Nipples and seating powder

[Jack Rabbit]

The nipples in my rem re were so tight I had trouble getting them out to get ride of the packing oil. I cleaned, coated the threads with never seize then reinstalled them just snug. Then I wondered if maybe they were in that tight for a reason??? Also How much pressure should be used on the plunger to pack the powder please give approx pounds force on ramrod.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The nipples should be 80-100 in/lb depending on the size your revolver has. Most nipples are much harder than the steel they thread in to, if you over tighten you risk pulling the threads in the cylinder.
I ram the ball in one continuous stroke until I feel contact with the powder charge. The pressure well vary with the length of the charging handle.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I get the nipples in my C&B revolvers just snug.
the loading pressure is difficult to say but I usually shoot fairly hot loads myself. to me it's a matter of 'feel'.

 

[mykeal]

Seating the ball or bullet on the powder is a matter of consistency, not force. You want the ball to be firmly seated to ensure there is no air gap between it and the powder, but you do not want to 'crush' the powder column - the amount of force required to start the ball and cut off the lead ring should be sufficient, so use that as a guide. Continue pushing the ball down until you feel it stop against the powder column, then push firmly but not heavily to ensure it's in place. If it doesn't move, that's enough.

And do it the same way every time for the rest of your life.