Your TMA Officers and Board of Directors
Support the TMA! ~ Traditional Muzzleloaders ~ The TMA is here for YOU!
*** JOIN in on the TMA 2024 POSTAL MATCH *** it's FREE for ALL !

For TMA related products, please check out the new TMA Store !

The Flintlock Paper

*** Folk Firearms Collective Videos ***



Author Topic: Derringer Loads  (Read 504 times)

Offline Ironhand

  • TMA Forum Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 231
  • TMA Member: Supporting Member # 664, Expiration 5/4/2019
Derringer Loads
« on: March 09, 2016, 12:28:54 AM »
What is a good load for a 45cal "Lincoln " Derringer?

I have one to play with and I wondered what loads worked.

Ironhand
Place your clothes and your weapons where you can find them in the dark.

   Lazarus Long

Offline prairie dog

  • TMA Contributing Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 798
  • TMA Member: Contributing Member #678
Re: Derringer Loads
« Reply #1 on: March 09, 2016, 09:13:25 AM »
As little as will make it fire.  I have one that wont fire with less than 30 grains.  The other one works well with 15 grains.  That may not sound like much but you better hold on to it with the 30 grain loads.
Steve Sells

Offline Uncle Russ

  • TMA Contributing Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 7338
  • TMA Founder. Walk softly & carry a big Smoothbore!
  • TMA Member: Founder / Charter Member #004
  • Location: Columbia Basin, Washington State
Re: Derringer Loads
« Reply #2 on: March 09, 2016, 01:11:00 PM »
Quote from: "prairie dog"
As little as will make it fire.  I have one that wont fire with less than 30 grains.  The other one works well with 15 grains.  That may not sound like much but you better hold on to it with the 30 grain loads.
I totally agree with what PD says.
I've been "bitten" between the thumb and first finger by the hammer on a Derringer, the "bite" was enough to give me a whole new respect for that little guy as it was truly a handful!
I have owned a few over the years, all were .45 cal.
For plinking, I don't recall ever using more 20gr FFFg and that was aplenty.

I've never fired that little Lincoln, but reading PD's advise on "as little as will make it fire" sounds like pretty solid advice to these old eyes.

Uncle Russ...
It's the many things we don't do that totally sets us apart.
TMA Co-Founder / Charter Member# 4