Looking for a smokey load

View · by **gearguy10** on Sun Apr 21, 2013 5:12 pm

I know most people probably want to minimize the smokey-ness of their shooting, especially if shooting indoors, but I want to put on a smoke show next time I get together when some friends for an outdoor BBQ and target shoot.

I have a pile of 158 gn lead semi-wadcutters I want to load up in .38 or .357 to shoot out of my New Vaquero. I don't care about speed or accuracy for this one.\; I just want some good smoke. Any extra-smokey powder recommendations?

View · by **crbutler** on Sun Apr 21, 2013 5:37 pm

Black powder.

20 or so grains behind a lead bullet makes a lot of smoke, a different sound (more of a boom than a bang) and sometimes an interesting smoke ring drifting down range.

Of course, this requires a bit of a different set up than regular reloading (look up some resources relating to black powder cartridge rifle shooting.)

You will also need to really thoroughly clean the gun afterwards. Keep the brass separate from stuff you are going to load with smokeless, as there can be some chemical changes that weaken the brass.

I do think someone (goex?) sells these commercially for the cowboy shooters.

View · by **rugersol** on Sun Apr 21, 2013 6:07 pm

I was gonna say black powder as well... http://www.jspublications.net/tips/bploading.pdf

View · by **Kosh** on Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:29 pm

Power Pistol can be interesting especially at night.

View · by **gearguy10** on Sun Apr 21, 2013 8:38 pm

rugersol wrote:I was gonna say black powder as well... http://www.jspublications.net/tips/bploading.pdf

That is awesome! Now I'm getting excited. And I think I can actually find FFFg powder at most shops that sell muzzleloading equip. I may rethink using my stainless Vaquero though. Might have to pick up a used Uberti or something. This is going to be fun.

View · by **SIGP240** on Sun Apr 21, 2013 8:38 pm

Light loads of bullseye and unique will by tarry and sooty, in the air and hands and your lungs. A lubricated lead bullet helps too.

View · by **Pat Cannon** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 12:57 am

I too was gonna say black powder, I've wanted to try it.

But I've also made some powderpuff loads of Titegroup that were pretty darn smoky.

View · by **rugersol** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:03 am

gearguy10 wrote:I may rethink using my stainless Vaquero though

Vaquero, stainless 'er not, should be jest fine!

View · by **rugersol** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 6:07 am

Pat Cannon wrote:Titegroup that were pretty darn smoky.

Titegroup's smokey ... with cast bullets ... particularly .45's (more lube) ... particularly shooting USPSA ... 'er otherwise, shootin' indoors!

Outdoors, I've seen a lotta cast bullets get shot! ... some with Titegroup ...some with Clays ... some with who knows what?! ... don't hold a candle, to blackpowder! ... not even in the same galaxy!

View · by **Seismic Sam** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 11:19 am

Just out of curiousity, could you sit cast bullets in a pan of bacon grease up to the lube grooves, put it in the freezer, and then wipe off the bottoms of the bullets and seat them?? It might smell REALLY good, and also be smoky as hell!!

View · by **Pat Cannon** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 12:11 pm

Seismic Sam wrote:Just out of curiousity, could you sit cast bullets in a pan of bacon brease up to the lube grooves, put it in the freezer, and then wipe off the bottoms of the bullets and seat them?? It might smell REALLY good, and also be smoky as hell!!

With the bonus effect of sending Islamist (or presumably Jewish) terrorists directly to hell!

View · by **rugersol** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 12:18 pm

Pat Cannon wrote:
Seismic Sam wrote:Just out of curiousity, could you sit cast bullets in a pan of bacon brease up to the lube grooves, put it in the freezer, and then wipe off the bottoms of the bullets and seat them?? It might smell REALLY good, and also be smoky as hell!!

With the bonus effect of sending Islamist (or presumably Jewish) terrorists directly to hell!

I'm very embarrassed this never occurred to me!

... moving on! ... I can think of no better use fer hollow-base bullets!

(PC content edited fer ... well, it jest was!)

View · by **Pat Cannon** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 12:20 pm

rugersol wrote:
Pat Cannon wrote:
Seismic Sam wrote:Just out of curiousity, could you sit cast bullets in a pan of bacon brease up to the lube grooves, put it in the freezer, and then wipe off the bottoms of the bullets and seat them?? It might smell REALLY good, and also be smoky as hell!!

With the bonus effect of sending Islamist (or presumably Jewish) terrorists directly to hell!

I'm very embarrassed this never occurred to me!

... moving on! ... I can think of no better use fer hollow-base bullets!
(PC content edited fer ... well, it jest was!)

To be more PC?

View · by **FJ540** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 2:42 pm

Now I really need a 1050 - bacon grease station. :lol:

View · by **gearguy10** on Mon Apr 22, 2013 4:34 pm

FJ540 wrote:Now I really need a 1050 - bacon grease station.

No need for shop rags. Just lick your fingers...oh, wait...there's still the lead.

I am now on the hunt for FFFg powder. Fleet Farm only had FFg. I can't wait to do this. Probably just the crummy weather, but I needed something new to focus on in the reloading room.