Author Topic: "Unloading" a Cap&Ball Revolver? (Read 1026 times)

whitfang · « **on:** June 26, 2004, 07:03:14 AM »

I'm interested in getting a cap&ball revolver (my first) which will probably be a Ruger Old Army 45.

In reviewing the last several hundred posts on this forum, I've uncovered a lot of good info, such as the use of Wonderwads.

One thing I didn't discover was how to "unload" a revolver in case of a misfire or a no-powder load.

Can a ball-puller be used as in a muzzleloading rifle? Or a CO2 discharger? Or remove the nipple and force it out somehow?

simonkenton · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2004, 08:14:57 AM »

Yeah, you could just unscrew the nipple and push the load out with a little screwdriver. I had to do that once.

Ramrod · « **Reply #2 on:** June 26, 2004, 10:21:37 AM »

After removing the nipple you could also dribble some powder into the chamber. Then reseat the ball, cap and fire. If the ball was already in the barrel, DON'T FIRE IT OUT! Pop the cylinder out and knock the ball back out with a cleaning rod.

Evil Dog · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2004, 02:59:31 PM »

Believe it or not, I've actually seen a nipple removed and replaced with a zirk fitting..... then they pumped the ball out with a grease gun !!!!

The Shrink · « **Reply #4 on:** June 27, 2004, 02:42:50 AM »

My solution is more woodworking oriented, and had to take it home to do it. A wood screw easily penetrates the lead ball, and a claw hammer pulls the screw and ball when the cylinder is mounted in a vice with wooden or plastic grips.

So far I've only had to do this twice, in over 30 years of shooting. Once learned, twice shy.

Wayne

Pogue · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2004, 09:02:10 AM »

CO2 would be the preferred NMLRA way.

BTW, I saw someone mention about making sure the barrel is unobstructed. I had a friend who once forgot to put the powder in. The cap alone forced the ball halfway down the barrel. He didn't think and shot the next round with spectacular results! Banana peeled the barrel like in a Bugs Bunny-Yosemite Sam cartoon! Luckily, no one was hurt, and a replacement barrel for a '51 Navy is relatively inexpensive.

Sundown Holly · « **Reply #6 on:** June 28, 2004, 04:45:20 PM »

I like to use a small wood dowel. I unscrew the nipple and pour out the powder and then tap out the ball using the small wood dowel and a small hammer or even a rock. I have found that if I use something metal to tap out the ball I can inadvertainly scratch the inside of the chamber.

Singing Bear · « **Reply #7 on:** June 28, 2004, 08:22:29 PM »

There's some neat ideas I didn't think about. :-)
I usually just inscrew the nipple and stick a narrow screwdriver into the cylinder. It's true you can scratch the chamber walls if not careful, but if you do it enough times, you kinda get a feel for it. :shock: :oops: