.44-77 hunting load questions.

[Distant Thunder]

I've been thinking about this question for awhile now and I'm not sure exactly the best way to phrase it so I get the answers I'm looking for so I have decided to just jump in and see what happens. What could possibly go wrong?

First, I don't mean to confine this question to only the .44 2 1/4, although that is my primary interest it is not necessarily the that of interest to others and I would like here from people using other cartridges as well. I realize that the bottlenecks are a different animal than the straights, but I would like any info for either style of case at least as a comparison of the two.

Second, I am only interested in using paper patch bullets so I thought the Reloading section under Paper Patch would making the better choice.

I'm not sure why but the area of black powder hunting loads with paper patch bullets does not seem to be something that is easily explored. It's almost like original black powder cartridge loading in that it seems not that much is written about it and one would have to really dig to get enough information get a true understanding of what it takes to be successful with such loads.

Since first getting my .44 2 1/4 from Shiloh 10 months ago I have worked at this idea a few times and so far I can say that accuracy is not really a problem that I can see. I suppose that depends on what is reasonable to expect in terms of accuracy and that varies from shooter to shooter. For me It would be a load that I could reliably put 5 shots or more into 6 inches at whatever my maximum hunting distance would be without cleaning the bore other than what is possible in the field.

That distance assumes a means of accurately knowing or judging the distance and using sights that would make the shot possible. Again, there are many other variables at play with the maximum distance.

I would be very interested to hear from anyone who has worked up such hunting loads. Obviously the more details of the loads shared the better, but I am also very interested in what is used for fouling control. This seems to be the more difficult part of a good hunting load if any follow-up shots are possible for whatever reason.

The question of lead hardness would also be interesting.

So to sum up my questions:

What cartridge(s) are you using?

What bullet is used? Alloy? Specifically what bullet is used. A picture or mold number?
What is the weight of the bullet? What is the diameter(s) of the bullet after patching and what paper is used?

What velocity is the load? Either chronographed or estimated is good.

Type of wad(s) used? Lube wad?

What is required for fouling control in the field?

How do you determine the range while in the field?

Any additional info that would be helpful would be appreciated as well as any comments on BPC hunting in general.

Thank you for your time.