1860 44 cal Navy replica

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I read one time that powder can get "smeared" on the wall of the chamber when you seat the ball, thus causing a "fuse" type of situation. This supposedly happens when a person gets sloppy when loading the chamber. The cure was a funnel of sorts, made out of a center fire empty cartridge. Using the funnel and topping the powder with a wad, and topping the ball with your favorite lube, is supposed to reduce your chances of a chain fire to ..... well, close to zero. So that's what I've been doing, plus it was a fun and easy project.
 

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I read one time that powder can get "smeared" on the wall of the chamber when you seat the ball, thus causing a "fuse" type of situation. This supposedly happens when a person gets sloppy when loading the chamber. The cure was a funnel of sorts, made out of a center fire empty cartridge. Using the funnel and topping the powder with a wad, and topping the ball with your favorite lube, is supposed to reduce your chances of a chain fire to ..... well, close to zero. So that's what I've been doing, plus it was a fun and easy project.
I made a funnel from a spent .270 cartridge I got a deer with. It’s handy. Interesting consideration here.
 
44 cal 1851s have zero historical basis, but my son's brass framed one is an excellent shooting gun. Good enough for me. I have one with a short barrel, I like it. Shoot that gun and enjoy it, that's what they're for.
 
the only way I have ever been able to replicate a chain fire was by using .440 balls over loaded with real Bb. Worked every time yet even with that horrible missize begging to chain fire situation a bit of lube over the balls stopped the chain fires and allowed me to use up the batch of incorect balls with no further problems. Useing the proper sized balls chain fires are a non issue.
 

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