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3/31/2026 6:36:50 PM EDT
I’ll be converting my great-grandfathers rolling block to centerfire.
My uncle before he died thought it had been thought the last time they had ammo for it/shot it was around 1940.

I’m going to make ammo from 50 Alaskan.

I’m considering using Buffalo Rifle/5744 or Trailboss instead of black powder for light loads.  Maybe 300 grains at 1000fps.

Any tips / pros / cons BP vs light modern?

I guess I could use half capacity BP with a ton of filler for light loads.  But I have good luck with some other old original BP loads with modern powder without having to fill/compress the case.







3/31/2026 6:59:51 PM EDT
[#1]
Awesome
4/1/2026 6:13:29 PM EDT
[#2]
12.17x44RF?  I briefly looked into these when Simpson was selling 1867s (?) cheap from Norway and/or Sweden. Found this video detailing making the ammo. In the comments he says he’s using 50-70 dies.  I’d be reluctant to use anything except 2F and lead bullets (no jackets).  I’m sure a light smokeless load could be found but I’d imagine it won’t get shot a ton so it’s probably not worth the effort to pursue.

How to reload Swedish 12 17x44r
4/1/2026 6:32:13 PM EDT
[#3]
Look to utube there is a bit more to loading BP rifle then just stuffing it with powder and a projectile.

There are two tubers ( their names slip my mind at present sorry ) that are real pro's and go over every last detail in detail.
If you don't buy a mold and cast your own the right lead mix is going to cost a bit.
I found that out with my 45-120 Quigly repop and my 1861 Colt special carbine.
I cast a ton though so two more molds didn't matter.

I also agree don't use any smokeless it's un needed stress on the gun even light loads. But probably less stress the shooting hard cast.

Enjoy and be safe.
4/12/2026 4:27:42 PM EDT
[#4]
Ok.  I have my centerfire breechblock installed and timed/fitted.  I have 2F BP, RS Pyrodex, Trail Boss on hand.  I’m even going to check for some American Pioneer powder.  A mini cut off with jig, 50 Alaskan Brass, 50 cal pure lead bullets coming.  It is firing primed brass like a champ.  I’m hoping the 50 Alaskan die set will work to load and crimp.

My original pictures from a decade ago show the leather wrap, trade cloth, from before it all flaked/dusted off to just remnants.  (The decade as a wall hanger without uv windows, special humidity control, plus a fall did it in.  The stuff was brittle and even using protectant was taking stuff off.)
At some time before it became a dowry from my great-great grandfather to my great-grand father, it looks like it probably had a split proximal fore end, was cut down, and this smelly mix of pitch/resin/lead spacer under the barrel and the forend held in place by the wraps.  The .mil sight had also been replaced by a flipping three leaf.

It had no value as an original military original configuration gun.
Whatever Its value was as my great-great grandfather’s First Nation’s Quebec trade/decorated moose gun - when I got it-
Ended with the loss/deterioration of the wraps.
It will essentially only have value to me as a shooter/family heirloom.




My second project will be the gun my great-grand father got when he first went to Quebec from France.  (The rolling block was a huge upgrade)

It was an Enfield, made for the EIC percussion muzzle loader in about .5 caliber smoothbore.
Supposedly some Yeomanry outfit purchase for the civil war that also ended up in Quebec.


















Any tips on a load for it?  What type percussion caps?

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