Need a little Refresher on shooting my BP Revolver!

[Guest joeharris]

Have a copy of a Colt 1851 Navy in 454 cal. Have not shot it in 15 yrs. used to see no 11 caps and 454 balls at Walmart, but not in the last yr!

Where can i find some? Also i heard somewhere that this Gun shoots 3 in. high at 25 yards, is that true? I think it is?

Also never knew the correct way of loading it! Used to start by putting Pyrodex measure in Cylynder,then the ball using push-rod,then putting grease or Lard in each Chamber and last putting Cap on Nipple.

However when hot ouside all grease lard etc.. in chambers runs and gets messy.

Have also in past used Cloth Patches under the balls before pushing those in, alledgedly with that, there is no need for grease or Lard over the Ball in Chamber, thus reducing chances of a Slam-fire.

Is either way correct?

Thank's Joe

[Mark@Sea]

I use goex - I've found it cleaner, more fun, and while not as easy as the pellet charges, it isn't difficult by any means.

Powder first, then a lubed wool wad (wonder-wads are great). Compress the wad, then drop a ball atop it and seat the ball. I've had no problems with chain fires using wonder wads, oversized (by a few thous') balls - note, you should shave a tiny ring of lead off the ball when you seat it, otherwise it is too small - and no lard. Cap goes on LAST!

Gunshop near Greeneville sells powder, ball, caps, etc. Can't recall the name right off hand, though.

Congrats in digging out the 1851. I just 10 minutes ago ordered one myself, the 1851 and the Dragoon (still out of stock, unfortunately) being the last two BP revolvers I wanted to add to the collection.

[Guest joeharris]

Thank's i had also used wonder Wads and had thought it would eliminate the use of any type of Lube!

I do believe what i had only heard 1 X, that these Guns do shoot 3 in. high at 25 Yards, since most of my shooting usually went high, so i guess i will aim lower somewhat!

[Mark@Sea]

The way I heard it, Colt built the guns to be dead on at 50 yards. Mine shoots a tad high at 25 too.