cap and ball revolver- no lead ring?

[drewski]

I'm new to the cap and ball arena.  I inherited a cap and ball revolver recently-  1851 navy  0.36 cal frm euroarms of america.   I was told it was purchased sometime in the early 80's.  seemed to be in good shape, but was stored with LOTS of grease.  I disassembled and cleaned up the grease and she looks pretty good.  some marks from use, but otherwise looks to be in good shape.  

here's the issue i'm having.  Loaded 15 grains black powder (pyrodex) and a 0.375 round ball.  the ball just falls into the cylinder.  everywhere i read says there should be a lead ring shaved off the ball when rammed home, but i don't "have" to ram it into the cylinder.  The ball just falls in.  I suppose the cylinder could have been replaced, but there isn't evidence of that.  And it doesn't seem like a .44 cal cylinder, at least visually, from a BP novice.

Anyone seen this type of issue?  

edit-  found the markings for euroarms- though their site has VERY limited info on anything they have.  

Edited July 27, 2018 by drewski

[Garufa]

Maybe you need .380 balls.

Hopefully, someone that knows what they’re talking about will come along shortly.  My experience is with a .44 New Army and there are differences in diameter there as well, but not as pronounced I think.

[xsubsailor]

 The first thing I would do is see if the ball "falls" through the barrel also. I've never seen a mismatched barrel and cylinder but would make sure. (hands and fingers are valuable) 

 

Here's some info that might be of help.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/1851-colt-36-ball-size.676740/

Edited July 27, 2018 by xsubsailor

[drewski]

No, the .36 cal balls do not fall through the barrel.  Was the 2nd thing i checked.  There is a "slight" bit of resistance in each chamber of the cylinder when the balls go in. some stop about 1/2 way or so, but move easily if tapped with a rod.  i tried multiple balls, in multiple chambers, and multiple times to confirm the size and shape of the balls, or placement in the chamber were not the issue.  

 

Definitely not shooting this revolver until this is figured out.  i'm really disappointing though.  my father in law was a huge history buff and loved all things civil war.  registered sons of the confederacy, etc.  i feel getting this smoke wagon smoking would be a good way to honor him.  

[Garufa]

You might be ok.  Put the balls in and slap a wonder wad on top, or Crisco it up if you want to get messy.

[gregintenn]

.380 balls?

[Moped]

35 minutes ago, gregintenn said:

.380 balls?

Mine are brass...

[xsubsailor]

 Track of the wolf has 380 rounds balls for $10.99 per hundred, or you can get a mold from Midway for $21.99

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/127/1

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010208462/lee-2-cavity-bullet-mold-380-diameter-round-ball

[drewski]

thanks guys- i ordered 380 rounds to test out.  after that...

Anyone know of any shops with powder/accessories around?  found a small amount at bass pro, but most gun shops i checked carried even less, or no, black powder supplies. 

[Ronald_55]

I am in NE TN, but I had issues finding anyone stocking actual black powder in store. Shipping is crazy after the hazmat upcharge. 

[MP5_Rizzo]

Teds in Columbia is one of very few  places that still stocks real black powder.  Not sure about there other BP accessories.