How to tear up a perfectly good pistol

[rebelyell62]

:nono: :redface: I received a like new LeMat in the mail yesterday (purchased on line)I couldn't wait to shoot it. Being a .44 I figured I could get away with 30 gr. 3f and .451 ball. Iloaded 3 chambers with that load and didn't have room left for a wad over the ball , reduced the load on the remaining 6 to 25 gr and had room for wads. Against my better judgement, I decides to shoot her the way I loaded it. Well first shot went off fine , second shot yea you guessed it, multiple discharge!!!! Shot my loading lever plunger off, broke the loading lever retaining spring, bent the loading lever(I can salvage the lever)Moral of story.......never ever ever shoot a cap n ball pistol without grease or wads over the ball. Now I have to wait for parts from DGW just to shoot again.

 

[marwat06]

I feel for you. Sorry to hear. At least nobody got hurt. I tell myself that when I do something similar. I think we all can relate. Good luck on your repairs.

 

[thehorn]

Moral of story.......never ever ever shoot a cap n ball pistol without grease or wads over the ball.

Were the caps fitting snugly on the nipples? I'm just asking as the multiple discharge may have occurred thru the nipples rather than thru the ball end.

 

[rebelyell62]

The caps were not as snug as I would have liked. I had #11's on hand. I should try to find some 10's. The thought did cross my mind. In my experiance, all my chain fires was due to the lack of grease or wadding over the ball, but it is a very valid point you bring up. Thannx

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

Well first shot went off fine , second shot yea you guessed it, multiple discharge!!!! Shot my loading lever plunger off, broke the loading lever retaining spring, bent the loading lever(I can salvage the lever)Moral of story.......never ever ever shoot a cap n ball pistol without grease or wads over the ball. Now I have to wait for parts from DGW just to shoot again.

I am sorry to hear of your predicament. I was very interested in a very long thread about "chain fire" last year. I think we finally agreed that there is a combination of things that happen to create the conditions for a multiple discharge.

I've always greased, used wads, or BOTH... only ever had one chain fire, on a very very hot day. I've had LOTS of looser fitting caps though and NEVER had a problem from that--so I think it's just a matter of personal belief (or preference) as to what really happens.

It's still awfully strange that with all the equipment available to the modern research and testing facilities that someone has not set up a proper test for a chain fire. Maybe someday...

Though you weren't hurt physically... that damage to the LeMat has got to "hurt" deep down in your soul. Still you learned a valuable lesson that could've cost more than a few damaged (yet replaceable) pieces.

Regards, and shoot safely,
WV_Hillbilly

 

[Charley Hart]

Sorry to hear about the gun, but extremely glad you have all of your fingers.

Good advice too!

 

[Tight_Wad]

It would be bad enought happening to an old gun, but to happen to a brand new out of the box purchase on the second shot must be really upsetting. My sympathies.

Just one question though. You seem to suggest that you put the wad over the ball not under it? The DGW catalogue recommends 22g FFFg + .451 ball + wad. I think this could be misleading because the wad should always go over the powder and under the ball. If you want belt & braces you can add grease over the ball. Please excuse me if you already know this and I've just misunderstood your post.

Hope you get the gun back up in working order very soon. It looks a fine piece in the catalogue and I understand the craftsmanship is very good.

Tight Wad :thumbsup:

 

[rebelyell62]

I've always greased / wadded my pistols on top of the ballwith good results. I have seen folks wad over their charge however, I may give it a try. Parts should arrive tomorrow Lord willing. This was my first dance with a LeMat, the thing is massive, but in the same breath, very delicate, you can definatly see the French influence in the piece.It is surprisingly well balanced in lue of its size.

 

hate to hear about that rebelyell and as others have said, certainly glad you have all your digits and eyes.....two things come to mind. Experience is the best teacher and "learn from other people's mistakes, you'll never live long enough to make them all yourself".

 

[CoyoteJoe]

The caps were not as snug as I would have liked. I had #11's on hand. I should try to find some 10's. The thought did cross my mind. In my experiance, all my chain fires was due to the lack of grease or wadding over the ball, but it is a very valid point you bring up. Thannx

"ALL" of your chainfires! How many have you had?

 

[rebelyell62]

The caps were not as snug as I would have liked. I had #11's on hand. I should try to find some 10's. The thought did cross my mind. In my experiance, all my chain fires was due to the lack of grease or wadding over the ball, but it is a very valid point you bring up. Thannx

"ALL" of your chainfires! How many have you had?

In the course of 15 years + or- maybe 6 or 8

 

[longfowler]

I've had chain fires on a walker of mine that were from the new nipples being to long, recoil was slamming the cylinder into the frame. fixed it by filing the frame down. It sure is scary isn't it!I always grease over ball, but it sure is messy, someday I'll try wads.

 

[faw3]

I had a Walker do the same But the gunsmith also told me(then I read it in a old MB) sometimes 1 out of 10,000 times BP explodes not burns, something to keep in mind I guess. Fred :hatsoff:

 

[rebelyell62]

Longfowler,
I'm not sure "scary" is the term I'd use, but she did kick like a barn soured mule. :shake: :shocked2:

 

[rickystl]

Like Tight Wad says, the wad should go BETWEEN the powder and ball. This way, when ramming the ball the wad will expand and the powder will crush. Knock-on wood I have never had a chainfire loading this way. Since using the wads, I don't need to use grease over the top of the cylinders and have never had a chainfire. But you could do both for extra insurance. In my 1860 Army I generally use 30 grains of FFF, then the wad, then the ball, and all fit. (This load probably does not help the accuracy dept. but I like the big belch) :haha: Anyway, glad to hear you were not hurt. A chainfire is a very scary experience :shocked2:

 

[rebelyell62]

:thumbsup: :grin: Got my parts from DGW this mornin' put my pistol back together. I ordered a few extra parts , that according to ledgend, are prone to break loading lever retaining spring, spare screws etc. I'm happier than a pig in the mud. Thanx to everyone who replied and shared their concern with my well being. I'm a purty tough ole' rooster only thing hurt is my pride :redface: Have a blessed weekend :hatsoff: