British Bulldog load

[Tubac]

I have a British Buldog revolver that chambers .44 American. In the book "Tombstone" 9 grains is given as a load for the Bulldog. Does this seem like an acceptable load?
Thanks,
Tubac

[Adirondack Jack]

Sounds about right.  The original .450 Adams load was a 230? grain bullet and 13 grains.  The same rule applies for yer .44 American as for ALL BP rounds.  If it fits with snug compression (which won't be a lot in that short case, maybe .050 compression), ya can't hardy go wrong.

[St. George]

Don't go by what it'll chamber.

Time and use can make a lot of rounds 'chamber' when they weren't meant to do so - and tolerances on the Bulldogs was never all that 'close'.

Regardless of what 'Tombstone' may say - noted reloading and cartridge identification reference that it is - these loads are referenced in 'Cartridges of the World'  - by Barnes - and were given in answer to your earlier query on Belgian Bulldogs.

Incidentally - 'British Bulldog' was often seen atop the topstrap on those revolvers made on the Continent, as a marketing ploy - so look for the various Belgian proofs.

The Bulldogs were chambered for .44 Short (RF), .44 Webley and .44 Bull Dog.

They're lower-powered loads.

.44 Short - 200 grain bullet - 21 grains BP
.44 Webley - 200 grain bullet - 15-19 grains BP
.44 Bull Dog - 168-170 grain bullet - 10-14 grains BP

A lower loading, of course - is a 'safer' loading - especially in a revolver built of iron, as were all of those older pocket guns.

That's not an indictment as to their quality - so was everything else.

There was no need for any stronger metal until more powerful smokeless ammunition came about and was readily available.

FYI:

.44 American -  218 grain bullet -  25.0 grains of BP
.450 Adams - 225 grain bullet - 13 grains of BP.

Again - from 'Cartridges of the World' - Barnes.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[WV Scrounger]

ST. George.....Sir, you seem quite knowledgeable about the  British Bulldogs....I have been looking at a few and would like to purchase one....But the owner claims the pistol is an early one and was only produced in single action....
 were they not all able to shoot double action?
Perhaps the one I am looking at needs work in order to once again shoot in double action mode???
any help is appreceiated...

[John Smith]

This is the best book on the subject:  http://www.amazon.com/British-Bulldog-Revolver-Forgotten-Really/dp/193146426X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261839831&sr=1-1

[WV Scrounger]

Yes...will get the Book///But I would like to know if some of the early Belgium pistols were only single action...
   Do you  know??  I have one I am looking at but it is Only single action....my question is : does it need work or was it produced that way.....??   Knowing this would help me decide if I am gonna buy it.....can ya help?

[St. George]

Every one of mine is double-action - and so are all of those I've ever handled.

The biggest 'problem' with the various Bulldogs are broken springs, but if the one you're thinking of buying is single-action-only - you may be looking at one with a damaged hammer.

The above-referenced book 'is' good - but by no means comprehensive, and touches very little on the various European-made revolvers, of which there were a myriad.

Still and all - it's about the only reference of the sort that's available.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[WV Scrounger]

St. George....thank you Sir !  You saved me from buying a belgium made with a broken hammer...Much appreceiated!
I hope I can return the favor some day.
Knowledge is only good if one is willing to share it!

[St. George]

De nada - glad to help.

Gotta tell you - had you dual-posted and asked this one on the 'Frontier iron' forum, as well as this one  - I probably would've gotten back sooner...

My advice is to keep your eyes open - these little guns 'are' out there and they're fairly reasonable, since ammunition's not readily available and many folks think that 'you'll blow your hand off' if you shoot one.

That sort of 'fear factor' can work in your favor, if you're well-informed.

British Bulldogs have increased in popularity because there's now a reference about them - this always happens - but not everyone cares to read, they just want to sell, so look for one with a tight lock-up and with working springs.

Good Hunting.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!