New to C&B shooting

[DaveH]

My family bought me a Cabelas 1858 Buffalo Brass Frame .44 Caliber Revolver.  I have been shooting muzzle loading rifles and shotgun for years but this is my first C&B pistol.  Any tips on loading, reconmended loads ? I plan on using it for short range deer hunting no sohts over 25 yrds.

Thanks

[hogship]

Make sure you seal all the chambers after loading to prevent a chain fire.

I'm not sure what is the best method of doing this, but am interested in hearing from some of the experts on this subject.

I just purchased an 1847 Colt Walker yesterday, after not shooting cap and ball for over 25yrs.....so I'm not up to the latest and greatest tricks of the trade!

hog

[tomhargrove]

i always use "ox-yoke" wonder-wads on top of the proper powder charge then place the ball on top the fiber wad and seat i have never had a problem , with chain-fire useing these wads

[Mason Stillwell]

Howdy Pard.
I shoot the 58 remingtons in Cowboy Action Shooting and have for a long time now.

I use a dentist hydrating syringe to put my Crisco Olive Oil and beeswax mix over the ball. This does more to help keep the pistol turning free than anything else. Chain fires usually come from the rear or nipple area. Like shooting with one cylinder uncapped. This is a NO NO.

I use 20 gr of FFg . Use a Light load like this and these pistols will last a lifetime.

Mason

[verbero]

Dave,

I seem to remember seeing some advice about brass-framed revolvers to the effect that one shouldn't load them too heavy. Something about brass could be deformed with heavy shooting and the revolver ends up 'loose'.

V

[russianblood]

Dave,

I seem to remember seeing some advice about brass-framed revolvers to the effect that one shouldn't load them too heavy. Something about brass could be deformed with heavy shooting and the revolver ends up 'loose'.

V

Brass is a very soft metal. I would stick to light loads to prevent future problems.

[Gatofeo]

I would not load that brass-framed revolver very heavily. Most experienced users agree that  30 grains of FFG or equivalent is the maximum load in a brass-framed .44 revolver.
Cap and ball guns are marginal for deer. They'll do the job but you have to get close and you must use a powerful load.
I wonder if your revolver, with no more than 30 grains, even with its longer barrel is up to the task of taking a deer humanely?
For info on using your cap and ball revolver, search my name Gatofeo.
You'll find a good, basic post dated July 6, 2003 and titled, "How to properly use a cap and ball revolver."
Also, you'll find a post on making your own wads, and a good source, in my July 5, 2005 post entitled, "Found! Source for making felt wads!"
I have a ton of other posts on cap and ball revolvers, but these will get you started.