pietta .36 Navy problem

[lenl349]

when it was first mentioned I thought people were kidding me about cream of wheat. Apparently not. does it also reduce chances of a chain fire?

 

[sourdough]

Possibly, but the main reason for its use is as a filler to take up space in the chamber with light loads. Tight fitting balls in the chambers do more to prevent front-end chain fires, but if they are to occur, more often than not it will be at the rear of the cylinder due to loose/ill-fitted/missing caps.

 

[bang]

I agree with the others. 10 grains of powder is too small of a powder load.
As a side note, it is impossible to overcharge a cap & ball pistol. When enough room is left on top of the powder charge for the ball to fit completely into the chamber, the powder charge will be what the pistol was designed to use.

A lot of people have found that reducing the powder load a bit below this maximum charge gives the best accuracy. That's why you see some folks using smaller loads and adding corn meal or Cream of Wheat to bring the level up to the amount it would be if they used a full powder load.
These same people say the gun is more accurate if the ball or bullet is seated just enough to have it just below the face of the cylinder. That's why they use the filler.

Messed with filler. Saw no appreciable difference. As long as the cylinder bore is smooth and correct size for barrel max bore.
I use 18gns minimum under a .380 ball with Pyrodex P. No problems.

 

[bang]

first time at the range was a disaster. it was thoroughly cleaned before taking it out.
I am using a .375 ball and 10 grains Pyrodex with #10 caps (the caps fired).
the couple of times the gun fired, the ball simply got stuck at the rear entrance to the barrel. Is this a matter of too small a charge?
Also, after firing (without sending a ball down range) hammer could not be cocked to move the cylinder to the next round.
Thoughts on fixing all this? thanks

Is the gun new?
If not have you looked for evidence of blow back through the nipples. 10gns should send the ball. 5gns will clear a dry ball in a rifle.
At 10gns the only thing I can think of is the nipples small hole is worn causing bit too much pressure loss.

 

[gbush]

Please help me understand. I bought an old Pietta Model 1860 from a gunsmith that reconditioned and blued it. To shot it I just ordered the Pedersoli Powder Flask, DP 523-44 (.44 Caliber). This flask comes with what I guess is a standard nozzle that captures the correct amount of powder. I measured it last night, is the 16.6 grains of Pyrodex P FFFG equivalent that is captured in the nozzle of my flask. It shots fine. But, after reading this forum thread, I wondered is there something I am doing wrong? Is my old Pietta Model 1860 about to malfunction?

 

[Zonie]

Pyrodex weighs about 30% less than an equal amount of real black powder. That results in your 16.6 grains of Pyrodex being the same amount and power as 21.6 grains of real black powder.

That ought to be about right for a "light" powder load in your .44.