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A Question about Reloading BP Cartridges

1K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  sharps4590 
#1 ·
In reloading blackpowder cartridges, there has always been the point made not to leave empty gaps between the bullet and powder. In other words, the BP needs some compression and any air space could become a serious issue. In reloading some .38 LC with Pyrodex P using hollow-base bullets, I began to wonder what of the empty gap caused by the hollow base itself? Up to this point, I have used factory loaded hollow base cartridges, and never had an issue. Now that I am beginning to reload my own I am a bit concerned. Am I being overly cautious?
 
#2 · (Edited)
I am NOT an expert on reloading blackpowder cartridges: I have reloaded blackpowder cartridges for duplication of the M73 .45 caliber service round, and also duplicate loads for the .45-70 (actually .45-55 for use in a Trapdoor Carbine).

If it were me, I'd go down and buy some of those felt wads that are sold for revolving cap and ball .36 caliber pistols and use those as a filler to eliminate ANY air gap. They are just a couple of dollars for a bag of 100. I've used those for my .45 M73 loads (but the .44 size), and so far all is well.

You may find, as I did, that shooting blackpowder in cartridge revolvers has a downside: after a while the fouling tends to start binding up the cylinder, My Civil War clone cap and ball revolvers didn't bind up as quickly, but I used to use crisco to seal the chamber mouths to prevent 'chain-fire', and the crisco helped to lube the cylinder pin upon firing.

One last thing: keep a jar of soapy water to drop your fired cases into. Blackpowder residue and brass cases do not get along well. Have fun!
 
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