Original 1858 Shooting.

[The Arctic Fox]

I am going to test fire my original 1858 Remington. I checked it over as did a gunsmith. I was planning on using a half load of about 10-12 grains of FF, some fill and ball.
Anyone else shoot originals have advice.

 

[Zonie]

Although I don't own an original, if I did, I wouldn't go down to 10 grains of powder for a load.

Assuming it is a .44 caliber, that's a very small amount of powder in a gun that size and it might not be enough to assure the ball exits the barrel.

I would think that a 15-18 grain load would be more appropriate.

 

[mazo kid]

Although I don't own an original, if I did, I wouldn't go down to 10 grains of powder for a load.

Assuming it is a .44 caliber, that's a very small amount of powder in a gun that size and it might not be enough to assure the ball exits the barrel.

I would think that a 15-18 grain load would be more appropriate.

I agree; if you and a gunsmith have inspected the gun and pronounced it safe to fire, then it shouldn't hurt it in the least to at least have a medium charge. Just be sure to carefully clean it after shooting and lube all surfaces. I have an original '60 Colt but don't know if I would consider shooting it as I have several replica revolvers for that. Still.....it might be fun to.....

 

[Mike Brooks]

I'd probably go with 20 to 25 gr. If the gun is in good shape it should be fine.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

I'm with Mike!

Start out on the lighter side, then give her what she was meant to use in the old days!

MAKE SMOKE AND HAVE FUN!! :thumbsup:

Dave

 

[LeMat1856]

.
. sep 2 / 7:02pm


from my books and reading, i've never seen any recommendation to use "filler" (like corn meal, cream o wheat, etc.) - just the opposite.

there's a photo of an original 1850 advertisement for "colt's patent repeating pistols, army, navy and pocket sizes (beware of counterfeits and patent infringments)" showing what loooks like a dragoon or walker with loading instructions to wit: "...without wadding or patch,...."

you can see it on page 56 of "percussion pistols and revolvers: history, performance and practical use" by bates and cumpston.. in short, it's not recommended..

conspicously missing, however, is the advice to seal each chamber with any "grease" to prevent frontal chain firing, so perhaps a little common sense should prevail regardless.

personally i use felt wads as filler only when the space between the round and barrel is greater than 1/4" and always put some bore butter for "grease" on each chamber.. do what's best for yourself.

~d~

 

[PeterV]

I would suggest that the revolver should be loaded with a charge not exceeding about 15-16 grains of 3 Fg, since any more powder will not burn completely in the barrel. A ten grain charge followed by a load of corn meal to fill the cylinder and then the ball should do it just fine. Put a little Crisco or SPG lube, or any of the home made varieties found on this site and other sources such as Muzzle Blasts, on top of the seated ball, and she should shoot just fine.

Putting a cylinder plus ball full of powder in the cylinder just wastes powder, but you won't hurt the barrel doing so. Just remember you are shooting an older revolver that was used to powder that had a lot less energy than the stuff we have to use today. Just my humble opinion.

 

[Mike Brooks]

Lube over the ball isn't intended to prevent chain fires, that's what a tight fitting ball prevents. Lube is to lube the ball so it doesn't lead the bore.

 

[arquebus]

Lube is to lube the ball so it doesn't lead the bore.

Plus it keeps the fouling soft.

 

[Mike Brooks]

Lube is to lube the ball so it doesn't lead the bore.

Plus it keeps the fouling soft.

:thumbsup: