Just getting started with a revolver

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AR. Hillbilly

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I used to have a TC Renegade years back and still have some goodies left over. I have a powder measure which I believe starts out at 50 which is too big for this revolver. I also have one of those round brass CVA powder dispenser. I wish I knew how much the nozzle holds?
I’m looking for a way to measure 20 grains and up.
Amy recommendation on what to purchase for loading a replica 1851 in 44 cal?
 
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You can find adjustable powder measures in brass and plastic, I have several in both materials. I would try places like Sportsmans Warehouse or Cal Ranch. If you strike out there the interweb is also a good place to search, Dixie Gun Works and Track of the Wolf come to mind.... and a shameless plug for tuning your 1851, I offer a tuning service as does 45 dragoon from Goons Gun Works. It's a world of difference from one straight outta the box.
 
Pick up a new powder measure. There are smaller ones that go zero to 50 grains, which is what I use.
 
Howdy

See if you can find one of these, or something like it. Easily adjustable. The plunger is marked off in 10 grain increments. This one goes from 0 to 110 grains. Holding it vertically, you open the swiveling top, dump in the powder, then close the top, scraping off any excess at the same time. The top then serves as a funnel to dump powder directly into the chambers. Not super accurate, but perfectly acceptable for a Cap & Ball revolver. You should be able to find one like this at a well stocked local store, or search for one on line. Sorry, no idea how much it costs, I have had this one for over 40 years.

pnowVsqCj.jpg




I use this powder measure in conjunction with this flask. I pour the powder out of the flask and into the powder measure.

pmuXIhpIj.jpg
 
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AR. Hillbilly said:
I used to have a TC Renegade years back and still have some goodies left over. I have a powder measure which I believe starts out at 50 which is too big for this revolver. I also have one of those round brass CVA powder dispenser. I wish I knew how much the nozzle holds?
I’m looking for a way to measure 20 grains and up.
Amy recommendation on what to purchase for loading a replica 1851 in 44 cal?
Click to expand...
AR, I bought these recently and they fit my CVA flask. 15, 20, 25 and 30 grain spouts. Good price to me. Hope this helps. Tim
 
AR. Hillbilly said:
I do have a powder measure (modern reloading) and scale for reloading. I don’t think the BP will meter well but I don’t know?
Click to expand...
Don't use smokeless metering equipment on black powder. Use anti-static equipment made for black powder. Ditto for the scale. Black powder is measured by volume, not weight. Find an adjustable non-sparking volume measure like the ones pictured above and simply measure out desired charge and pour into the cylinder. Easy-peasy.
Replica 1851? Is it brass or steel frame, and .36 or .44 caliber?
 
Driftwood Johnson said:
Howdy

See if you can find one of these, or something like it. Easily adjustable. The plunger is marked off in 10 grain increments. This one goes from 0 to 110 grains. Holding it vertically, you open the swiveling top, dump in the powder, then close the top, scraping off any excess at the same time. The top then serves as a funnel to dump powder directly into the chambers. Not super accurate, but perfectly acceptable for a Cap & Ball revolver. You should be able to find one like this at a well stocked local store, or search for one on line. Sorry, no idea how much it costs, I have had this one for over 40 years.

View attachment 1029894




I use this powder measure in conjunction with this flask. I pour the powder out of the flask and into the powder measure.

View attachment 1029922
Click to expand...
I Have a similar flask and an antique flask both. I want that exact powder measure. Thanks.
 
Captain*kirk said:
Those spouts are a good deal and really handy...just remember NOT to pour directly from the flask into the cylinder. Good way to get some pretty trendy names like Blind Lemon, Powder Burn, Blackbeard, Ol' Pock Face...you get the idea.
Click to expand...
Are you saying do not hold my finger over the end to get a full spout then dump from the spout in to the cylinder? I I appreciate and will heed the caution.
 
AR. Hillbilly said:
Are you saying do not hold my finger over the end to get a full spout then dump from the spout in to the cylinder? I I appreciate and will heed the caution.
Click to expand...
That's what I'm saying. A smoldering ember in one of the chambers can ignite the entire flask right in your face, because you are looking straight down the chambers when you pour the powder charge in. Rare, but it's happened. And if you're holding onto the flask, you can earn additional nicknames like Lefty, Stumpy, 3 Finger Pete, etc. You get the idea. Best to err on the side of caution.
 
AR. Hillbilly said:
Are you saying do not hold my finger over the end to get a full spout then dump from the spout in to the cylinder? I I appreciate and will heed the caution.
Click to expand...

I never pour from a flask or horn into a gun. If you have an ember that ignites what you are pouring into the gun, you are holding a bomb in the form of the powder container.
 
Captain*kirk said:
That's what I'm saying. A smoldering ember in one of the chambers can ignite the entire flask right in your face, because you are looking straight down the chambers when you pour the powder charge in. Rare, but it's happened. And if you're holding onto the flask, you can earn additional nicknames like Lefty, Stumpy, 3 Finger Pete, etc. You get the idea. Best to err on the side of caution.
Click to expand...
Capt. K, Thanks, but help a new guy out here. I totally understand the logic in what you've written and consider it good advice. If you shouldn't use the spout to pour into the cylinder then what is the best way to get the powder into the cylinder?
 
Zulch said:
Capt. K, Thanks, but help a new guy out here. I totally understand the logic in what you've written and consider it good advice. If you shouldn't use the spout to pour into the cylinder then what is the best way to get the powder into the cylinder?
Click to expand...

pour it into a measure and from the measure into the cylinder. That way if it sparks up you just have a single charge going off and not several ounces in your flask.
 
brewer12345 said:
pour it into a measure and from the measure into the cylinder. That way if it sparks up you just have a single charge going off and not several ounces in your flask.
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Thank you brewer12345. Less powder to ignite if it should happen. I appreciate the clarification. Makes very good sense. Thanks Tim
 
Zulch said:
Thank you brewer12345. Less powder to ignite if it should happen. I appreciate the clarification. Makes very good sense. Thanks Tim
Click to expand...

Never had it happen personally, but I always assumed that even a single charge flashing on you would be a "goodbye eyebrows" event. Hopefully not a literal hair on fire situation.
 
brewer12345 said:
Never had it happen personally, but I always assumed that even a single charge flashing on you would be a "goodbye eyebrows" event. Hopefully not a literal hair on fire situation.
Click to expand...
That is why I always repeat always wear safety glasses when I shoot.
 
Captain*kirk said:
That's what I'm saying. A smoldering ember in one of the chambers can ignite the entire flask right in your face, because you are looking straight down the chambers when you pour the powder charge in. Rare, but it's happened. And if you're holding onto the flask, you can earn additional nicknames like Lefty, Stumpy, 3 Finger Pete, etc. You get the idea. Best to err on the side of caution.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the clarification. I’ll put this down in my not to do list. I truly appreciate the information.
 
Captain*kirk said:
Don't use smokeless metering equipment on black powder. Use anti-static equipment made for black powder. Ditto for the scale. Black powder is measured by volume, not weight. Find an adjustable non-sparking volume measure like the ones pictured above and simply measure out desired charge and pour into the cylinder. Easy-peasy.
Replica 1851? Is it brass or steel frame, and .36 or .44 caliber?
Click to expand...
Pietta brass 44 so not even a real replica
 
AR. Hillbilly said:
Pietta brass 44 so not even a real replica
Click to expand...
Pietta brasser .44 should be loaded with a DO NOT EXCEED charge of 25 gr to avoid imprinting the recoil shield with the ratchet teeth and the resulting slide hammer effect of the cylinder will eventually widen the cylinder-to-forcing cone gap to the point where your gun begins destroying itself. Keep it between 18-22gr of 3F and it will last you a lifetime, even moreso with 2F but your accuracy may suffer a smidge.
Consider 25 gr a Max Load on brass frame .44s
 
Zulch said:
Capt. K, Thanks, but help a new guy out here. I totally understand the logic in what you've written and consider it good advice. If you shouldn't use the spout to pour into the cylinder then what is the best way to get the powder into the cylinder?
Click to expand...
What Brewer said. Sorry if I didn't make that clear, Zulch. 30 grains erupting in your face may give you a black powder tan and facial hair removal treatment but it's gonna be a whole lot better than say, 7000 grains (as in a pound) of black powder...believe you me! Personally, I hand off the flask charge to my adjustable measure, then go straight to the cylinder with the measure. Also, what Lyle said is of extreme importance. Safety glasses are an absolute must and could well save your vision during a flashback.
 
Just remember this, not all powder measures are alike! I had a difference of opinion a few years ago when a fellow said he was loading 50 grains of 3F in his 1858. When he showed his measure I had one of the same as Ihave about a dozen. When I showed him a couple pictures of what his 50 grains was in another measure set to 50 grains and how it wouldn't fit in one of my 1858s. The brass measure was off by about 7 grains. I also weighed several different volumes and quit using this measure. He doesn't like me much. upload_2021-10-6_17-38-13.jpeg
 
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