Update after breaking it in. 
The cowboy loads shoot/cycle just fine with hardly any recoil in my Puma. My Pietta 1860 Army 44 cal showed between 650-700 fps with the cowboy loads. Was a little disappointed due to it having an 8" barrel but it is a BP pistol so tolerances might be a little loose.
The Puma averaged around 850-860 fps vs the stated 750 fps velocity on the box so I am pleased with that. They went about 4" deep in taped together phone books. Pulled them out afterwards and they were all flat as pancakes. Forgot how soft the plinking cowboy loads are. I have no doubt a good hunting lead SWC with standard 860 fps loads will be enough for deer and medium size black bear.
The cowboy loads shoot/cycle just fine with hardly any recoil in my Puma. My Pietta 1860 Army 44 cal showed between 650-700 fps with the cowboy loads. Was a little disappointed due to it having an 8" barrel but it is a BP pistol so tolerances might be a little loose.
The Puma averaged around 850-860 fps vs the stated 750 fps velocity on the box so I am pleased with that. They went about 4" deep in taped together phone books. Pulled them out afterwards and they were all flat as pancakes. Forgot how soft the plinking cowboy loads are. I have no doubt a good hunting lead SWC with standard 860 fps loads will be enough for deer and medium size black bear.