How much powder?

[Bob Dwyer]

Hi, gents. How much powder should I expect to use in my Pietta 1860 Army? The gent that sold it to me gave me a pound and a half of Pyrodex P. What would be a good starting load, and should there  be a do not exceed load for this gun? Thanks
Bob

[Hawg]

Steel frame 30-35 grains. brass frame 15-20 grains max. You're not going to overload a steel frame with bp or subs.

[Bob Dwyer]

Steel frame 30-35 grains. brass frame 15-20 grains max. You're not going to overload a steel frame with bp or subs.

Thanks, Hawg.
Bob

[Captainkirk]

Hawg nailed it (as usual). Basically, you can't overload a steel framed gun with BP or subs to do any damage. Your accuracy may suffer, and if the ball protrudes even a smidge you'll lock it up.

[Bob Dwyer]

Thank you gents

[Lyle]

The link below lists various loads for 36 and 44. Notice the velocity difference with the same charge just using a larger diameter ball.

http://poconoshooting.com/blackpowderballistics.html