Range Report--Cimarron .44 Long Colt and Pinnacle Powder

[Mean Bob Mean]

I finally had an opportunity to shoot my Cimarron 8" Barrelled Richards Mason 1860 conversion in .44 long colt.  I recently purchased 500 rounds of .44 Long Colt loaded with Pinnacle powder and that was what was used in the firing.  The weapon functioned flawlessly and shot quite well using a loose hand "duellist" style, and even better with two hands.  The best group of three I had was inside 2 inches, this using two hands and firing under my dominant eye.  The Pinnacle loads consistently produced voluminous smoke, a hearty boom, and significant recoil.  Black Dawge informed me that I should expect about 800 fps and I assume that is right.  The accuracy and esthetic appeal of the ammunition made me wonder why the powder did not catch on.  It did run warm, the piece was extremely hot after loading and shooting 15 rounds in somewhat rapid succession.  The weapon was not fouled to any significant degree after 50 rounds.  If I took my time, sighted carefully and squeezed I could pretty much place the round where I wanted it to go.  I'd say this should be a wonderful piece for shooting Cowboy Action and the ammo would satisfy a lot of folks who love their boom and gloom.  

Cleanup was an absolute snap.  After rapid disaaembly, I sprayed a minor amount of Ballistol on the frame, cylinder and barrel and polished it right up with wads and rags.  Reassmebly also was perfect and seamless.

So, while I have read many "true tales of terror" regarding these fine weapons, I have to say I fall into the category of satisfied owners whose piece was perfect from the box.

[dusty texian]

Sound's good Mean Bob Mean. Not long ago I  purchased a new 1872 Open Top in .44 Colt. I also purchased 250 of the same ammo you describe  from Powder Inc. Good Folk. I found the Ammo to be very accurate and clean-up was not a prob.  The Combo shoot's very well. Good Shootin ......Dusty

[Mean Bob Mean]

Dusty, they were carrying some of that powder in FFFg.

[Abilene]

...The accuracy and esthetic appeal of the ammunition made me wonder why the powder did not catch on. ...

Pinnacle was dropped from the Goex line when Goex was bought by Hodgdon.  I expect this decision by Hodgdon may have been due to them already carrying their 777 BP substitute.

[Mean Bob Mean]

Pinnacle was dropped from the Goex line when Goex was bought by Hodgdon.  I expect this decision by Hodgdon may have been due to them already carrying their 777 BP substitute.

Ah, too bad, it is sweet stuff.  I want to try some Blackhorn 209 loads.  They have a .44 colt load listed that produces 900 fps with a 200 grain projectile. 

[dusty texian]

Mean Bob Mean , Does your .44 have the Army Grip. My open top has the Army grip and 7.5 in. Barrel and I realy like the grip and angle . Point's real easy.The .44 Colt is a joy to shoot . Big Bore with light recoil.........Dusty

[JohnsonBarr]

Goex Pinnacle is back on the market. It is now produced by APP in Colorado. My
1872 Open Tops have won me more than one match to be sure. 15 grs. of 3Fg
with a 240gr. RNFP shoots point of aim. Of course that's after the smoke clears!

[Mean Bob Mean]

Mean Bob Mean , Does your .44 have the Army Grip. My open top has the Army grip and 7.5 in. Barrel and I realy like the grip and angle . Point's real easy.The .44 Colt is a joy to shoot . Big Bore with light recoil.........Dusty

I do have the army grip and I find it fills my hand nicely.  It does point naturally, it just requires a tad getting used to the sight being on the hammer.  If you ever get a chance to shoot the 8 inch conversion, try it out.  I am considering purchase of a pistol precisely like yours.

Cheers,

Bob