U.S. Model 1842 Musket- used by both the North and South during the Civil War.

[RCEMERalf]

More information, pgs 50-55, July American Rifleman, "Small Arms at Antietam". Good read.

[gsimmons]

Yes, .65 and three .31 cal. buckshot. In a paper cartridge. 75-85 grain charge. Buck and ball cartridges were made packaged as; .69 cal. Buck and Ball for soothbore musket.

[jmoore]

75-85 grain charge.

Is that what's being used now as an equivalent load? If it's 1860's or newer data, then it's probably OK. Seems reasonable.

[gsimmons]

Modern powder. I use 85 grains in my Potsdam. Of course start low.

[ogre]

Yes, .65 and three .31 cal. buckshot. In a paper cartridge. 75-85 grain charge. Buck and ball cartridges were made packaged as; .69 cal. Buck and Ball for soothbore musket.

I believe that the buck and ball cartridges for the 1842 Musket were loaded with 110 grains of powder.

[gew8805]

Yes, 110 grains of powder for the percussion musket, 140 grains for the flintlock.

Use the same charge for a modern load, today's powder is certainly no stronger than the high quality powder in use in the muzzleloading era. There are those that feel today's powder is of a lower quality.

[ogre]

Use the same charge for a modern load, today's powder is certainly no stronger than the high quality powder in use in the muzzleloading era. There are those that feel today's powder is of a lower quality.

Are you using 1F powder with this caliber or do you use a powder with a finer grain structure?

[gsimmons]

2FG

[3ky]

Nice 1842

[gew8805]

Yes, 2F powder, the closest we have today to what was used when these guns were new. 1F is also used by some, makes no difference results - accuracy (very good) and penetration - are the same.