Any Black Powder shooters here?

[Surf_dude]

I just ordered my first Black powder pistol and could use some pointers.

It's a .36 Cal, 1861 Navy Replica. I've been a re-loader for over 25 years, so, I'm well versed on working-up loads. I just need some starting points and any pointers on Black Powder. I'll be going to Markley's to talk with guys there that are forming a Black Powder Club as well.

Thanks,

Bruce

[Rob P.]

I've done some BP revolver shooting in the past. I do not like the new formulations for BP substitutes. I prefer the small grain sizes of 3f Pyrodex even if it is messier. The 'choose between this load or one pellet less' methodology is dangerous IMO.

Revolvers are really messy to load and shoot a lot. And most indoor ranges won't let you shoot them even with pyrodex because they still put out a lot of stink and smoke.

You will be surprised by the low recoil. It's much different than modern arms of the same caliber.

[tteng]

I have an Italian cap&ball (36-cal 51-Navy). I use .375-390 ball w/ 22-20 volume-grain of triple-7(3f, non-corrosive), no.10 cap, and crisco shortening to top seal each chamber. Lots smoke and gentle to shoot, and messy. I pre-load about 50-charges (using discard 7.62x39 casing as holder, and cut-off 44-mag casing as holder-cap, for each charge).

At the end of day, I remove the wedge and slide out the barrel and the cylinder(unscrew the nipples). Dunk the barrel/cylinder/nipples in hot water and brush/pick clean. Bake them in an oven for 1-min or so to dry. At cool-down and warm, WD-40 or oil them. For the pistol-grip w/ hammer/springs innards I just wipe outside clean and wd-40. So far I hav'nt dissemble the hammer/springs, but it should be done every 200 shots or so.

The most wear&tear parts are the wedge and the hand-spring, get extra if you're going to shoot a lot.

[Jared D]

I have a 50 caliber single shot made by Connecticut valley arms. I got it like 10 years ago but have yet to actually shoot it. I keep saying Im going to but never seem to follow through. I think having to buy all the patches,primer caps,balls and powder is kind of a discouragement. I think it would be cool to try if I ever get to it.

[CSACANNONEER]

Yea, I took my first buck with a smokepole back in '85. I've still got a dozen or so charcoal burners lying around. I even just found a small caliber (.22 or so) inline frontstuffer that looks to be made around 1850.

[Surf_dude]

I have a 50 caliber single shot made by Connecticut valley arms. I got it like 10 years ago but have yet to actually shoot it. I keep saying Im going to but never seem to follow through. I think having to buy all the patches,primer caps,balls and powder is kind of a discouragement. I think it would be cool to try if I ever get to it.

FYI........
Cabela's has a starter kit with everything but the powder and caps. I was going to get a Hawken replica, but, I'm a lefty and they were on back order (for ever, I think!).

Bruce

[Rob P.]

Yea, I took my first buck with a smokepole back in '85. I've still got a dozen or so charcoal burners lying around. I even just found a small caliber (.22 or so) inline frontstuffer that looks to be made around 1850.

Didja do this local in "A" zone or was it somewhere else? Planning on doing any more this year?

(Hi, I'm Rob and I'm STILL looking for a hunting mentor. . .)

[CSACANNONEER]

Didja do this local in "A" zone or was it somewhere else? Planning on doing any more this year?

(Hi, I'm Rob and I'm STILL looking for a hunting mentor. . .)

I took my it on Cuesta Grade during a primitive weapons hunt, S20, if I recall correctly. So, yes it was in A zone but, not during A zone season. I haven't been out in a few years and could use a hunting partner. PM me and we'll talk.

[Jared D]

Cabela's has a starter kit with everything but the powder and caps.

That sounds like the way to go. I'll have to try that.