Dry Seated ball

I use a plastic funnel for loading powder and to serve as a marker.
Placing the funnel in the muzzle lets me know that the gun is empty and is waiting for the powder charge to be dropped in. Then as soon as the powder charge has been dropped in the funnel is removed with the other hand.
The open muzzle lets me know that the gun has been charged with powder and is waiting for the ball to be started.
I don't usually walk away from the gun at this point in the middle of the loading process because the ball and patch are in arm's reach making it very easy to immediately place them on top of the muzzle waiting to be started.
The patch & ball on top of the muzzle now serve as another marker.
Then I could walk away for an hour and when I return I would know right where I left off during the loading process.
 
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At ranges when people walk up and engage the shooter in conversation, that is invariably when dry balls happen. The rythm was broken and the loader distracted.
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That is exactly what happened. I had shot the gun alone several times and then a friend of mine showed up while I was prepping another load.
 
I carry a thumb screw with a hole drilled in it with a leather shoe lace tied in a loop. After i screw the ball screw in i screw the thumb screw on the other end of the ram rod. I find a nail on a wall or a tree limb to put the loop on then i pull on the rifle to remove the ball. It is hard to pull on a ramrod with even pressure without loosening the ball screw. If you don't threaded on both ends of your ramrod you can wrap the leather strap a few times a round your ramrod and tie it the leather will grip the ramrod.

PS you should use a ramrod that has not been pinned
 
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PS you should use a ramrod that has not been pinned
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I think I see where you are going with this as the pin "might" get in your way. Even though most current ramrods are not pinned, this is not realistic as some of the older ones, are. I understand this is your application and that's fine. .... :)

Without being pinned you risk pulling the brass tip off.
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True and a pinned rod is better than one that is not. I repair and make ramrods, old and new. Those that are pinned, have a longer tip body so that any jag you insert, will clear. .... ;)

As part of your accessories, you should include a good Range-Rod, for range use. Save your gun's rod for the field.


Be Safe !!!
 
The "getting messed up because of people talking to me" never happened before I started shooting BP revolvers and muzzleloaders.

I never actually payed attention to it until this post. But it's true. Through the years shooting cartridge firearms, outside of a few stories or tales, I'm back at getting ready to shoot etc. most everything left me alone.

But now, people are talking history and going on and on, talking about battlefields they've visited. And of course, constant, "that thing shore takes a long time to load" that we all endure. It's caused me to dry seat several chambers over the past year, super irritating, but I just thought it was me.

I guess these guns are so different and the loading process interesting people can't help themselves. Funny how you can't see the "forest for the trees."
OJW
 
It's easier to put a few grains of powder under the nipple and then simply fire it out in a safe direction.
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On that subject. How many grains? I tried that at least 3 times and it did not work. Although when I was doing it I was under the impression that the powder in the barrel was not getting enough fire from the nipple, I was not aware yet that the ball was dry seated.

Also CVA's have a drum. Does this effect how many grains you place under the nipple?
 
It doesn't take much, a few grains maybe. No one measures it out when they put it under the nipple. Put some in and then tap the gun to help move some of the powder down into the flash channel. Then try to put some more in before reinstalling the nipple.
The drum can make it easier to put some powder in. Remove or loosen the nipple and remove the clean out screw. Then some powder can be put directly into the flash channel.
 
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We are talking about Dry-Ball

On that subject. How many grains? I tried that at least 3 times and it did not work.
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I'm not entirely surprised as, we are talking about dry-ball, not a hang-fire or miss-fire where there is a main charge present. You are trying to move or extract a stuck, patched dry ball through a tight partially fouled bore, with just a pinch of powder. My happen but I doubt it and have just never tried it. .. :confused:

I routinely pop a cap with an inserted patched ram-rod and noticed that it only moved about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch.!! Now, this is on a side lock that does not have a drum. My guess is that you may be able to get more powder in a drum and it still may not work. ..... :cool:

I have never had a problem pulling a patched round ball and sabots are easier. Now, I have to ask; Ho did you finally correct your dry-ball condition? ... :confused:


Be Safe !!!
 
I pulled it out with the ramrod. Once I got home I was able to get some leverage on it.
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I figured as much and now let me ask you one more question; Do you feel confortable, doing it this way, again?



Be Safe !!!
 
Do you feel confortable, doing it this way, again?
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It is the second time I have done it in two years. the first time was due to the powder getting lube in it and gunking up. Does not matter to me how it is done as long as it is safe.
 
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