hey there mec
I followed you over
(no, not really) I did a search and found this board that way and there you were!
For the guys considering their first cap and ball, FWIIW, I would recommend a nice Uberti 1860 Army as your first bp revolver. I love mine. The other one that is popular and not too expensive is the 1858 Remington - they are easier to break down for cleaning - you just lower the loading ram and pull the cylinder pin out and the cylinder will come free vs the Colts which require the removal of the key. To my eye though, the Colts just look so much better.
When I shoot, I use wonder wads under the ball - these prevent chain firing and preclude having to grease the chamber mouths. They also keep the bore pretty clean during firing. Pyrodex P works well and gives good velocity and is also pretty clean, but best of all is more available than good black powder (unfortunately).
Keegster, if these are nice balls otherwise, you may look into trading somebody here for .451-.454" balls. You never know, there's probably somebody with a surplus of those...
Now, I'm going to go post my second thread and (if possible) show off my Colt 1848 that just arrived today! Thanks again to mec who inspired this purchase