How do I load this thing

[Dryball]

Is the brass fairly wide or is it just a thin plate?

[FrankG]

If your measurements are right then what I posted will get you started . I would pull the nipple and check for corrossion before going any further tho' for safety sake .

[Danny]

the band is 1.75" wide and wraps around to cover the bottom of the barrel even with the stock

[Dryball]

Looks like your right Frank...Miruko. My advise is to keep your loads on the light side and follow Franks advise on ball size, although I would buy a box of .433 just in case they fit....420 is hard to find.

[Danny]

pulled the lock and barrel off and there is a (T) serial#E6161 and Markwell arm co. on the back bottom of the barrel it also has another marking of .45cal on the bottom of the barrel

[kit_carson]

Jean, lets see if we can figure what it is first, then think about charges. Okay?

thats why i wanted the outside measurement

[FrankG]

For grins I would get a box of 433 and and some muslin for patch and try it .It should be a 433 ball and why you are getting the 439 land measurement is a mystery unless theres a burr on crown .

[kit_carson]

You wouldnt catch me even trying such a load yet posting about it .

that was the point of getting the oustside mesurement. some rifles will do that much, and others you wrap around your head with half that

[Danny]

So does this sound right

40-50gr charge
.433 - .420 ball
.010 patch

[FrankG]

If it will take the 433 yes .

[Danny]

The outside measurement of the barrel is 7/8

[kit_carson]

The outside measurement of the barrel is 7/8

that thing will shoot all day with a 60-90gr. charge, the 90gr beeing a great hunting load.

[FrankG]

I dont recall any 42 cal. import rifles being marketed in the time frame of your rifle that would take a .420 ball.

I would keep under 65grs 3fg any more and the barrel will be tossing unburnt powder on the ground . You wiill probably find good accuracy at around 50 grs 3fg.

[Dryball]

Sorry Jean...I'm with Frank on this one...except I wouldn't exceed 55 grains fffg and a .,433 ball.

[Danny]

Thank you all for your help.  I spent 5 years in the navy (gm2) working in the armory and have been building ar's and auto pistols for about 15 years now.  Just sold all of it but one ar.   Ive always been interested in the civil war and older firearms but never messed with it.  I think this will be interesting.  I know this gun is pretty much worthless but I would like to use it to learn loading and the basics because these balistics cant be even close to high power rifles and looks like ill have to learn alot more about shooting.  anyway thank you again and Im really looking forward to visiting again