43 Spanish Rolling Block Load Data

[Scorpion8]

I just picked up some Maplewood Bullets 385grain cast bullets to load in both black powder and smokeless for my Rolling Block. Ed, the owner gave me two loads to try:

Smokeless: 25.0g Accurate 5744
Blackpowder: 78.0g FF

Anybody got other possible loads to try? I haven't researched these yet in my reloading books, so am just throwing this question out there.

[wsmrto]

I have been using 380 Gr from rimrock ?? and been good with 26.5 Gr 5744 and 48 Gr. AA-4350, You might work up a good load with Unique from 11 Gr and see how it works I don't think I got more than 72 Gr. of Goex ff and no wad with some compression in the 43 case.. I am also working some 50-70 up and will try that with 5744 also. I have heard that Trail Boss at same loads as for BP FFg works very good, but I don't have any right now. I have both long rifles and a carbine in 43 and I am just starting to learn their goods and bads. Let me know how you do as I am really starting to love these old Rollers.

[Scorpion8]

Thanks. I'll keep those loads handy too to also try out.

[jon_norstog]

When we were kids we loaded 15 gr Unique behind the Lyman 385 gr. bullet. Seemed to work, at least with RWS berdan primers and original brass. We also tried some loads with 3031 and the Lyman .446 bullet which were OK. But black powder is better - NOT Goex!

Good luck.

jn

[stanforth]

I may be a bit simplistic but my loads on all Black Powder cases is this...........
Fill the case to the top with the appropriate Black Powder, maybe put a card wad on top and seat the bullet compressing the powder.
It may sound crude but it has served me well for over 50 years.

[Scorpion8]

This could either be real fun, or real exciting! I think I'll try the blackpowder loads first, as I have some cases coming from MidwayUSA.

[jon_norstog]

I second that. Black powder is better all around. Just remember to clean the rifle and your brass afterward.

Good luck!

jn

[stanforth]

I second that. Black powder is better all around. Just remember to clean the rifle and your brass afterward.

Good luck!

jn

Using anything else is heresy.
Cleaning cases. I take a bottle of soapy water with me and drop the spent cases in it as I use them.
To get rid of excess staining I put the cases in a jar of vinigar overnight, Wash them in boiling water and let them dry with the retained heat..

One of the 3 great smells, Black Powder, Castor oil burning in a vintage engine and ****** ****** ***** ( I will let you fill in the blanks)

[Scorpion8]

Using anything else is heresy.

I love it when there are no strong opinions. The snag in the plan is the LGS doesn't have any blackpowder in stock in any grade. None. Zippo. Squat.

[stanforth]

Using anything else is heresy.

I love it when there are no strong opinions. The snag in the plan is the LGS doesn't have any blackpowder in stock in any grade. None. Zippo. Squat.

3 alternatives...
(1) Move house..
(2) Get some sent.. It may cost much more but if you buy sufficient that might reduce the pain.
(3) Without admitting what you are doing, use Pyrodex.

If (2) or (3) are out of the question go back to (1)

[Scorpion8]

Actually it's option (1) that would be intolerable. Once you've lived in Alaska, there's no reason to go anywhere else.

[Scorpion8]

.. I use Aliant MZ a black powder replacement.

Same loads or amounts of powder? I have no experience with that powder.

[Scorpion8]

Thanks. I may have to try that in my 1851 Navy cap n' ball revolver also!

[stanforth]

Slight compression, no need for grease cookies, wads or lubricated bullets... No yuck in your barrel, no need to wipe after shot, no stink, no black gunk on your hands... Great for muzzleloaders too.. Hope this helps.. Rick

They are the attraction of black powder..

[remingtongeo]

Like the AA 5744 load. My most accurate was IMR 3031. I have used IMR 4198 with good results.
Sorry, but I will not give exact load data.
Want to try some Norma 200.