Finally pulled the trigger on black powder revolver

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osallent

New member
Thank you all for your advise in the other thread. I went ahead and bought myself a Pietta 1851 Colt Navy Revolver. What a beautiful revolver this is, I can't wait to shoot it this weekend. My only complaint is the cosmoline, which I need to remove tonight before I go to bed.

A quick question, how many grains do you guys load on your black powder revolvers like this one?

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Those Wonder Nine shooters and plastic brick lovers are going to have a shock at the range when I pull out my cloud-making hand cannon.

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Brass frame .36: 20 gr/volume fffg real black. Max.

Except that's not a .36 - it's a .44. Make that 25 gr/volume. Absolute max.
 
Yeah, if it is a .44 you could put 30 grains of FFFg or FFg, but since it is a brass frame model I wouldn't exceed 25 grains. If it is a .36 about 20 grains.
 
Yes, I know I was warned about the brass one, but I really liked it so much that I had to have it. I'll just make sure not to exceed 25 grains like you suggested.

I do still want to buy the Remington 1858 a few months down the line, and eventually an 1860 too.

This is the beginning of my black powder adventures....:cool:
 
Another way

To save the frame is to load with a press.

If you get serious about shooting BP revolvers you may want to think about a press. Anywhere from 20 to 60 bucks.
 
Always be sure to check your recoil shield every few cylinders. If you see the imprint of the cylinder ratchet like this one back your loads down cuz it won't take many more cylinders before it's trash.

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This was after eighteen 25 gr. loads in a Remington .36
 
Osallent

Since you have already stated your intention to add an 1858 and an 1860 to your arsenal, I think I support your decision to start with a Brass Frame 1851.

As you say, the brass frame makes it a pretty pistol. You will likely move out of it pretty quickly once the steel frames are on board. You probably did not put much money into it. (Started without a large investment). It seems as though you are going to shoot it wisely.

I am one who thinks that almost any purchase of any BP revolver is a good one. My first recommendation was a steel frame Remington and I stand by that but I also see the value in the decision you made.

Happy shooting.
 
Brass is pretty...

My first (and only so far) BP pistol was the brass framed Pietta 1858 New Army.

I also bought it because it was pretty. One thing I like so much about the BP pistols is their classic look.

I've only put about 18 rounds through it so far because I live in the land of ice and snow, but it was a blast.

I figure I can shoot it a lot as long as I use pretty light loads.

My next BP pistol will be a steel framed 1860.
 
Nice.
But, there is no advantage to pushing for maximum loads. Load what is a pleasnt shooting experience for you and later what give best accuracy. 15-20 grains is where most end up.
As for removing cosmoline. My standard method is to remove the wood (grips) take apart as much as you can. In your case, just removing the cylinder is enough. Then spray liberally with carburetor cleaner. Swab barrel, wipe down and use a good gun lubricant on the inside and moving parts.
For cleaning, I remove grips and cylinder and put whole thing in a small tub of soapy water. Swish around, swab bore with the water. I put the whole thing (except grips) in my kitchen oven at about 200 degrees, with the door open a little, for an hour or so until all parts are dry then lube while warm.
IMHO, you do not need any commercial wonder whiz super cleaners. Soap and water is sufficient.
 
I must confess, there's a battered brass framed navy that was my first BP shooter. It was an economical ($25 in 1968) introduction to black powder.
 
I have one of those but I don't shoot more than 20grs FFFg but I could probably go to 25 but I don't want to shoot it loose. Use 20grs powder and soft lead balls and it will run for a looooong time. Shoot 30grs in it and you have bought a paper weight after a few cylinders. Some have shot a lot of 30 gr charges without ill effect but they are like folks that have smoked for 40 years and don't have emphysema or cancer but a lot of folks aren't as lucky.
 
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