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Posted: 6/18/2014 11:23:54 AM EDT
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Just got my first black powder pistol (Pietta 1858 Remington). I know almost nothing about them other than I can't wait to shoot it this weekend.
Tell me what I need and what I need to know. Thanks. |
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Welcome to the obsession.
The simple list of things you need; balls, powder, caps. That will make it work. There are myriad things that make it work better; grease, bore butter, powder measure, #12 solvent, cleaning brushes (lots of cleaning brushes  )
ETA: .454 balls, Goex FFF, #10 caps. |
| This link is to a good thread started by Gatofeo (ugly cat) http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=65820 |
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Hot Soapy water, good scrubbing, let dry, good oiling. (condensed version)
Real black powder is somewhat corrosive, substitutes not as bad, still would always clean it. ETA, on my Colts I pull out barrel retaining wedge and disassemble completely. After cleaning it I put all the parts in an old, SS pot and bring water to a little below boiling. After removal the heat allows it to 'self dry', ensuring no rust in hidden areas. "HAVE FUN" and update us. |
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Search the internet for two of my posts:
"Proper Use of a Cap and Ball Revolver" and "So You Want a Cap and Ball Revolver?' Both by me, Gatofeo. I've been shooting cap and ball revolvers since about 1970. These two posts contain much of what I have learned over the decades. I've been posting them on the internet, in various message boards, since about 1999. Look for one posted within the past 10 years for more modern info. But for the gist: .454 balls Black powder is more accurate than black powder replica powders, but real black powder can be difficult to find. I'd suggest you use Pyrodex P. Remington percussion caps are preferred, but CCI will work fine. No way of knowing whether your revolver's nipples will take No. 10 or 11 caps. Buy a tin of both, for starters. Hard wool felt wads between powder and ball will keep the bore cleaner longer. Lubricate the hard felt wad with melted SPG, Lyman Black Powder Gold or the homemade lubricant named after me: Gatofeo No. 1 Lubricant. See my posts for directions on making and using Gatofeo No. 1 Lubricant for wads, bullets and patches. Wear eye and ear protection. Never let anyone stand to the side while the revolver is being fired. These guns release a lot of ejecta that can cause injury. During firing, keep and powder, powder flasks and caps well behind you, away from sparks. Don't smoke or use alcohol while using this revolver, or any other firearm for that matter. Clean the revolver right after use. Black powder and substitute powders can attract moisture and quickly promote rusting. Never underestimate the lethality of cap and ball revolvers. They have killed millions and still may. Be wary of Slackjaws who urge you to load to maximum or beyond the recommendations. They are morons. Be wary of Hodgdon 777 black powder substitute powder. Visit the Hodgdon powder website to learn its proper use. If you have a brass-framed revolver, don't load it to maximum. Brass-frames are damaged by the cylinder slamming back under high pressure.Keep loads moderate. Have fun with that revolver. Look for my posts under the name "Gatofeo" for detailed information. Enjoy! Be Safe! -- Gatofeo |
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