Flint Pistol Caliber

[Scout]

I would like to buy a flintlock pistol but not sure which caliber to choose.
Powder requirement, lead ball size and weight and the overall weight of the pistol are part of the consideration.
Does a 54 weigh so much more then either the 50 or 45 (barrel length being the same) that most would not choose a 54 but go with a ?
Does a 54 consume so much more powder that this too is to be taken into account?
The same question about lead ball weight and cost to produce?
Any other areas, that I have not brought up, that I should consider please mention them.
Any help and advice is appreciated.
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Thank you.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Scout

[hotfxr]

The larger the caliber, the more lead and powder are used. But it is also a very subjective choice. Usually the .54 pistol will be lighter than the .50 and .45 (if they have the same barrel diameter) which in my (and only my) opinion makes the larger caliber less accurate unless you have large hands and a very strong grip. That said, I know folks that are excellent shots whatever the caliber. I am not so I prefer a heavier gun with a smaller caliber. If you have the opportunity to try out different calibers before you make a decision, do it. The cost difference of powder is relatively minor, but remember that round ball weight increases exponentially as the diameter increases.
Most of all, have fun while you are doing it.

[Hanshi]

Actually, it really doesn't matter when you come right down to it.  Flint pistols can be bulky but they are also rather light.  My flint pistol is a .50 because I wanted it to match my rifle.  Those suckers can kick and the recoil depends on the powder charge.  I find 30 grains of 3F makes a great all around load.  I (somehow) managed to get first place in the last pistol shoot I entered here at TMOTC.

[flintboomer]

An old pistol load formula from the Dixie Gun Works catalog states simply that a pistol should be loaded with enough powder to get the bullet to the target.

A friend of mine uses 6-8 gr 3f in his target pistols regardless of caliber.
My .44 revolver uses 25-35 gr 3f but my .44 pistol uses 15.
My .34 flint uses 15-20 and my .45 CVA flint uses 20.
Sights aren't always adjustable enough, so I adjust the powder charge to compensate for elevation.

Most people use too much powder.
Less powder means less fouling.

[Hanshi]

I once tried 6 grains of 3F in my .50 pistol.  I fired it and the ball fell on my foot and hurt. 

[Red Badger]

As for the question which caliber - I am old fashioned... same caliber pistol and rifle... that keeps everything equal except powder charges.... therefor I can use the same horn, patch material, powder and the only extra bit I need to carry is an additional powder measure for the pistola.

The reduction in extra gear to carry will offset any other considerations that were mentioned in Scouts original post. 

Remember this is only 1 badgers opinion and not necessarily a tried and true statement of fact....   

[Hanshi]

  As a matter of fact, my liege, I like the same strategy for convenience.  I could have gotten a .54, but I rarely take it into the bush.