Dumb cap and ball mistake - advice needed

[DaveBeal]

I've stupidly loaded two balls into the same chamber of a cap and ball revolver. I've heard of people intentionally firing two balls from the same chamber, but I don't want to try that. I'm not sure whether there's powder between the two balls. I'm thinking that I can remove all caps (already done), remove the cylinder from the frame, remove the nipple from the double loaded chamber, drain the powder from under the first ball and drive both balls (and the powder possibly between them) out with a wooden dowel and a hammer. Is this safe? Thanks!

 

[BeoBill]

A less invasive method:

- Remove the cylinder
- Remove the caps
- Screw a self-tapping screw into the ball from the mouth of the chamber
- Pull the screw/ball assembly out
- Dump powder (if present) as necessary

I'm not saying I ever screwed up in a way that required pulling a ball...

 

[Campbell]

Remove cylinder.
Remove nipple.
Dump powder.
Use a small brass punch through rear of cylinder to push out ball.

 

[Campbell]

I've stupidly loaded two balls into the same chamber of a cap and ball revolver. I've heard of people intentionally firing two balls from the same chamber, but I don't want to try that. I'm not sure whether there's powder between the two balls. I'm thinking that I can remove all caps (already done), remove the cylinder from the frame, remove the nipple from the double loaded chamber, drain the powder from under the first ball and drive both balls (and the powder possibly between them) out with a wooden dowel and a hammer. Is this safe? Thanks!

Yes

 

[Grenadier1758]

@DaveBeal, the brass punch will be sturdier than the wooden dowel and using the self tapping screw is equally effective.

 

[M. De Land]

I've stupidly loaded two balls into the same chamber of a cap and ball revolver. I've heard of people intentionally firing two balls from the same chamber, but I don't want to try that. I'm not sure whether there's powder between the two balls. I'm thinking that I can remove all caps (already done), remove the cylinder from the frame, remove the nipple from the double loaded chamber, drain the powder from under the first ball and drive both balls (and the powder possibly between them) out with a wooden dowel and a h

I've stupidly loaded two balls into the same chamber of a cap and ball revolver. I've heard of people intentionally firing two balls from the same chamber, but I don't want to try that. I'm not sure whether there's powder between the two balls. I'm thinking that I can remove all caps (already done), remove the cylinder from the frame, remove the nipple from the double loaded chamber, drain the powder from under the first ball and drive both balls (and the powder possibly between them) out with a wooden dowel and a hammer. Is this safe? Thanks!

A sheet rock screw works just fine after securing the cylinder in a padded vice. Screw it into the middle of the ball and pull with pliers or vice grips.

 

[snakebit]

I've stupidly loaded two balls into the same chamber of a cap and ball revolver. I've heard of people intentionally firing two balls from the same chamber, but I don't want to try that. I'm not sure whether there's powder between the two balls. I'm thinking that I can remove all caps (already done), remove the cylinder from the frame, remove the nipple from the double loaded chamber, drain the powder from under the first ball and drive both balls (and the powder possibly between them) out with a wooden dowel and a hammer. Is this safe? Thanks!

I "dry balled" a chamber today. First time shooting my revolver. I took the nipple out and tapped out the ball with a brass punch. Sits on my bench with several other of my "Bone Head" awards. Won't say it will be my last time. But it was shure a good time shooting it today.

 

[LME]

I've stupidly loaded two balls into the same chamber of a cap and ball revolver. I've heard of people intentionally firing two balls from the same chamber, but I don't want to try that. I'm not sure whether there's powder between the two balls. I'm thinking that I can remove all caps (already done), remove the cylinder from the frame, remove the nipple from the double loaded chamber, drain the powder from under the first ball and drive both balls (and the powder possibly between them) out with a wooden dowel and a hammer. Is this safe? Thanks!

Read number 4 and follow his directions.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

My $0.02: I would use a brass rod to drive out the two balls.

In case of a dry ball, I keep a flintlock pan charger in my revolver shooting box. I've also used it to add a small BP kicker charge when paper cartridges loaded with old Triple 7 wouldn't ignite from just a cap.

 

[Kap]

I've had to pull balls several times when I could'nt get that chamber to fire. I put the cylinder in my vise and screw a drywall screw into the lead. I use a pair of sidecutters and squeeze the screw and cantilever the side cutters and it comes right out. If you take the nipple out and use anykind of punch you can damage the threads if your not careful.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Being lazy, with the cylinder removed and cone. Hit it with 160lbs of air (in a safe direction)

If not the screw method works well.

 

[cynthialee]

been there, done that
took off the nipple and drove it out from the back

 

[hawkeye2]

The OP didn't give the brand of revolver he has but with a Remington the nipple holes are angled and it's possible to hit the cylinder wall with a punch well before it drives the ball out. With a steel punch it can damage the chamber. Though it might take a fair amount of force to seat a ball it doesn't take much to pull one. A drywall screw and pliers has always worked for me.

 

[maillemaker]

Driving the balls out from the rear is the safest course of action and the least likely to bugger up the cylinder walls.

 

[springfield art]

I've stupidly loaded two balls into the same chamber of a cap and ball revolver. I've heard of people intentionally firing two balls from the same chamber, but I don't want to try that. I'm not sure whether there's powder between the two balls. I'm thinking that I can remove all caps (already done), remove the cylinder from the frame, remove the nipple from the double loaded chamber, drain the powder from under the first ball and drive both balls (and the powder possibly between them) out with a wooden dowel and a hammer. Is this safe? Thanks!

Should be....no caps, you should be good. Just careful!

 

[hanshi]

Just as long as there are NO caps on it remove the cylinder and try one of the above ways. Just don't damage the revolver.

 

[Plainsman]

Yes, what they said.

 

[Griff093]

Remove caps, remove cylinder, screw a wood screw into top ball. Then with wooden dowel across cylinder face, use a pair of wire cutters to grip the screw shank and lever the ball out. Ensure the rear ball is clear to the front, then take the nipple off the rear, dribble a little powder in, replace nipple, reassemble gun and cap. Fire in a safe direction. Same routine as loading a dry ball.

 

[Schaps]

Two balls in the same chamber of a revolver is a new one!
simple fix: remove nipples, dunk the entire cylinder in a tub of hot water, fill chamber with oil to flush out or deactivate all black powder, screw a simple corkscrew into the ball from the front / exit side of the chamber. Pull out first ball ( usually comes our very easily) repeat for second ball. clean cylinder

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Mighta ended up a camp name.....