[John Rogers]

In Major Roberts' book on the Cap Lock Rifle, he notes starting powder loads as follows, up to 45 caliber one and a half the bore diameter for powder load and 45 and over he recommends double the bore diameter. For my round ball guns which are all 50 cal except one (58 cal under hammer) I use 80 grains out to 50 yards. Over that I use 100 grains of FFG and the ball and patch are just tight enough to have to work a bit to get the ball down the barrel. For the 58 caliber under hammer I use 90 grains all the time although I did try 110 grains of FFG and noted no difference in accuracy.

In your case, how did the patches look after a couple shots? Did you try wiping between shots? With all my guns I have to wipe between shots although I did try not doing it and accuracy was terrible. I also use Bore Butter on the pillow ticking home made patches although spit works just about as good.