black powder, how small can we go? (pistols, load, bullet)

[ferretkona]

I have a .50 caliber I dearly love. I can load and shoot 3 rounds a minute within a inch at 100 yards. I know we have .45, .44, .38 and I think we have .58 out there. The fairly recent caliber of .17 HMR has had me wondering. How small can we go with black powder?

This could add a new bit of adventure for gardening with pesky rabbits, prairie dogs and squirrels.

All kinds of thought roll. About fouling. Caps bigger than bullets. Nearly more powder than bullet or ball.

Give me your thoughts, trolls and all!

[arctichomesteader]

There have been .17 caliber cap and ball pistols. I have a .22 NAA cap and ball mini revolver...

[chucksnee]

Most anyone with the right amount of money can make almost anything....

My point is....when is it just to much....

A .17 black powder...really? Why? Or are you talking about a .17HMR only with today's powder?

A .17, can be thrown off with a slight breeze....why would we want to go any smaller....

It can be both ways...

check out this 2 bore...rifle....

YouTube - Shooting Times test-fires a two-bore rifle