I recently picked up a very nice original Smith Carbine with a bore that looks almost new (it wasn't relined). The problem is, I haven't been able to work up a charge that shoots well with my gun and bullet combo. I'm using Eras Gone bullets as cast at about .518" from pure soft lead and the hard black plastic cases. When I load the cases, I make sure to leave no air gaps and to seat the bullet so that it is just barely touching the throat of the barrel. Here is my current load:
- 25-40 grains of Schuetzen 2Fg powder, tested at 2.5 grain incriments
- 50 cal wads to fill up space as needed in the cartridge
- Cast Eras Gone bullets at .518" cast from pure lead
- Schuetzen musket cap
- Black plastic cases like you find on Dixie or Lodgewood, with the brass rivet added to the touch hole.
- SPG bullet lube, which seems to be doing a very good job at keeping the fouling soft