When is a Blackpowder Weapon Considered "Loaded"?

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Hi,

Not only is this my first blackpowder shoot, this is my first time firing blackpowder ...

I have some nifty Ruger Old Armys that I have been restlessly waiting to try out,  an unopened bottle of Hogdon Tripe 7, old Wonder Wads and an unopened pack and about 60-100 caps ...... (first question; does Wonder Wad or caps go bad when left out?) ...

My question is this, though:

I remember reading somewhere that a blackpowder weapon is not considered "loaded" (i.e., can leave the reloading areawithout a Proceedural being called) until the caps are installed. That the powder can be loaded, the wad an ball rammed home, and the weapon remains (technically unloaded until the caps are installed.

Is this true? I am fine with the result either way; just want to understand the rules before the day of the shoot .....

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

There is no official ruling on this that I am aware of, but I do know several C&B shooters who charge their cylinders with powder and ball at their carts, then go to the loading table to cap them. Your club may have a local rule governing this, but it is practiced at several clubs where I shoot. Some shooters man the unloading table and charge their cylinders while they are there, then cap at the loading table. Some clubs have a designated safe area where cylinders can be charged, and then they may be capped at the loading table.

You might check about 777 and lubed wads. As far as I know, which is only what I have read, I don't think you need a lubed wad with 777. It is not like real Black Powder and does not need special lube. At least I think that is what I have read.

[Hedley Lamarr]

SASS considers c&b loaded when the caps are on.
With only powder & ball in the cylinders, you may do what you wish when you wish.
Come to the loading table and cap, you now have a loaded revolver.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Driftwood, and Hedley,

I think I am going to defer to local knowledge and how I my Range Officers like their Black Powder to work. They take on a temendous responsibility and are responsible for range operations, so I want to keep them happy.

I just wanted to know the lay of the land before I strode into it ...

Thanks!

[Jefro]

SASS considers c&b loaded when the caps are on.
With only powder & ball in the cylinders, you may do what you wish when you wish.
Come to the loading table and cap, you now have a loaded revolver.

Yep, I shoot with a couple pards that carry 12 loaded cylinders for six stages. Not loaded till you cap em at the loading table. Good Luck.

Jefro