Shot my first full match with cap-n-ball (Pietta 1858 NMA)

[Dakota Widowmaker]

I was well on my way to dropping out at the half, but, I finally found the right cap combination during the match.
(yes, I did test stuff out first.... Rem #10s were working, but, I left them at home and only had the CCI #10 and #11 caps in the ammo box)

Anyhow, pinching the CCI #11 caps resulted in 100% shooting and no issues aftewards.

Point: Pinch your caps or kick yourself later.

I am using Treso nipples from thunder ridge. (listed as 11-xxx-xx) These have worked WONDERS on my Walker and my 1851s.

Cylinder pin started to get a bit gummed up, but, nothing a quick rag at the half didn't fix.

I gotta get one of those loading stands and ball pushers. I felt like a dork not helping pick brass or watch one of the tables.. instead, I spent my time loading my cylinders.

Which brings up the next question... where is the cheapest place to acquire Pietta cylinders from? Cabelas has them for $34... VTI wants $50!!!

I went with a wonder wad under the ball and then bp lube smeared over the top.

I am thinking if I cut my own wads and lubed them with my own mix, I might be better off... anyone?

[I Ben Robbed]

Cabelas by far is the cheapest place I've found to buy cylinders.  I load up either the night before or early the morning of a match and just swap out cylinders.  Just like you I felt guilty not helping more with the posse chores cause I spent too much time at the loadin table. 

Makes the day go much faster when all you have to do is cap em.  Maybe load 1 cylinder if you have a "requrired reload" stage.

[Williewheelgun]

I have eight cylinders for my 58 Remmies (Uberti).  That will get me to the lunch break.
I also have a loading stand, but I find that placing the balls on the cylinder and then smacking them flush with my brass drift hammer speeds the process and helps me to maintain a more even pressure.  I find that using the lever to shear lead and seat the ball is okay, but I cannot stop the down pressure as the lead shears.

I cheated buying the extra cylinders.  I bought two of the '58's with 5 1/2" barrels and R & D conversion cylinders.  I shoot BP in both, but C & B in the 8" and cartridges in the 5 1/2".  Any excuse for a couple more Remmies.

Willie

[sundance44`s]

Now there`s an idea , i`ll have to try starting the balls with my little brass hammer ... i always use a loading stand to load my cylinders ..but do feel a little out of control starting the balls ... good tip .

[J.J. Ferrett]

I am looking forward to shooting my first all black powder match this coming Sat. I havent decided whether to take the 1860's or my Remmies. Prob gonna be the remmies though...
I am gonna cheat a little. I have prepared a load of cigarette paper tubes by wrapping them around a dowel and twisting them closed at one end. I am gonna pre fill all of these with powder before the match so i just have to drop in the 'cartridge', then wad, then ball and seat. I usually hang around the unloading table and help work that, so I am planning to do my reloading there.
I am soooo looking forward to shooting my new SxS with blackpowder!! I pick it up on Wednesday, and the shotshells get here on Thursday... so... I have one, maybe two days to put a few through it first... grin

How did you do??

[Dakota Widowmaker]

I have found that i get better groups with a wonder wad and lube over the ball than just a wad.

i have not tried heavy home lubed wads.... yet.

For BP shotshell, I now use Magtech brass exclusively. i drilled out the flash holds with a 3/32 bit and use WLP primers.

Although i got better "groups" with plastic hulls and plastic wads, I also got he plastic "booger" in my barrels from time to time. And that REALLY made shot groups horrible.

Those Piettas finished of a second match just fine. Cleaned the cylinder pin at the half and didn't have any problems later on.

50:50 ballistol and water was all it took from the spray bottle to get the revolvers all nice and  clean. I used an old electric toothbrush to clean the nipples.