doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Picked up this 1861 confederate navy replica today and I’m pretty excited to take it out.
Any cap and ball shooters?
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Nice. Is that a Confederate version of the 1851 Colt Navy?
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Yes
They are fun to shoot, I own 2 of them.
Do yourself a favor and study up on them a bit. There are a couple things to be cautious about, as in proper size balls, wadding and proper fitting caps. You don't want chain discharges.
Other than that have a blast. Mine is surprisingly accurate at 20 to 30 yards..
Do yourself a favor and study up on them a bit. There are a couple things to be cautious about, as in proper size balls, wadding and proper fitting caps. You don't want chain discharges.
Other than that have a blast. Mine is surprisingly accurate at 20 to 30 yards..
Dartfreak75
Restore it, Dont part it!
I agree with this. Make sure you read on how to load them properly.
Big_John
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
I have a 1851 Navy Colt. It's a lot of fun to shoot.
Follow the suggestions here and research it before you start shooting. It does take a lot of cleanup when you are done too.
Follow the suggestions here and research it before you start shooting. It does take a lot of cleanup when you are done too.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Is yours a .44?
Looks like 44 CAL right above the ram rod hinge.
Mine is just like that and a 44.
Mine is just like that and a 44.
One more thing...if you have a squib, don't shrug and try the next cylinder - my buddy did that and turned my 1858 Remington clone into a paperweight about 25 years ago (and, once again, thanks ladies of the First AME Church of Tucson for the buyback that gave me $50 for my paperweight that I used toward another functional firearm that afternoon)
How long is the barrel on yours?
That's true of any firearm. That's bad juju.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
It does have the short barrel. I am debating taking it and exchanging it for a full length today.
I like the looks of yours.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
What bullet are you shooting and do you use the butter stuff?
Agreed - and my friend knew better, but apparently didn't think the cap would drive the ball about 2/3 of the way down the barrel with a zero-powder-charge in the cylinder...at least the gun only cost $80 back then ;-)
The ability to do so, however, is IMO the best reason to have a revolver as a carry piece.
Of course. I had a hang fire on my mind, not a squib.
Big_John
In my defense, I was left unsupervised.
Yes, .44.
I use a Hornaday .44 cal round lead ball with a lubed patch (Wonder wads) on top of the powder. The balls fit nicely, cutting a nice ring of lead as they are pressed in. No "butter stuff" as the lubed patch should take care of everything. I use 3F real black powder.
A couple decent videos. Note the 5 chambers versus 6 chambers loaded.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
The Bore Butter is for barrel use only, it "seasons" the metal. Kinda like seasoning cast iron cookware.
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
Well I changed my mind and went back for the Remington style so I can swap cylinders easier. Only problem is the ram rod doesn’t travel deep into the chamber at all so I will need to use a filler. Any recommendations?
It should travel deep enough to seat the ball on the powder. That is a little different there, but you'll have 30-35 grains of powder, a patch and a .457?...ball. It should pack that, no?
doogievlg
Well-Known Member
I wasn’t planning on using that big of a load. More like 20 grains but I have serious doubts about it pushing it down far enough to pack. Seems like with the remingtons most guys just carry a spare flask with cream of wheat or corn meal.
That seems light to me, I would start at 30 grains.
Here's a vid, 30 grains and a .457 ball. Notice the ring of lead that has been mentioned. It seals so tight he doesn't use a patch, lube over.
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