At the range w/my Colt Navy

[paulmarcone]

I took my new Pietta 1851 Colt Navy to the range this morning. I was able to get off 18 shots. I used around 20 grains of FFFG Goex, Ox-Yoke Wonder Wad and a .376 lead round ball.

Balls fit tight and left a nice ring of lead.

I used #11 caps and they fit fine. A couple of them got stuck, but I was able to get them out with my nipple pick.

My initial shots were all over the place as I was switching stances and going back and forth with my right and left hand (I am left handed but can't keep my left eye open!)

Here is my target from my last six shots. I was aiming low thinking that it would shoot high. It did not shoot high for four shots. Two shots went high -- one of them just above the paper. All shots were from 25 yards.

I think 20 grains of FFFG is the right load, although next time I might try 25.

After 12 shots the cylinder started to gunk up. Rather than take it apart, I sprayed a little Ballistol on the cylinder pin. I also cleaned the barrel and cylinders out with wet Ballistol patches followed by dry patches. Again, gun worked fine after that.

Lot's of fun to shoot and cleanup was not that bad afterwards.

target

 

[Jumpshot]

(I am left handed but can't keep my left eye open!)

Tape a piece of paper over the right lens of your shooting glasses. Then you can shoot comfortably with both eyes open, but you'll only see what your left eye sees.

 

[paulmarcone]

(I am left handed but can't keep my left eye open!)

Tape a piece of paper over the right lens of your shooting glasses. Then you can shoot comfortably with both eyes open, but you'll only see what your left eye sees.

Heck, why didn't I think of that! :bow:

Thanks for the common sense suggestion. I will try that next time out.

 

Be careful. Pietta says max load is 12 grains. I know that that is a ridiculously light load but Caballes says 22 grains. I normally shoot 18 grains Pyrodex P for a very accurate and pleasant load. At that load, I was shooting within 5' at 15 yards first time out.
Steve

 

[paulmarcone]

Be careful. Pietta says max load is 12 grains. I know that that is a ridiculously light load but Caballes says 22 grains. I normally shoot 18 grains Pyrodex P for a very accurate and pleasant load. At that load, I was shooting within 5' at 15 yards first time out.
Steve

Thanks Steve. Yes, next time out I will limit loads to between 15 and 18 grains. At 18 grains I had four shots that were grouped somewhat.

Again, next time out should be better.

Thanks.

 

[Blizzard of '93]

sound like you are going to become a BP smoke addict.

 

[paulmarcone]

sound like you are going to become a BP smoke addict.

Almost there already! If only i had more time! I own my own business and have four kids. Fortunately, this week is spring break. My wife is visiting family with two of our kids, my oldest is vacationing with a friend and my 12 year old is at cheer camp from 9 to 4. This is a slow week work-wise, so I hope to get to the range 2 or 3 times!

I just started shooting less than 2 years ago -- wish I had started sooner! This site is great for answering questions and getting tips.

 

[Mr Nick]

Maybe the 12 gr max load is for the brass frame models?

Be careful. Pietta says max load is 12 grains. I know that that is a ridiculously light load but Caballes says 22 grains. I normally shoot 18 grains Pyrodex P for a very accurate and pleasant load. At that load, I was shooting within 5' at 15 yards first time out.
Steve

Thanks Steve. Yes, next time out I will limit loads to between 15 and 18 grains. At 18 grains I had four shots that were grouped somewhat.

Again, next time out should be better.

Thanks.

 

That's a good point but the book doesn't specify. I have read that the euro measure is different than our so that is why all the book loads are so "weak"

 

[crockett]

If you shoot from a rest at 25 yards you ought to be getting around 2" groups (maybe a bit larger). I think with a wad 18 grains is a good all around load. To cram 25 grains in the gun you have to pretty much get rid of a wad and cover the ends with grease. On the light loads you still need the ball as close to the end of the chamber as possible to reduce bullet jump and improve accuracy so most folks load the power, then a filler- such as cornmeal or cream of wheat, and then the ball.

 

[DanChamberlain]

20 grains of triple F "is" a light load! My Pietta Navy will shoot into 2" at 20 yards with no problems. It's a tack driver out to 15 yards and has accounted for several squirrels at 10 yards or a mite more. Oh, and it shot clean through a smallish red fox at about 10 steps in the woods.

Dan

 

[Paint]

I purchased an 1858 army 44 from cabelas. My brother an 1851 brass navy. Both pietta manuals stated 12-15 grains 3F. Cabelas manual with the 1858 said 20 to 30 grains 3F. Confused, I emailed Traditions-the box my 1858 came in. They said use 20 to 30 grains.
At this point in the confusion, I will start at 20 grains in each gun and work up until my groups make sense.