The Shootin Iron

Online Shooters Publication

Dec. 01, 2005 By Steve Osborn

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The Black Powder Cowboy

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.