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Safe load for 1851 Navy cap & ball

kuhlewulf
I just got two .36 cal 1851 navy cap and ball pistols. I am wondering if anyone has a suggested safe load to start with, and what safe range of load I can work in. I used to have one that was stolen but never shot it. I plan on shooting these. Thanks.

James

Whats next? A ban on automatic transmissions?
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6 comments

Date Votes
  • rockford
    quote:Originally posted by kuhlewulf
    I just got two .36 cal 1851 navy cap and ball pistols. I am wondering if anyone has a suggested safe load to start with, and what safe range of load I can work in. I used to have one that was stolen but never shot it. I plan on shooting these. Thanks.

    James

    Whats next? A ban on automatic transmissions?


    If you use FFFg black powder and the correct size lead ball, you are safe. The cylinder cannot hold more black powder than it can safely fire. The correct ball should not fit the cylinder, but should be oversize so when you force it into the cylinder, a lead ring is cut from the ball being too big. Seal the loaded chambers with grease, we used to use a product called spit ball. The final step is to put the caps on the nipples.

    Fred
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  • mazo kid
    The one I used to have used a .375 round ball. Then follow the steps that rockford suggested. Emery

    "Well done is better than well said"
    Ben Franklin
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  • Buffler
    I use a Wonder wad(Ox Yoke) between the powder and ball.
    Helps with the fouling. BE SAFE!! Buffler
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  • jonk
    Just curious, repros or originals?

    "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf
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  • kuhlewulf
    They are Repro's. There once was a set of 1851's and a 1860 in my circle of trading partners, but those were stolen. One of those 1851's was mine. I just wanted shooters so I bought these two repro's.
    1851navy.jpg
    I'd like to thank everyone for their help and advice. I'll take them out this weekend and get the New Year off with a smokey blast. Will report on results.

    James

    Whats next? A ban on automatic transmissions?
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  • Rafter-S
    Quote: "The cylinder cannot hold more black powder than it can safely fire."

    A word of caution here: Don't fill the cylinders with powder to the point that the ball won't go in. Leave space equivalent to the diameter of the ball.

    My humble 2.5-cents worth,
    Rafter-S
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