black powder help please

[wintram]

I recently acquired a replica 1849 colt pocket .31 caliber. I have no idea what loading or caps to use. I read somewhere #1 buckshot would work. Any info to help would be awesome.

 

[jimbo-indy]

I'm sure someone will have specific answers.
Highly recommend Lyman Black Powder Handbook. It's full of great information andd contains lots of loads for all types of black powder guns, both rifle and revolver.

 

[spencer rifle]

Between 8 and 15 grains of 3F black powder is recommended, though 10 is about the most you would want to use until you see how it shoots. These usually take #10 or #11 caps, depends on if the cones have been replaced and how worn they are. #1 buckshot is probably too small, 0 might work better. Your cylinder should shave off a small ring of lead when it is rammed in. Make sure the caps are tight to minimize chainfires.

You could look here also:
Black Powder Primer

 

[wintram]

thanks guys for the help

 

[meyer4589]

As for caps, usually the CCI,Winchester, or other caps of the like are fine. But they might not be "hot" enough. If that happens pick up some RWS caps they are a little expensive but they will always make it go boom.