Want to say thanks and one more ?

[monkr]

Wanted to say thanks for all of the support I received. Going take gun to a range this weekend for the first time. Got my Hornany 454 balls and power. Ordered the cci #10 caps and reloading stand from Dixie Gun. Picked up a powder measure yesteday. Got about 50 small tubes. Going to load powder in them after I measure the right amount. I'm one of these old guys who like to have everything ready to shoot when I get there.
Probably will load corn meal in cylinders for filler before seating ball.
Now my question. What is best to put over ball to keep from chain firing.

Biggest question for me since I am trying to learn is what is the best way to clean gun between rds of six shots. I just want to do everything right and be good at what I do so I can enjoy. What tools for cleaning and the process at the range. Once again thanks for all of yur help.

 

[tnlonghunter]

I don't actually put anything over the cylinders. If your round balls are the correct size (which it sounds like they are) then when they are seated, a small ring of lead will be shaved off, creating a perfect seal all the way around. That should keep any embers or sparks out of the other cylinders there. Also, I use a felt wad between the ball and the powder, which also acts as a seal. If you are using the cream-of-wheat filler method, I imagine that will work just as well, but I've never tried it. Lastly, make sure your caps are good and tight on the nipples and that they don't fall off of the live chambers with the shot. That'll keep the back of the charges sealed. Enjoy! It's a blast.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Everyone has their own way of loading these C&B revolvers. Lube over or under the ball is more about keeping the fouling soft that preventing chain fires. Shaving a complete 360* ring when you seat the ball is what seals the chamber mouth. For lube you can use lubed felt wads, make your own grease cookies for under the ball, or just some Crisco dabbed over the ball.

Personally I don't use any filler. If the loading lever well seat the ball against the powder charge I'm GTG.

IMHO most chain fires are from poor fitting caps. You want the caps to be tight but not so tight they don't completely fit down on the nipple. If the cap is not seated on the nipple it well more than likely be a misfire the first hammer drop as most of the energy is used to push the cap completely down. The next hammer fall well discharge the cap. I really don't like loose caps that are pinched to fit, chain fire waiting to happen.

Like I said, lot of ways to load these, try them all and use the one you are most comfortable with. Good shooting.

 

[Dave Rosenthal]

First, you're welcome!

As far as the filler goes, remember to leave a little room for the ball to go into the chamber all of the way, so you don't have to take the thing apart or pull a half-seated ball. You'll be able to measure by eye, but if you're slightly A-R, you can pre-measure some filler in the same volumetric measure that you're using for your powder. As long as the total is 30 grains for a '58 NMA or a '60 Army, you'll be fine.

Have fun and make smoke!

Dave

 

[rafterob]

I use a little crisco over the balls to help keep fouling soft. Coat the cylinder pin with crisco, then install the cylinder (before loading). This will help to keep fouling out of that area and prevent binding after multiple cylinders are shot. There are other lubes that stay put better than crisco-as it tends to melt out after a few cylinders are shot. You do not have to clean in between cylinder loads. I will get at least 6 and often 12 cylinders shot off before I have to worry about cleaning off excess fouling. Then I remove the cylinder, wipe off the pin, cylinder face and inside frame area with a damp cloth, run a damp patch through the center cylinder hole, reapply some crisco and reassemble for more shooting. I have discovered there are lots of variables with black powder fouling dependant on ambient temperature and humidity so treatment from one session to another may vary.

 

[Billnpatti]

I favor an OP wad, a tight fitting ball that shaves off a lead ring and just a dab of Crisco on top of the ball. No need to fill the end of the loaded cylinder with Crisco, just a dab will do ya. Any more will just make an unnecessary mess. If you wanted to use a filler instead of an OP wad, I'd recomend a product called Pufflon. If you are interested in trying it, just go to www.Pufflon.com. :thumbsup: