My first black powder experience

[Arnie]

Today my Pietta 1851 Navy Brass 44 caliber was delivered and I had enough time to go to the range to try it out.
Sadly, by the time I got there it was a howling wind out there, but I loaded her up in my truck cab and fired off a couple cylinders.

What fun!! This revolver is a blast!

I can't tell how accurate she is yet, but I was on paper about 3 inches off the bulls eye shooting offhand, dang wind, and that will have to be good enough for now.

I used about 21 grains of Pyrodex. Would 25 grains be better? I was worried that I might load up too much powder and wear out the brass frame.

I should have bought one of these a long time ago.

 

[cynthialee]

We have the same revolver.
:grin:
I have shot a number of diferant styles from the by gone days and the 1851 is my hands down favorite.

I load 27 grains and top it with about 10 grains of corn meal and a prelube wad graced with a .454 round. Can be a tight fit but the closer to the barrel you get the round the better. But you don't wanna put so much stuff in the cylender that there is some ball poking out. Cylender wont advance if thats the case.

Loading it over 25 grains will wear it out eventualy I am told. When I wear this one out I will get a new frame and use the one I have as parts.

Welcome to the adiction as they say in these parts.

 

[Matt85]

welcome to the world of black powder.

i think the civil war revolvers are a pretty common starter gun. my first gun was a remington 1858 made by pietta.

once you get the hang of the revolver you will want a rifle... then a single shot pistol (trust me they are fun).

be prepared to spend money! i started with a revolver and now ive got 5 guns (3 pistols 2 rifles). im currently saving up to add a custom Jaeger rifle to the collection.

 

[cynthialee]

Yep, for me it went revolver, buttstock to make the revolver a carbine, then the rifles showed up and I had to join the group because I need advice....Now I do want a single shot pistol. I am thinking one of Tingles guns would calm the fever some for a while.

 

[Arnie]

Cool!
Cigars, guns, home roast coffee, reloading is coming this winter, now black powder...............I caught myself checking out the 1858 Remington last night. Uh-oh!

I'm going to need a bigger house soon. LOL

 

[Poor Private]

Welcome to the world of Black Powder weapons and shooting. Your pocket book will never be the same :rotf: . I currently have 16 BP pistols and 3 rifles-- My wife says it's better than a 401k since she knows where all the money is.

 

[Lonegun1894]

You have a very wise wife. May wanna keep her. My problem is that every woman I meet that is smart enough to realize what yours has, is also smart enough to run fast and far. Hmmmm.... :rotf:

 

[David W.]

Welcome to the world of Black Powder weapons and shooting. Your pocket book will never be the same :rotf: . I currently have 16 BP pistols and 3 rifles-- My wife says it's better than a 401k since she knows where all the money is.

Can she cook, too? :haha:

 

[David W.]

Glad you're having fun with your new, and addictive hobby! Keep your powder dry!

 

[Blizzard of '93]

welcome to the pistol page. give up all hope for now you're hooked for life.
a .357 mag case makes a good measure for a fairly warm load for your brass framed.
a .38 spcl caseful will need a bit of filler to keep the ball closer to the mouth.

 

[Poor Private]

Welcome to the world of Black Powder weapons and shooting. Your pocket book will never be the same :rotf: . I currently have 16 BP pistols and 3 rifles-- My wife says it's better than a 401k since she knows where all the money is.

Can she cook, too? :haha:

Unfortunatly this is not one of her acomplishments. But she can roll a mean civil war .58 cal cartridge. :grin:

 

[Rick Son]

UH OH~
I just follow my wife around,when she drops money a get another one :grin:

 

[MSW]

[insert mad scientist laugh here]


BWAHAHAHA!!

another one turned to the dark side.

personally, i wouldn't want to load a brass framed revolver with anything heavier than 20 or 22 grains, but that's just a free opinion and worth what you just paid. CynthiaLee is right: you want the ball as far foreward in the cylinder as you can get it (without sticking out, of course). i use a charge of powder, a paper wad made from milk carton cardboard, some filler (instant grits- it is my opinion that this is the only legitimate use for this dreadful product- no self respecting person would actually consume 'instant' grits) with a felt wad on top of that followed by the ball and a bit of grease. this sounds a good bit more 'fussy' than it actually is.

as far as accuracy, i've seen cap & ball revolvers all over the map- some are competitive with modern centerfire guns and some are, to be diplomatic, just a pretty good noise maker. if you're getting 'minute of bad guy,' then you're doing pretty well.

welcome to the addiction!

make good smoke :wink: