Got a old 45 cal Kentucky lon rifle from my granddad when he passed a few years ago and looking for some advise. I shot quite a bit years ago and thinking about getting her out to the deer woods this year. I't just the basic powder, patch and ball setup... I keep hearing to use 60 grains of blackpowder, agree? Thoughts? Advice? Years ago I could put them in a paper plate up to 100 yards with the ole iron sights but for the life of me, I can't remember what I was using.

60 grains sounds good for a .45 cal patch and ball set up. I use 70 grains out of my .50 cal T/C Renegade with .490 round ball and .15 patches. I use Pyrodex which is synthetic black powder. Is yours a flint lock or a cap lock? I have a cap lock.

I had a T/C sidelock .45 it was percussion cap, not flint. I used black powder, 100 grains over a .45 grain minnie ball. I believe the Minnie ball was 280 grains.

I have a .45 CVA Kentucky cap and ball rifle that I've had since mid 70's.
When I shoot round balls, using either greased patches or plastic wadding, I charge with 60 gr 3Fg black powder.
It's surprisingly accurate with round balls and iron sights.
I also have a CVA .50 cal Hawken Rifle.

They are both fun to shoot.

Hey, if any of you guys shooting the real stuff need a can or 2 just pm me. I mainly have Goex and Elephant FF. I might have some FFF too, but I'd have to look.

My next rifle is going to be a T/C Hawken. My buddy has one that I have shot and I like the longer barrel on the Hawken's. Would be great for maxi-balls.

Pm sent

I have some Pyrodex powder and pellet,sabots and aerotips.

Are you looking to get rid of yours too, Hangfire?

Yes

PM sent

Thanks Vern1

Had a CVA Kentucky 45 cal percussion years ago and it shot best with 75 grains of loose black powder, a 5 shot group at 100 yards was the size of a quarter with patched round balls or real bullets. Sure wished I had not lost it when the house burned down.

. if not mistaken i used a 45gr measure on my flask with my .45 kentucky rifle... it like phone #'s, speed dial, just grab measure.. Several years back, forgot ta switch measure on my flask, for my .44 bp pistol, it uses .22gr... culled a hog with it, bout 15 yrds.. Didnt go very far... Taken deer in Minnesota, they tend ta be heavier in body wieght, with the 45gr. measure out ta 50-60yrds...
After so many gr. ya just get more smoke & kick... Just gotta find right amount of gr. works best in your .45... As pappy once said: keep your head held high & your powder dry ... They fun ta shoot, got two .45 kentucky, a .44 pistol & a New Orleans ace..

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ good advice ^ ^ ^


my t/c book and my pedersoli book are about split on between 50 - 75 grains
of 3F for a PRB. i believe i'd start at 50 and work up. YMMV
good luck

When I had a 45 Kentucky rifle, the man I got it from said just use a patched round ball with a 308 Winchester case full of 3F powder and he included several cases to use. In that rifle it shot well enough I never looked for another load. Water capacity of a 308 Win case is 56gr when filled to the case mouth. Would fill a few cases and tape over the mouth with electrical tape for premeasured loads when hunting.

Interesting! I just happen to have several 308 casings laying around the house

The bottle necked cartridge also makes it easy to pour the powder down the barrel without spillage