Pyrodex Style Pellets for Cap and Ball Revolvers

[ezypikns]

Does anyone have any experience with this style of powder charge in cap and ball revolvers? I've been using Hodgdon pellets in my rifle for a couple of years now.
Also, what type of seal do you use, a lubed wad or grease? I'm thinking of buying a revolver, but I see all these warnings about chain fire. My guess is that if you use proper caution you won't have a problem.

 

[1858remington]

pyrodex pellets in pistols

You asked about pyrodex pellets in a black powder pistol. These work wonderfully. The 44cal 30gr. pellets make loading in the field or on the range a dream. You can leave that powder flask home and no longer have to fool with a powder measure.

As for a good pistol, look into any 1858 remington repro. The 1858 is more accurate than the colts, easier to clean, and has a stronger frame. When buying opt for a steel frame, in stainless or blued. The Uberti mellenium finish is not desirable as it holds powder fouling and causes the gun to jam after a few shots.

The Italian companies make excellent guns. Uberti arms are a little fatter, so if you have big hands they make a nice choice.

As for the grease issue. I have tried all brands, but my best results is with the TC bore butter. Using this product I have managed to fire over 50 consecutive shots without powder fouling the gun, or reducing the accuracy. The bore butter is all natural, smells minty, and allows you to dissasemble and wash your gun in the sink with just soap and water. Since using the product I have found that fouling just about falls out of the gun once it hits hot water, so no bore brush is needed to clean the barrel, a simple mop will do the job. I even use it to lube the gun after cleaning instead of oil, since gun oil seems to cause fouling.

Caps for a revolver: RWS is the best thing goin, and CCI is good to. You might want to avoid remington, I've experienced failures with them.

I own five 1858 copies and love them.

 

[armoredman]

Ditto on the 1858. Get a couple of spare cylinders, and a leather belt holder for them. To be perfectly honest, that is such a good revolver, that I wouldn't feel horribly underarmed if it was the only thing I had to defend myself with.
I need to try the Pyrodex pellets myself.

 

[Mark whiz]

That's all good info given above.

I use the pellets from time to time and they work fine, although I feel I get a little better accuracy using loose Goex 3fg Black or 3fg loose 777. If you do use the Pyro pellets, make sure you get the "P"(3fg) pellets and not 30gr RS (2fg) pellets.

In my 1858, I use both lubed wonder wads AND a lube over the top of the ball. I use either Bore Butter or a CVA grease I stocked up on a couple years ago....................both get the job done, but bore butter resists heat a little better. I use both wad & lube to be safe and because it does keep the bore cleaner and shooting well longer. Also the wad takes up extra space in the cylinder - it's best the have your ball fairly close to the outside edge for best accuracy, and the wads help take up the space btwn the powder and ball. But ALWAYS make sure the ball is seated firmly against the wad & powder - open space btwn the powder & ball can be explosive!

 

[mcneill]

Obviously, the Remington has a stronger frame because of the top strap, but you will get extra style points with a Colts ('56, '60, or '61) since they are so much more handsome.

Ditto on the TC Bore Butter - it's great stuff. I also use the lubricated felt wads between the powder and ball.

I've not had a problem with chain fire. I think the main thing is to be sure to get the right size caps. I use Remington #10's and have had no problems with them.

One other word of caution - this stuff is addictive. You smell that white smoke, it settles in your blood stream, and after a couple of sessions you're hooked.

Welcome aboard.

Jim

 

[Burt Blade]

The Uberti "Millennium" finish is OK for Black Powder firearms. I have a pair of Uberti 1858 Remingtons with the Millennium finish and they work just fine.

If your particular pistol has very tight tolerances, it will be sensitive to fouling. Lube appropriately to minimize this.