Loading BP revolver

[sactobill]

I have a Ruger Old Army that I want to take out and shoot for the first time. I have the supplies needed like BP substitute, balls, primers, etc.

I'm just not sure what you guys do to load the cylinder. Do you take it out and use a stand or holder?

Thanks!

Bill

[gotshotgun?]

Refer to the other thread (Cabella's Sale) near yours, there is a link to a youtube video showing how to load.

[sactobill]

Thanks for the tip on the YouTube vid. I noticed that he disn't put any wax or wad over the ball. I thought that was recommended to prevent a chain reaction discharge?

[Noonanda]

putting a wad is kinda up to you, I use wads more to assist with keeping the powder fouling soft, because I use slightly oversize lead balls. it scrapes off a sliver when I seat the ball in the cylinder. If I was using smaller sized ball then I would definately lube or wad.
I was reading something the other day that flashback throught the primer hole of other cylinders due to loose caps is more likely to cause a chainfire than from the front around the ball.

[JWI]

I've always loaded with the pistol assembled, and not with a holder. In the past I have used Wonder Wads, but recently have gone to using a lube. Bore Butter is a good lube.

You'll find that if you use just the wads, without lube, the cylinder will tighten up from all the fouling and after two or three cylinders worth of firing, the pistol will be really fouled. With lube, I've fired 40-50 rounds through a pistol with no problems.

Either the lube or wads are necessary to prevent the pistol from chain firing. I guess if the caps got loose, technically a chain fire could happen that way as well.

[joelberg]

I like using Crisco as a lube. You can get a 5 lb can of it for like 3 bucks, will last you a lifetime. Bonus: Smells like french fries every time you shoot!