifetime supply.