Help me sight in my '51 Navy

[FSCGunslinger]

Ok, so I generally manage to hit my target w/ about 5 of 6 shots at about 25' or so. Unfortunately I haven't been able to accurately measure it off. But here's my problem: I can't do it with any noticable pattern. I do fire from a benchrest most of the time.

I am currently using the included 15gr. spout to throw fffg, topped with a round .375" round ball and some lube. I just ordered a set of 18 and 21gr. spouts for my flask, along with some wonder wads to try out.

So how should I go about finding what is best for my pistol? I consider myself an accurate marksman (I've been known to shoot that centerfire smokeless stuff on occasion...) and this is kind of frustrating to me.

Suggestions/comments?

 

[TFoley]

Dear Mr FSCGunslinger - you might find that your loads are just too squiffy. The recommended load for a .36 is 22gr of FFFg.

I'm amazed that they get to the target, even at 20 feet [only kiddin'].

Give it a try when you get your spouts - I have three right here looking at me, but they sure ain't much use to you,eh?

tac :grey:

 

[Arrowstorm]

:agree:

Oh man.... I deffinitely suggest that you "up" your loads. I remember in my .44 1851 Navy, I tried the 12g that someone had recommended and when I fired the gun, the ball didn't even come out of the cylinder! That's with a .454 roundball in a .44 though. But still... I shoot about 25g out of my .44 Navy and that does just fine. 15g sounds a bit too little powder. :grey:

 

[FSCGunslinger]

Then why on earth would they give me that size spout to begin with? I'm gonna try the 21gr. spout when I get it to see how much that helps. I've yet to see a powder measure or spout that fed 22 grains, although a nice adjustable one that throws in 3 grain increments might be nice. haha... does this exist, even?

 

Yes, there is an indefinitely adjustable powder-flask. The problem is, the spout is in the center of the flask, so you can't get it right-angeled on the chamber, and removing the cylinder every time to reload a 1851 Navy is a... you know. I gave mine away because it was of no help.

Albeit BP loads are measured by volume, not by weight, you could weight the powder drop of a certain spout, file it down and weight... and so on, until you have the right size.

 

[TFoley]

Then why on earth would they give me that size spout to begin with? I'm gonna try the 21gr. spout when I get it to see how much that helps.

:hmm: ....to live in a country where they GIVE you BP accoutrements....great envy is mine.

Note that although a lot of spouts are marked, they are very approximate sizes, and what most of us do over here in UK is to get a spout that is too big, and having found out the good load for our piece, pour a sample load back into the spout, make a mark on the outside to show where it comes up to, and cut off the bit we don't need. That way we can have our 22.7gr spout measure, or our 29.75gr or whatever we want.

Of course, you might well have a whole lot of different ways of doing things that we over here don't know about, and I'm here on this site as ready to learn as the next man.

tac :grey:

 

[LRB]

One major thing you need to check, is the size of your chambers. Most of the imported revolvers have under size chambers, and need to be opened up a tad. .001 or .002 larger than your bore. At the very least, bore size. If they are smaller, you will never get the accuracy the gun may be capable of.

 

[jim gray]

Get an adjustable measure and shoot various loads. My .36 cal. Navy is most accurate with 18 grains of Pyrodex P, while my .44 Second model Dragoon won't put six shots on paper with Pyrodex (I'm talking 25 yards here.). Keep trying different things especially the wonder wads you mentioned. Also try different loads, different size balls, and even different caps.

When I try a different load, I like to shoot 12 shot groups that way I get 2 from each chamber.

 

[loophole]

Black powder accuracy often is effected by compression--the stuff shoots better when it is compressed uniformly. I'd find a load which fills the chamber up to within about 1/8 inch of the top, then use a felt or card wad, ball, and compress til the ball is just below the top of the chamber. This not only compresses the powder, but it also expands the ball slightly, which creates a tighter fit in the forcing cone. My Uberti 36 shoots best with about 20 grains, if I recall correctly, with a good deal of compression.

 

[FSCGunslinger]

Just got my lubed wads and 18 and 21 grain spouts today from Cabela's. I hope to try them out maybe Friday. I also bought 8 of the stationary clay pigeon target holders to shoot at for some fun. I, of course, am going to use paper to judge my groupings, but after a few cylinders, I'll probably try my hand at breaking some clays to see about accuracy that way. I figure if I can hit a stationary clay at range, I'm doin' good.

 

[44-henry]

My favorite load for my Colt 1851 is a full cylinder of P pyrodex (with just enough space left in for the ball and a dab of crisco on top). This is a stout load and it's fun to shoot, wouldn't be surprised to find Hickock using a full charge.

 

In my 36 colt I shot 20gr of 3fg with a .380 ball. But as Wick has eluded my chambers were bore size and untill I opened them up to about .375 I had dismal accuracy. You want the ball to enter the forcing cone approx .001 or .002 larger than the bore. Reaming the cylinder changed a gun I was ready to give away into one that shot 3" groups at 20 yds. Also check your timing, have a boresize rod machined and check that it slids easly into each chamber (thru the barrel) after cocking.

 

[crockett]

Take notice that everyone is telling you the same thing. Load up with plenty of powder. You cram the wad/ball down on the powder hearing a "Crunch"- just a little- and the ball is seated just below the cylinder end. The sights are sort of poor on a '51. If you want to, a dovetailed blade and a squared hammer notch may help a bit. They are found on some old guns and are therefore PC. :thumbsup: