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Thread: 1800's Derringer

  1. 03-19-2015, 07:16 PM #1
    deadwood pete
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    1800's Derringer

    I have acquired an overcoat derringer from the 1800's. It is in good enough condition to be fired. It is .40 cal. What would be a safe and appropriate load to use.
    deadwood pete
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  2. 03-19-2015, 08:15 PM #2
    Avery Arms
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    Don't fire it you might break something or otherwise reduce it's value, derringers are only amusing for like 5 shots anyway after that you realize you would rather be shooting something else.

    If you must fire it I would use like 10 grains of FFFG just for proof of concept then clean and store it again.
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  3. 03-19-2015, 11:11 PM #3
    waksupi
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    I'm on the "don't shoot it" list. The mainsprings are prone to breakage.
    The solid soft lead bullet is undoubtably the best and most satisfactory expanding bullet that has ever been designed. It invariably mushrooms perfectly, and never breaks up. With the metal base that is essential for velocities of 2000 f.s. and upwards to protect the naked base, these metal-based soft lead bullets are splendid.
    John Taylor - "African Rifles and Cartridges"

    Forget everything you know about loading jacketed bullets. This is a whole new ball game!

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  4. 03-20-2015, 08:47 AM #4
    deadwood pete
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    Thank you for the reply and the information. I don't intend to use it as my concealed carry I just want to shoot it once to say I have fired it to see what it was like back in the 1800's then it will be for display purposes only.
    Thanks again for the replies.
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  5. 03-20-2015, 09:42 PM #5
    Alberta woodsman
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    As said about 10 FFF BP is the best load.
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  6. 03-21-2015, 06:31 PM #6
    koehlerrk
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    Yup... if you're dead set on firing it, 10gr FFFg black powder.

    When you clean it, scrub it out good with hot water and soap, oil it, then hot water and soap scrub it again the next day and re-oil, then scrub it out one last time with nothing but Hoppes, aka, no water, then oil it down good and put it on display.
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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check