Black Powder Cartridge News 133 Spring 2026

The Black Powder Cartridge News magazine has joined the Wolfe family of outstanding sportsmen's publications.

It is written by shooters for shooters.

Black-powder enthusiasts will value the in-depth features and columns whether they are hunting, collecting or competing.

Published quarterly, The Black Powder Cartridge News provides all the reliable information you need to enjoy these revered firearms.

About the Cover... 

Our cover this issue features artwork by well-known Western artist Ralph Heinz of Newport, Washington, depicting First Sergeant John M. Ryan returning fire from his position at the Battle of Little Big Horn. Sgt. Ryan and the “M” Company Cavalry troopers came under fire from Sharpshooter Ridge and he used his telescopic-sighted 45-70 1874 Sharps to silence the enemy fire. It was one of many heroic acts that took place at the battle and he has been remembered as the man who fired the last shots of the battle as well. Zach Schoffstall of C. Sharps Arms has graciously supplied the artwork that is included in Mike Nesbitt’s excellent article in this issue on the C. Sharps Arms custom, limited edition “First Sergeant Ryan’s” 1874 Sharps. Read Mike’s article for all the particulars on reserving one of these special rifles for yourself and the testing that Mike put the Ryan Sharps through at the Quigley Match. The First Sergeant Ryan rifle shoots as good as it looks and would enhance any collection of fine single shot rifles. Thanks, Zach and Mike, for a great article on a special rifle.

Best quality English sporting rifles, truly represent the finest product of the gun making trade. Handling one is both a privilege and a rare treat. Thank you, Rick, for sharing your fine collection of Alexander Henry Express double rifles with us. 

Table of Contents:

From the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Steve Garbe

About the Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

First Sergeant Ryan’s Rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Mike Nesbitt

.22 Rimfire Accuracy Logic, Reason, Chronograph and Statistics . . . . . . . . 12

Bob Glodt

Black Powder Cartridge Reloading Hacks. . . . . 18

Rick Moritz

Bulk Smokeless Powders & Duplex Loading . . 24

Steve Garbe

32-40 Ballard Miniature, Short-Range and Gallery Loads . . . . . . . . 28

William M. Curry, Jr.

Securing Buffalo Meat for Winter - Part II On the Plains of Western Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Floyd B. Small

Submitted by Leo J. Remiger

Tin Oxide Scale on Cast Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Lon Morris

Letters from Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

• Sharps Rifle Company Archives

Product Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

• Montana Vintage Arms Scope Sunshade • SPG Sales Rifle Restore Steve Garbe

Steve Garbe

Center Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

• Belding and Mull’s Famous .30 Caliber Bullets Jim Foral

Rifle Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Advertisers’ Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66