Cleaning Cap & Ball

[Sousuke]

For anyone that has recently started this hobby like me, one thing I thought I would pass on is that it may be a good idea to clean the action often.

I was under the impression you could go 200 rounds + before opening the action up.

BUT....I noticed the action had gotten really stiff so I recently opened mine on an 1851 after only about 50 rounds. I have no clue how it happened but a cap was underneath the trigger and hammer assembly sitting flat against the inner frame. I had a second cap in the bottom of the hammer spring.

[animal661]

Because of the corrosive nature of the powder I strip clean mine every time I shoot

Its always better safe than sorry

have fun

[mls343]

Hot water goes a long way with black powder. When shooting, it will help reduce fowling and sticky actions. For cleaning, start with hot water and the clean like a smokeless weapon. I use the dishwasher for the handguns when the wife is not around, but take off any wood items before doing so.

Black powder is so much fun! Enjoy!

[Sousuke]

Prior to this I was just breaking the revolver down into its three parts. I think from now on i'll go down to ever screw.

Probably won't do this for the Remington New Army, where I'll stick to breaking its action down every 3 or 4 uses.

[barbasol]

I soak in soapy hot water, let dry, clean as normal and then soak in oil. I like my guns wet! I do this with the mosins and ak too

[Rule .308]

Hot water like everyone else has said, the dishwasher works well too, and Ballistol. Ballistol is just short of magic in my book.

[scrat]

Break it down. Get good. a spray water bottle does good too. I got to the point where if i shot about 4 cylinders full. i would strip it right there at the range. warm water an old tooth brush a rag. then dry it down. put it back together quick. a few drops of oil here and there. dont forget the arbor shaft. some steel wool makes the cleaning quick. get it clean real clean. then try to clean the barrel where the arbor shaft goes in and the cylinder quickly then put it back together let it sit a few minutes to dry off about 5-10 minutes time from start to finish then start shooting again.

[Toyman321]

I've been using my ultrasonic cleaner on mine, it's amazing the crud that comes off it.