Howdy folks! A few introductory remarks are in order. The following
is not a recommendation for any particular handload, black powder
or otherwise. As you get familiar with the 'method' of loading
black powder, you will see why all loads are unique to the loader
and their particular reloading components, equipment, etc. All
shooters must accept responsibility for the risks inherent in
shooting and handloading, and learn everything they can about their
equipment and safe loading procedures. Make sure you know what you
are doing before you try any type of loading, black powder or
otherwise, and always use equipment that has been certified by a
competent gunsmith as safe. And, always wear eye and ear
protection!
There are two kinds of cowboy action shooters. Those
who shoot black powder, and those who will. After all, it's the
powder of the history we represent. For both tenderfoot and top
hands alike, black powder will challenge your skills and add an
element to cowboy shooting that is missing when smokeless powders
are used in old fashioned firearms. Sooner or later, everyone who
dresses like the cowboys of old will want to shoot like them. It's
no wonder why at the end of a match, black powder shooters have a
grin on their face that lasts for days on end. It's simply the most
fun a cowboy shooter can have.
Now, some of you are certainly
thinking, "If black powder cartridges are so much fun, how come
more folks don't shoot 'em?" I think the reason for a lot of people
is that they they think black powder cartridge loading is
difficult, and that the loading (especially shotshells) and
cleaning remain a bit of a mystery to many. Others think that black
powder may be hard on their equipment. I hope I can provide you
with a few answers. Finally if you don't honestly think it is the
most fun you can have as a cowboy, take the 'F.G.Black Challenge'
and see for yourself. Get a brand new Colt SAA in .38 special (like
the champs use) and shoot a match just as fast as you can. Then,
get a Colt Walker replica, and shoot the same match dualist style
if ya can. You will need to take about 3 or 4 times as long to
complete the course of fire with the big 5 pound, .44 caliber horse
pistol. Then ask yourself which was more fun. If you already shoot
black powder, you know the answer. Still not convinced? Next month
I'll reveal a secret or two, and dispel a few black powder myths.
The following resources will provide you with enough information to
keep you busy till next month, and get you going with black powder
loads:
*Wolfe Publishing Co., 6471 Airpart Dr., Prescott, AZ
86301-6155
*Hodgdon Powder Co.(Pyrodex), P.O.Box 2932, Shawnee Mission, KS
66201 (ask Hodgdon for a copy of their free Pyrodex loading
pamphlet)
*Goex,Inc.(black powder), Belin Plant, 1002 Springbrook Ave.,
Moosic, PA 18507
*SPG Lubricants, Box 761, Livingston, Montana 59047
*The Gun Digest Black Powder Loading Manual by Sam Fadala, DBI
Books, Inc. (has an excellent loading guide and description of
shotshell loads)
*Lyman Black Powder Book, Lyman, Route 147, Middlefield, CT 06455
Write each of these folks, and start building a black powder
library. Obtain some good loading reference material before you try
your first loads. Learn as much as you can, and follow the
excellent loading instructions contained in the books just
mentioned. Remember, the more you know about black powder and
Pyrodex, the safer you are, and the more fun you will have.
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