Traditions 1858 Bison

Just picked one of these up and was wondering what a good powder charge would be to start with? Was thinking 22-25grs. Since it is a brass frame, not sure if I want to max the loads out.

Not sure if you got it new or used...
https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/data/product_owner_manuals/BPRevolver_manual_1362674422.pdf

That's good thinking on the brass frame. The solid frames, with the top strap, are stronger than the Colt type open tops, but no reason to tempt fate. Especially when the loads you mention will do everything you'll likely need them to do with that pistol.

I'd start out around 20gr and see how she shoots and work up a little from there to the one she likes. Definitely stopping at 25gr though.

Could use a litle corn meal or cream of wheat filler if your not using a wad, if necessary.

Those are nice looking pistols and the long sight radius should make it a good paper puncher. :thumbsup:

They are a nice looking pistol!

Enjoy! Respectfully, Cowboy :hatsoff:

How much cream of wheat would I use with the 22gr charge? Never used filler before so not sure. Thanks

Cream of Wheat doesn't compress. I always load the cylinder off the gun but you can use the same procedure loading on the gun. A second adjustable measure or a set of the Lee plastic dippers are really nice to have on hand for this. Drop your powder and eyeball about how much Cream of Wheat it would take to bring the ball out near the mouth of the chamber. Using a dipper measure pour in a little less than you think you need then seat the ball. Make a note of how much CoW you used and see where the ball is. If it's low increase the amount of CoW as you load the second chamber and write that down. Repeat the process for each chamber as you load and you will likely know how much filler you need by the time you have finished the first cylinder. I don't try to bring the ball flush with the face of the cylinder but leave it slightly below that surface. I do that for two reasons. First if the ball shifts slightly forward (sometimes happens) under recoil it will lock the revolver up which is not a good thing to happen in a rapid fire match. If it is flush it only has to move forward a few thousandths to hit the frame/barrel and stop the cylinder. The other reason is that I use a heavy beeswax/olive oil lube pressed firmly into the mouth of the chamber and it allows me to get a good amount in. Yes, I know that a lot of it is blown out but enough remains to do the job.

Thanks hawkeye2, better answer than I could've come up with. :bow:

I hope you are a tall guy. I don't have ne because I am 5'8" and if I had one in a holster it would drag the ground just about. Thats why I don't take the field in a civil war event with a bayonet. I trip over it and can't kneel.

I am a little confused as to why you would use cream of wheat in the loading process as a filler, and what the point of a filler is?

Thank you

There are other products than Cream of Wheat that can be used as a filler but CoW (not instant) is readily available. keeps forever even in its opened cardboard container, doesn't absorb moisture and won't compress. The reason for using a filler is to put the ball near the chamber mouth minimizing the jump from dead rest to the point where it engages the rifling. The theory is that the accelerating ball, being closer to the point of engagement, is moving slower and grips the rifling with less shearing and distortion of the lead. The ball has a better grip on the lands and groves and begins its rotation at a lower forward velocity making it slightly easier to impart a spin to it. All this allows you to use a lighter powder charge which is generally more accurate and still keep the ball close to the chamber mouth. I have found the most accurate loads for most .44 revolvers to be in the 19 to 22 grain range and have never shot over 22 grains of 3f in any of my revolvers. Does all this really work? I can't say for certain however for a number of years I shot in the highest revolver classification of the N-SSA and brought home a number of medals from the Nationals so I'll stand behind it.

Filler is used to get the ball closer to the edge of the cylinder vs pushed down as far as the reamer will push it....some say that delivers more accuracy. Some use wads, some corn meal. I have used it but not for a while. In a rifle some use it to separate the patch from the burning powder....thus being able to use a thin patch that works best and burning or shredding to hades. I think :idunno: