Percussion Revolver Loading

This is the first video in a 3 part series on mastering the use of the Percussion Colt Revolver. This video covers loading in general and necessary preludes for the videos to come shortly. Slide the timeline to 20:13 to skip introduction and powder information and get straight to the loading.
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[@JohnDoe-kg4zn]

The best video on cap and ball pistols that I've ever seen, by far! Please continue producing videos with this kind of quality, first hand information!

[@marcogram1216]

@Serapis Christos Not even close. Mike is good but this dude is awesome.

[@JohnDoe-zu2cm]

Blackie Thomas.

[@steelgila]

What amazing information of a sort I have not encountered before about black powder pistol loading. Never heard anything about compression and now it seems less of a mystery that so many pistol marksmen, like Wild Bill Hickok, stayed with 'loose' powder' guns. Apparently the cap&ball shooter had the potential to custom fine tune handload his shots in a manner that the shell banger did not. It just dawned on me that as well as seating and proper compression the proper wad must also go a long way toward cleaning the bore with each shot by scraping the walls as it passes through the bore!

[@normansleesman6006]

Your video was very informative. Prior to this I depended on Duelist1954 to gain black powder revolver knowledge. Your explanations were detailed and that's what most viewers want. Great job.

[@derweibhai]

Yall do the best BP videos I have EVER seen. You should have way more views and subs!!!

[@garyfoltzer6618]

Thank you sir for all this info. Well done!! I have been shooting black powder firearms since 1971 and I have learned some things from you. Can't wait to get out and try what I learned.

[@bobjohnson4213]

Use a revolver loading stand at the range. Keeps the muzzle straight up, and fast. Great information!

[@FWW1963]

Lots of good information here. Wish I would have seen this when it was first published.

[@heaviesculture5516]

Thank you for this video. It's very hard to find great information on this subject. please continue to make videos!

[@jefflang6271]

I bought the vegetable wads as well as the lube and went out to the range today. My Uberti 1851 Navy shot better than it ever has by far. I found that 18gr of Pyrodex P (I know) worked best for me so I had to add about 10gr of cream of wheat to get the ball up near the end of the chamber. I shot mostly 2"" groups at 15 yards with my wrist wresting on a sandbag for 42 chambers today. The bore stayed amazingly clean. I broke it down to swab the bore out twice and there was nothing in the barrel but black film. No fouling to speak of and the rifling looked great. I learned a lot from your 2 videos in the percussion revolver. Please do a couple more!

[@heaviesculture5516]

What diameter did you get? .360" ? Thank you!

[@jefflang6271]

My Uberti 1851 Navy likes .375 balls. I have some .380 balls but they are very hard to load and don't shoot any more accurately then the .375's..

[@heaviesculture5516]

Jeff Lang, sorry. I mean what diameter vegetable wads did you get?

[@jefflang6271]

The wads they sell are marked .36 caliber but are a tiny bit big since their Navy revolvers are bored out to use a .380 ball. Once you get them started with your finger in an unmodified 1851 Navy the rammer pushes it in straight & tight.

[@kirkboswell2575]

I have long known that for good BP cartridges, you needed to use drop tubes to put the powder in the cases. I was quite surprised when I saw my first one in actual use. It was a full 4 feet long. I was also surprised at the difference it made. The old timer I spent time with showed me a 45-70 case filled to the brim. He then put the powder into the same case through his drop tube. The powder level was a full half inch below the top. But even knowing that, I never connected it to revolver compression. So, thanks for expanding my knowledge. I must be doing some things right, though, because I've shot a full box of balls (100) in one session without cleaning, and still had an easily functioning revolver. That's why it still bothers me when I see someone shooting without lube or wads. I visualize the fouling wearing away all those metal parts just like sand in fine machinery. (Shudder).

[@steelgila]

Well said. Why on earth would you not use lube especially with a potentially dirty shooting medium such as black powder?

[@bunkstagner298]

Thank you for not smearing grease all over the chambers "cause that there is the way granpaw did it"

[@SuperSneakySteve]

I just ordered an 1861 Navy from you guys. Can't wait to get it. It seems you guys have everything worked out.

[@jolllyroger1]

Dude you have since serious knowledge.... that's kool....

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

I love those Uberti '51 shorties. I handled one a few years ago in Taylor's showroom.

[@thecelticgiraffe]

this is incredible info. Nothing I have seen yet on other sites.

[@rezlogan4787]

CCI #10’s have been 100% reliable since I started seating them down hard with the hammer and a pressing tool. They’re the only thing in stock in my area, so I make them work.

[@History_Coffee]

Excellent information, thank you

[@megatrends]

Great information here, thank you.

[@jamesthreats5800]

I enjoyed this , I think a few cutaway diagrams might make this info easier to digest .Thanks

[@Mr85scooter]

Very informative and well thought out video. If at all possible could you some videos that go more in depth on the 1858 Remington, primarily the .44 caliber?

[@raghnallmacaodh3220]

just came across these videos.... Yes please...

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

I agree, Remington no. 10 caps I use in all my Pietta cap n ball revolvers. Thank you

[@charlescalvert8647]

CCI caps are inconsistent in size, they need better seating, they'd be fine if people understood not everything is made perfect, precise and consistent. Nipple size from gun to gun, regardless if its the same maker or model is also very inconsistent. Its very common to use different caps on different guns, even same maker/model. Most black powder shooters only have experience with a few revolvers and cannot understand the scope of these differences, this accounts for the millions of differing opinions and experiences. They are not precisely made and certainly not like modern firearms. Ive owned hundreds, currently 40+. Every gun has differences! I'm not a competitive shooter, I'm reenactor and also shoot live regularly on my own property. 35 years of shooting with goex has never been an issue. If you clear nipples between shooting you'll be fine, most shooters never clear, clean or maintain nipples properly, many nipples need work when new out of the box. A single piece of wax paper between wad and powder is better for good sealing and long term loading. Your lube process is completely unnecessary!! Its fascinating to see a precise procedure using imprecise materials. I'm glad to see the compression issue addressed, with different size wads and conicals and powder loads. Ultimately cap size is meaningless, know what your revolvers uses, the differences are great. Caps are designed to expand and grip, never pinch them, this creates an oblong cap, ignition and fragmentation are likely. Roll the cap with even pressure in the fingers, slide the cap on, and firmly press onto the nipple. Its also common to have differences in nipples on one gun, not just from gun to gun. Removing nipples, measuring and testing with caps to get all nipples matching is a good idea, it'll save aggravation. Safe Shooting!

[@EBthere]

I really love this video and the 2nd one on Sighting in the Colt Percussion Revolver. Love the turkey also! I know you're busy but I sure wouldn't mind you making these percussion revolver videos more often. Wishing you continued success with Long Hunter. When possible I'm hoping to be a customer. Thank you!

[@85waspnest]

Excellent and well presented information, the best I've seen. Love the music, what's it called ?

[@ramakrishnakaligatla6597]

Bjhihighghigh

[@1stminnsharpshooters341]

great video on my favor topic pard. *LIKED* and *SUBSCRIBED*

[@steelgila]

I heard somewhere on youtube that Willow provides the best charcoal for back powder.

[@peterthomas95]

Very instructive thank you very much told me a lot I'm a crushers that usage is ram it down till it's stop ? I try that ! Now I know a different way so thank you

[@mkshffr4936]

Would love to see you do a video like this specifically geared to Remington pocket and NMA revolvers.

[@kmeconst]

Some nice information

[@mudweiser007]

I disagree with not being able to talk down about other companies and I believe it should be done anyway

[@sigwally]

Thank you Sir! Very well done.

[@nomaddictart2886]

Thank you for this so many on KZbin putting lube over the ball and I thought to myself, that doesn't make sense! This method is logical but it didn't occur to me until I saw it done.

[@Seahawksl1969]

Lube over the ball coats the ball and seals the chamber to reduce the chance of chain fires.

[@DenverLoveless]

Why have you stopped making vids? Their great !

[@williambarnette1049]

For cowboy shooting what load would you recommend for the .36 1851?

[@bobg1685]

Well done.

[@oldeays5085]

Your supposed to use .380 balls anyway! That's what Uberti says right off! And all of the Uberti's I have will not even shave a ring of lead with the .375 those just drop right in way to easily! .380 is what they supposed to use straight from the factory. But, I understand with boreing the cylinders chambers mouth and forcing cone so, that the ball will fill the lands and grooves tightly! So, that's a great thing to do! And want to do it also. But, Uberti recommends .380 right in the instructions! Not. .375!

[@GunsmithRyther]

One more for why no more videos? Is your store open on weekdays, I live just to the north of you and sometimes get to towm.

[@paulm.6966]

So if you do not have access to those three recommended top brand of black powder, that throws everything else off that you’re saying. Because I have cheap powder and that’s all I have access to so that will affect my grainage & compression and everything that you mention in this video. Am I right?

[@bludmakesgrassgrow]

You should develop a product that would make this easier. A disc of steel that you can set on top of the round ball or conical, that when perfect depth is achieved, will be flush with the end of the cylinder, given an optimal compressed load.

[@stevensheldon9271]

I have some questions: You seem to be saying that the maximum plunger depth of the revolver is where the powder should be filled to. But this means that you will have the same amount of powder under a round ball vs. a conical bullet. Won't this result in an air gap under the round ball? Do you have any period documentation to support your assertion that this is the way these revolvers were intended to be loaded? My understanding, from Dean S. Thomas' "Round Ball to Rimfire" was that original revolver cartridges were paper containers of the powder and ball, and the powder was dumped into the chamber (often with spillage) and then the bullet was removed and loaded as usual. But these were quickly discarded in favor of combustible cartridges that were loaded entirely into the chamber. My understanding is that modern reproduction revolvers had different rifling twist than the originals, to optimize them for round ball, whereas originals generally shot conical bullets. What is your opinion on this?

[@marcroche9324]

I’ve been shooting BP for 40 years. Never heard anyone give loading lever angle vs 21-24 gr of powder for a 1851 navy type gun. All BP including ‘substitutes’ have loading specs. I get his passion, but I think it’s his world. Point is, HAVE FUN!

[@shibblesshalzabot6320]

The only time I’ve ever had a problem with CCI’s is when I didn’t have a cap seated all the way. I’ve gone through thousands as well.

[@funkmonkeyfun]

I'm curious you keep repeting that these revolvers were designed to be loaded the way you load them yet have you ever read colts own original paperwork for these revolvers? Colts own original loading advertisement called for them to be loaded with powder and ball without a wad or lube so I'm a little confused. The cylinder and bore of modern reproductions are designed very different then the original as well so I hope you are aware of that. If you can give a link to the old time loading information you found that would be cool I'd love to read it. The only thing correct in this video is that swiss 3f powder is good stuff, other than that literally everything else is off base, also I looked on your website and I see you are selling Uberti's for over $600, that's twice the price they actually cost so i assuming that price includes your modifications? Your loading is not giving you any extra benefits over a standard load, what's benefitting your accuracy and consistent velocity is your cylinder bore, this has long been proven and your not the first to do this. However your load is only increasing the chance of compressing your lube under the ball into the powder or worst case, creating hydraulic preassure from compressing liquid but if it works for you have at it!

[@robaldridge6505]

you just saved me a lot of typing..... thanx

[@cowboy7x]

Exactly. How that's not taken into consideration is a mystery. I do agree with the power choice and the lube looks good. (If you can find it on their website.)

[@texasrevolverllp1005]

Y'all make some nice revolvers.

[@grprather]

I shoot my 1858 Remington .44 using 30 grain pyrodex pellets for revolvers, with pre-lubed wool wads and .454 lead round balls. I compress the ball until it stops, and it shoots just fine and as accurate as I can be free handed. I use CCI #10 caps and haven’t had a misfire yet! Maybe just lucky?

[@marcogram1216]

Maybe.

[@shibblesshalzabot6320]

The ONLY time I’ve ever had an issue with CCI caps is when I didn’t have the cap seated all the way. I’ve gone through thousands of caps. I also inspect each cap before I use them as well.

[@marcelalix7714]

So would the spiller&burr be similar to the Remington?

[@fabrb26]

I load my Walker replica with ~45 gr French Vectan BP , 255 gr Kaido flat head conical bullet and synthetic or natural BP lube , never see any bad fooling or lost in accuracy , but in never shoot more than 3 cylinder back to back so.....

[@ryanpollock8622]

What happened to all the old videos I feel like there used to be a lot more

[@Eralen00]

Where can i get some swagged lead balls? My kit could definitely use some more swag

[@greywuuf]

Do you have a an site or FB page. Also I was wondering if you have a "number" for compression ... You talk about designed amounts of compression .. Are we talking 10% of volume ....50% ..... Is there a rough starting point ?

[@marcogram1216]

Call them. I have and they are super helpful and patient.

[@bluescatreimer]

Where can I find a syringe like that?

[@sigwally]

E-Bay, of course...

[@bluescatreimer]

@@sigwally what size does he use?

[@billymccarrell9895]

They sell them

[@garyritterstrings]

Interesting that you do not grease over the ball to avoid cross firing.

[@Sunbear415]

Gary Ritter cross firing is ignited by the nipple side of the cylinder, not the front. Grease over the ball is good for the arbor, which keeps the cylinder spinning, somewhat smooth.

[@denisdegamon8224]

@@Sunbear415 well your half right. Most chain fires are caused by an under sized ball. The grease is to keep the fouling soft fir sucessive shots. Cross or miltiple chamber firing is rarely by the nipples, unless your using overly large percussion caps. I would recommend you study up more, before spreading mis information.

[@donalddenison8896]

Dear Friends? Thanks for the information! Except for the information provided by Duelist 1954, and the information found in E;mer Keith''s SIXGUNS, There is not very much out there about Blackpowder shooting of percussion revolvers, there is lots of, unsupported opinion that is in the end basically useless.It is great to have another source available.

[@karlt8233]

I remember reading Elmer Keith's Sixguns percussion chapter many times when I was a kid. His gun of choice at that time, very early 1900's, was the Colt Navy .36. His powder loads were "a cylinder full if 2F" felt wad made from old hats and round ball. Even as a kid Elmer was pushing for magnum performance from everything he shot and his Colt Navy's were originals!!

[@keepall3818]

Blackie Thomas has great information, check him out.

[@tloller52]

You fellers REALLY need to work on your audio.

[@augustuselsworthiii445]

Does anyone know where I can buy the DGL in bulk?

[@denisdegamon8224]

Shiloh Sharps in Montana carries both SPG and DLG black powder lubes.

[@steveburton9625]

Well...Pretty neat video. You were rockin' along tellin' me all kinds of cool stuff, and then ya started sayin' things like "millimeters" and "centimeters". What? Tenths, hundredths, thouusandths, etc. please? I spent 13 years in college, but none of the measuring devices in our house (or within our minds) function in the "metric system". :^) Thank you very much for spending the time to research this topic, and share it with us. Very well done young man. (Oh...I'm serious about the measurements though!)

[@steveburton9625]

Also, it appeared the front blade sight was missing from your 1860 Army. Did I see that correctly, or was it ground that low for sighting accuracy (or was I just wrong? :^] )?

[@steveburton9625]

...and thank you for the other video in this series. I've been using my percussion revolvers based mostly upon my knowledge of modern handguns. You've taught me there is still a lot to learn from the experience of young fellers like you. Thank you for your willingness to share what you've learned.

[@garyritterstrings]

Have you tried triple 7 powder?

[@marcroche9324]

Triple 7 is a high powered substitute. High velocity. Purists don’t like subs. I’ve had a loaded gun for over a year with 777. No problem if you keep ‘em dry.

[@danielhanson4326]

Sorry guy I'm going to go somewhere else I got my phone turned all the way up and I still can't hear you so once you get that figured out

[@bushlifeaholick790]

👍🤠

[@Jester23510]

I tried to watch this video but the volume was way to low. You should wear a microphone.

[@stevecoffman1576]

Well maybe I have said this here before, But I brew my own BP. and it is far and behind better then anything I have ever got store bought. I make my charcoal out of Yellow Pine and it burns super clean. Just ask me.

[@cowboy7x]

Did I miss it? Or did you mention ball size in any of these calibers? Primarily the 44. If you said it my bad. And DUDES! Your web site needs some work. I STILL can't find the grease and dispenser on the site. Nor the vegie wads.

[@terrinewman7390]

Jim Shockeys gold is a black powder substitute not black powder!

[@LanceisLawson]

I heard that Birch provides the best charcoal. But by the time something becomes charcoal the tree it came from is a non issue. Unless you're making a you tube video an want to come off as an expert. BTW if you load under a full moon you'll have 15.3% more power.

[@BogeyTheBear]

I figure any discussion over what trees are best for charcoal will pertain to how much charcoal they yield. You're not going to make a business out of using balsa to make charcoal.

[@conradmeyer9991]

listern bro im not here to judge u BUT you listerning to the sound of your own voice when are you going to tell US what is on your mind!!

[@tomm7096]

Good and informative video but. You cannot claim that your procedure provides more consistency and accuracy - and - is the way they were meant to be loaded. Although your procedures may be an improvement in consistency and accuracy it is definitely not how these pistols were meant to be loaded. See the original Colt Army manual of arms. No wads and no grease or lube either. Although a good ideal to perhaps shoot more between cleanings lube and wads were not original procedure. They were also not incorporated into paper cartridges in the Civil War. Finally, I disagree with your caution on over-compressing black powder. It is not an issue. Pre formed BP charges for modern BP rifles are created under great pressure when mixed with a binder. They ignite fine and consistently. There is no BP powder manufacturer who cautions against over-compressing a charge in a cap and ball pistol.

[@denisdegamon8224]

Oh boy another doubting Thomas....what you some self proclaimed armchair expert? These guys are spot on and have tested many thousands of rounds of practical shooting. I have been shooting black powder both revolvers, muzzle loading rifles and long range Buffalo cartridge rifles since 1976 and really learned alittle about uniformity of loading and compression over the decades. It really became evident when loading 4570 black powder loads. I always applied a card wad, then compressed the load prior to applying a grease cookie, a card wad then the bullet, set just kissing the wad. Even with sifted Goex Express powder or Cartridge grade powder I was able to get a remarkably consistant and accurate shot string. My chronograph gave me over 10 shots, an extreme velocity spreads of 9 fps and a shot to shot deviation of 3 fps. This was after testing a half dozen charge weights all using the same bullets nd cases. So there you have it.....go ahead and blow me off as you did with these fellows, that's your prerogative. If you do, all I have to say is you have alot to learn. Knowledge and experience is power. PS: the Civil War combustable cartridges bullets were dipped in bullet lube before packaging. Check the Army Ordinance Manuals.

[@tomm7096]

@@denisdegamon8224 Read Denis… “I wrote that his procedures may be an improvement in consistency and accuracy” It is his multiple references “this is how it was originally meant to be loaded”. The original Colt manual and Army manual of arms for the pistol are how they were originally meant to be loaded which is quite different from this procedure. I take no exception to his procedure(s) and am certain it produces more accuracy and consistency. Claiming this procedure is historically correct is false. It maybe improved (this is 2021) but not historically correct as he claims. My only other comment “over compressing black powder” is a warning right off the GOEX, PYRODEX and other BP and substitute containers.

[@cflinger1979]

I wanted to learn how to load the revolver not a history session on your stuff. I couldn’t make it through the video because you wouldn’t get to the point.

[@emeraldknight3610]

You need to get on with loading and stop running your mouth.

[@marcogram1216]

Fast forward if you have the new "short attention span" of the modern man. This is a video to educate not entertain.

[@jankumorek3304]

bla, bla ,bla...

[@marcogram1216]

Derp, derp ,derp...