[Cutter]

Hey guys, I just bought an 1851 Colt Navy Confederate revolver in .44 cal. The thing is, I don't really know the first thing about black powder shooting. I definitely want to cast my own lead balls, but I have no clue as to where to get the best materials for this on a budget. What kinds of powder should I be using? Where can I get the lead necessary to make my own bullets? What kind of lead should I be using? I have the starter kit that gives me some wads and some balls plus a powder tube. But other than that, I'm stumped. Please help!

[arcticap]

The thing is, I don't really know the first thing about black powder shooting.

Read the first sticky thread at the top of the page that's titled:

So you want a cap and ball revolver?

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=223515&highlight=lead

and:

How to best use a cap and ball revolver

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=65820&highlight=casting

What kinds of powder should I be using?

Does your revolver have a brass or a steel frame?

If you have a brass frame revolver, 777 is a very hot powder. It needs to be reduced by 15% volume and it can be erratic if it's compressed too much.
It's better to start off with any other fffg [or P] for pistol powder although any black powder or BP substitute will work. Every powder has advantages and disadvantages. Shooting several will help you determine which ones that you like better. No matter which one you use, be ready to clean the gun thoroughly soon after the range session is over.

I definitely want to cast my own lead balls, but I have no clue as to where to get the best materials for this on a budget.

Casting lead is an investment that takes time to learn about and a lot of balls need to be cast to recover the initial expenses to make it worthwhile.
A lot needs to be learned to not make it hazardous to yourself.
There's many, many threads and website pages about it. The THR advanced search function works to access the black powder library. Just type in the subject in the advanced search window that opens up at the top of the page when you click on the word "search" and be sure to specify that you want a black powder forum search.
Shoot your revolver first and find out which size balls that it likes and that you prefer loading. Then learn about and decide just how fast & deep that you want to jump into casting.
Everyone's equipment and methods are a little bit different. Pure lead can be obtained by scrounging from sources like scrap yards or simply by purchasing it from eBay or online suppliers like Rotometals.

http://www.rotometals.com/

It's all about how much you're willing to spend. If you use dirty encrusted lead then it will need to be melted and cleaned up first which can be a lot of extra work.
Here's a couple of threads to read about lead and casting and there's a casting site link in the 1st thread:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=206707&highlight=casting

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=216008&highlight=casting

Learn to shoot your revolver safely first and just have fun until you can learn everything that you need to know to start casting. That's a lot of reading to do.
Don't give up on casting pure lead balls if that's your dream. Just keep returning here to search, read, ask more questions and to share your experiences. :)

[BHP FAN]

Hey cutter,I'm in Norcal,too.I've been shooting black powder revolvers since I was 14.Unfortunately I work weekends in the summer,but I'm usually laid off from about november on,we could shoot then,or you can PM me for any questions.I know some other Norcal shooters will pile on here soon to help you,too...

[Marlin 45 carbine]

first go to church and pray because you've gone over to the 'Dark Side' and you will never be the same again.:uhoh:

[Cpt. America]

Its addicting geting into BP. I started out with a percussion rifle to "extend" my hunting season and now thats all I shoot other than a Bow. I went from one rifle to 3 rifles and one 1860 colt re-pro. Welcome to this addiction.

[Black Toe Knives]

Addicted? Hell I only hunt deer with blackpowder. I only shot BP revolvers. I been eye balling that Muzzleloading 12 gauge shotgun because I love dove hunting.
Do you think there is any hope for me?

[kanook]

Check around for your local NRA firearms instructor. Some of the instructors are BP qualified and can help. or go to the NRA web site and see if they offer a class near you. :D

[Ratdog68]

Addicted? Hell I only hunt deer with blackpowder. I only shot BP revolvers. I been eye balling that Muzzleloading 12 gauge shotgun because I love dove hunting.
Do you think there is any hope for me?
Your only hope is to send me your BP pieces and to gradually heal yourself by buying another new one, clean it well and then send that one to me as well. Do that weekly for a couple of years and all will be good. :D

[Fingers McGee]

Arcticap has given you a good beginning. The threads here on The High Road are informative, There are also the Dark Arts threads on CAS City that will help give you information overload.

Read all you can, then find the nearest SASS or NCOWS club, attend a match & partner up with one or more of their BP shooters.

FM

[Cutter]

Thanks guys! I'm very excited to start!

Oh, and BHP fan, thanks for your offer. I'm in Southern CA at the moment, but will be back up to NorCal in January. I'll pm you or something so we can try to get some range time in! I appreciate your help fellas.

[SixShootinSam]

Norcal here too, PM me where abouts you are at, maybe we're close enough to make some smoke.

[GNLaFrance]

"first go to church and pray because you've gone over to the 'Dark Side' and you will never be the same again."

True, but then we have cookies. :D

[BHP FAN]

Sure cutter,as soon as I'm off the OT,[should be the end of september or so] I'm up for it.

[scrat]

NOR CAL too bad SOUTHERN KALIFORNIA here

[coltdoctor]

Oh Yea! 15 grains of black powder, a 44 cal wonder wad, and a 454 cal Hornady round ball and you're in bussiness. You probably need #10 (remington) caps too NOT #11 like me. Damn #11s fallin off jammin shooter etc.... Knock em dead!