How fast can BP revolvers be reloaded?

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Still a person with basic practice can load a colt 1860 just as fast as a colt 1873 with the issue paper loads. I have had the wife time on the clock and there is really no diff on the time that is worth counting.
 
Still a person with basic practice can load a colt 1860 just as fast as a colt 1873 with the issue paper loads. I have had the wife time on the clock and there is really no diff on the time that is worth counting.
It's not a fair comparison as the 60 starts out empty. I'm quite certain I can load my case empty Ruger about twice as fast as my 60.
 
It's not a fair comparison as the 60 starts out empty. I'm quite certain I can load my case empty Ruger about twice as fast as my 60.

I dont believe thats a correct assessment of the situation with regards to the "reloaded" question, not "loaded from empty".

An empty percussion revolver may have caps that need to be removed from the nipples after being fired (more likely when correct caps were used as in the period of use) and need to be reloaded, but an 1873 would have empty shells in it that would need to be removed before it could be reloaded.

I would forward the suggestion that the person that timed loading both may be slower in unloading and reloading the 1873 than one more practiced. Unloading 6 empties shouldnt require more than 3-4 seconds, and can be done a little quicker when well practiced.

A proper comparison would be "how long to fire 12 shots" in either gun. That would involve shooting the first loads, reloading and firing the next cylinder full. If that means 5 rds per loading with the 73, thats an individual choice. It was common not long after introduction to only load 5, but in an active engagement it wouldnt be out of the question to top it off and certainly to load it full on the reload when still involved in said action.
 
I’ve often wondered how fast 19th century black powder revolvers could successfully be reloaded in the civil war or confronting desperadoes given the stress of a situation. Excluding possibly having an extra loaded cylinder acting like ga modern day speed loader or having several loaded revolvers, I’m curious just how fast a BP revolver can be quickly loaded using paper cartridges and a capper? I’ve never read any 19th century literature for the civil war or armed confrontations mentioning how quick a BP revolver can be reloaded. Has anyone read or even timed how fast a BP revolver can be loaded without fumbling the paper cartridges, dropping caps on the ground, etc. and all the rounds in the cylinder fire successfully without a mishap? :rolleyes:
When I was still participating in CAS my shooting category was Frontiers man which called for cap and ball revolvers, exposed hammer shotguns and similar period rifles I had a guy make me a gun rig for my 58 Remington and two cylinder pouches that opened with just a snap. With a little practice I could switch out the empty cylinders with the fully loaded ones in 15-20 seconds depending on the course of fire.
That was a nice looking rig, I should have kept it.
 
I've been watching a documentary on Amazon Prime about the history of firearms. The name of it escapes me.
It told of Union Troops capturing guerrillas during the ACW. They said all captured had multiple revolvers and they took as many as Ten revolvers from some of the captured men.
I'll look for the title of it this evening.
 
Here was 47 seconds from empty to loaded and ready off the watch. But then I am more of a smith fan vs the SAA colt so I am sure some can eject brass faster than I can too vs me flip lever and eject with a scholfield.
 
I just timed myself loading my 1851 Navy from the bench. Loading from a flask,15gr then lubed conicals and capped with a Ted Cash capper. 3minutes 20 seconds, not hurrying but being efficient. So add some time for being under duress or on horseback and I think that gets you in the ball park.
 
Get away from the bench and it will go faster. Try it while walking.
Challenge accepted, very curious myself. I'm going to the range in a bit and I don't think they would appreciate me walking around while reloading. I will get it done in the next day or two.
 
very curious myself.
I surprised myself at how much slower I was when picking up and laying things down of the table than when I lao0ded away from the table. You do need a system that keeps everything handy on belt or sash or neck strap.
Living on the land, I never use a range so what they like or dislike have never been a problem.
 


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