Just bought my first percussion revolver (Pietta Navy 1851 in .36).
I'm starting to build my shooting kit but I've seen a number of videos claiming how great Slix Shot nipples are. I'm curious should I first try the nipples that came with the gun to see if there are issues or should I just "bite the bullet" and buy some Slix Shot when they are back in stock?
Thoughts?
You haven't told us how prepared you are to go to the range. So Forgive me if I ramble a bit. And I have no financial interest in Deer Creek, I just like the measure they have since it is graduated in 2 grain increments.
My thoughts are to determine first the size of percussion caps you need. If this is a new Pietta Navy, the nipples should be sized for a #10 cap. Even so there can be slight differences in the production nipple sizes. I use a digital Vernier caliper to measure the tips of the nipple cone. The #10 cap will measure approximately 0.155" at the top of the cone. The #11 nipple will measure 0.165" at the tip of the cone.
I heartily recommend that you get a quality nipple wrench for your pistol and as part of your preparation for your first visit to the range, clean all the oils out of the pistol. Remove the nipples. Factory installation often overtightens the nipples and they can be very difficult to remove.
Revolver Nipple Wrench - A410 (deercreekproducts.net) or
Properly fitting screw drivers are needed when you take the revolver apart for cleaning. Most of the screws are fairly soft and easy to burr the screw slots.
Measure the cylinder mouth and the barrel groove to groove diameter. Ideally the cylinder mouth and the groove to groove diameter will be equal. Use the diameter of the cylinder mouth to determine the size of the ball you will need. I use a ball 0.005" oversize. Upon loading a ring of lead should be shaved off for a good seal. I use 0.380" balls in my revolvers.
Get a volumetric powder measure for revolver. I like this one from Deer Creek.
Revolver Powder Measure - A1260 (deercreekproducts.net)
Might as well have the necessary cleaning supplies on hand too.
Revolver Cleaning Sets - A15331-A15334-A15336 (deercreekproducts.net) and a rod
.45 Caliber Pistol Cleaning Kit - (deercreekproducts.net) . You won't need the 45 caliber brush and jag, but its half the price of the pistol cleaning rod.
I do recommend that you use 3fg GOEX (real black powder) but Triple Seven may work. Get a can funnel to transfer powder from your can to the measure.
