Hi Thomas- First of all you need a little faster powder for the shorter barrel, FFFg. I use 40gns in my Lyman pistols and that works very well, a mild and accurate load. I am still working up a max load because as you say, the barrel is plenty thick, as much as the rifle, so it can be made to shoot very powerful loads. I had read in the manual advising against conicals because if you point the pistol down the bullet may loose contact with the powder charge leaving a dangerous space in the barrel. I am thinking about sabot loads as they stay put being a snug fit to begin with. Let us know how it turns out.

 

Greg Marts

Restoration Firearms