.45 pistol starting load

[Roger B]

I just came into a TC patriot & have never done any single shot pistol before.  Where should I start on a powder charge.  I'm thinking in the 20gr FFFg range?
Roger B.

[Frizzen]

You are correct.   20 grs Goex FFF and a 451 ball with .010 patch should  shoot excellcent.
Another load would be a .445 ball and 17-20 thousands thick patch.

[Roger B]

Thanks Phil.  Hopefully I'll get to shoot with you this fall.
Roger

[SCLoyalist]

I use a .445RB and 20 gr 3F in my Patriot.  I'm now using patching material, flannel, from a fabric store.  It measures .019 thick, compressible down to about .011.   Spit lubed, it loads very easy.    And, be sure to try 15 gr of 3F.  I tried that at a match today,  At 50 yds, for 5 shots,  shot a 6, 2 9s, and 2 10s.

Be advised that Patriots often develop a stock crack (mine showed up around the lock bolt hole).  A load that doesn't require a lot of force to shove down bore may help avoid developing a crack.   Another preventative, I've been told, is to drill a hole from under the buttplate up towards the lock mortise area and epoxy in a piece of fiberglass ramrod.

Anyway, Patriots are great shooting pistols.   Enjoy it.

SCL

[David Rase]

The bore in my Patriot pistol is too tight to load .445" round balls in so I had to go to a .440 with .015 patching.  Works like a dream.
DMR

[Maven]

"The bore in my Patriot pistol is too tight to load .445" round balls in so I had to go to a .440 with .015 patching.  Works like a dream."   ...DMR

Roger B, DMR is correct about the dimensions of a typical T/C .45cal. bbl. of yore.  .45 caliber to T/C really meant a .440" RB + a .014 - .016" patch (T/C once marketed these, as did CVA ).  Btw, once you've established which diameter ball shoots best in your Patriot pistol, search your favorite auction site for used/excellent condition RB molds, as they can be had for very little $$$.  The T/C line of molds, although aluminum, cast very well and are quite well made.
 
 
 

[Roger B]

Thanks for the advice guys.  As soon as it get below 102 degrees here & I get this cast off of my leg, I will be out shooting.  As an aside, the price of patriots has gone through the roof.  I got mine used, but still paid overr $200.00 for it & I've seen really nice ones go for over $400.00.  For that kind of money you can buy a nice custom pistol.  Same for the old army since Ruger stopped making them.
Roger B.