For .44 C&B, I use speedloaders that I made: 1.75" of 3/8" polytube from Lowes with a 3/8" Dia. x 3/8" long wooden dowel glued in one end. Add 22 grains of any FFFg and push in a .454 round ball that I cast.
I shoot early in the posse and load on a cylinder stand at the unload table, two pistolas in about 5-7 minutes. No extra cylinders for me.
I have owned four 1873s, all built at the peak of production in 1890-1891.
I have worked in metal fabrication and machining since 1989, but I was impressed with the consistency of the work from 120+ years ago. The very precise cuts for the side plates and the fit of the receiver after heat-treating is amazing.
I cast bullets some 25 years ago when I shot bp rifle matches.
I started casting again about 3 years ago: .313, .358, .401, .430, .452, .309 (for .300 Blackout) and .454 round balls.
Lee 4-lb pot for $40.
I use tumble-lube Lee molds so I don't have to size. I can mold about 150 per hour with a two-cavity mold or 300 per hour with a six-cavity mold.
I get about half of my lead off the ground at the range. I can usually pick up 15-20 pounds in 15 minutes.
I get the rest of my lead from work and estate sales.
I use 50/50 solder for my tin.
Has any Ruskie technology been pretty?
The Mosin-Nagant, Nagant revolver, Tokarev pistol, AK, SKS, and all of their autos are clunky, hard-lined and rough, but they work in horrible conditions and seem easy enough to manufacture.
Still want to stay FTF near central NC but willing to consider a Ruger Mark X, a Browning Buckmark or Ruger 10/23 with a threaded barrel in partial trade.
I was reading a book on US Grant today and learned that Santa Domingo (now called the Dominican Republic) wanted to be come a US territory and then a state in 1870.
Grant wanted it.
The Senate said no.
If'n it were me, buy the Ruger/Marlin.
If you shoot cowboy, it will last ya and can be shot fairly fast.
If you decide to not shoot cowboy, it will sell easier/quicker than the Heritage or be a great go-to gun.
I have loaded it only in shotgun loads.
12-Ga 7/8 loads were as good as Reddot or American Select.
20-Ga loads were not consistent.
I could not find data for handgun loads.