Black powder loading press alternative?

[James84]

I have an 1860 army sub nose that i've yet to shoot after a year and was wondering if there is an alternative to an actual loading press or stand. I'm looking for something similar to what comes with the NAA companion black powder revolvers.

I'd ,much rather have something small that i can just place the cylinder between and just squeeze like a nut cracker, rather than having to carry around a loading press. I've worked with my hands for years, so I'm not worried about something like this requiring a great deal of strength to use.

I just don't wanna have an extra piece of kit that won't fit in my range bag. I like to keep things small and simple if possible. Thanks.

Edit - I forgot to mention that it is the .36 caliber 1860 snub nose which has a fluted cylinder.

 

[Eyrie G. Dogg]

That would be an 1861. Nice guns. Try a commercial loading lever extender or just some rubber hose and load on the gun.

 

[woodnbow]

I have an 1860 army sub nose that i've yet to shoot after a year and was wondering if there is an alternative to an actual loading press or stand. I'm looking for something similar to what comes with the NAA companion black powder revolvers.

I'd ,much rather have something small that i can just place the cylinder between and just squeeze like a nut cracker, rather than having to carry around a loading press. I've worked with my hands for years, so I'm not worried about something like this requiring a great deal of strength to use.

I just don't wanna have an extra piece of kit that won't fit in my range bag. I like to keep things small and simple if possible. Thanks.

Edit - I forgot to mention that it is the .36 caliber 1860 snub nose which has a fluted cylinder.

If you’re handy, you might make one just like the NAA version for your pistol. Depending on your skill it could be ugly but functional or a work of art but shouldn’t take more than a couple hours of shop time with hand tools.

 

[Mike 56]

How about a three-inch square block of wood with a hole drilled in it big enough hold the cylinder upright and use a short starter and a plastic hammer to seat the balls.

 

[James84]

I've already got the brass rod that came with it and a couple small mallets. The range that I go to expressed their concern with me banging balls into the cylinder with a hammer. They want me to use some sort of loading press or a hand held device. Also, the gun has no loading lever on it. 1860 army snub nose has no loading lever and no way to mount one.

 

[Mike 56]

How about one of these.

 

[Mike 56]

This is a press I made. leverage makes this loader user friendly. The handle comes off easily with a thumbscrew.

 

[pairof44sp]

How about one of these.

Did you invent that? That is awesome.

 

[Mike 56]

No a guy that goes by Smokein'Joe did. I made one that loads 44 and 36 cal balls three balls at a time. but you have to finish seating the balls with a rammer or short starter. I figured out how to epoxy brass plug screws to seat the balls all the way. I will rig some next week.

 

[arcticap]

RMC makes this model that only fits .36 cylinders and there's an accessory super handle for it.
Watch the video on the product page to see how small it is. --->>> https://rmcoxyoke.com/product/quick-6-revolver-loading-stand/

Super Handle --->>> https://rmcoxyoke.com/product/quick-six-super-handle/

The RMC loading press below is very portable and fits more than one caliber. --->>> https://rmcoxyoke.com/product/rmc-revolver-loading-stand/

There's a video showing how it works on the product page.

 

[Mike 56]

I have added a ten-inch adjustable handle to these loaders, with a thumbscrew with more leverage these loaders work really good.

 

[robhof]

How about one of these.

May I suggest you replace the center nut with a T handle nut like on push mower handles, would do away with the wrench requirement, could JB weld the screw head to the washer. Less parts smaller unit!

 

[Jim Watson]

There was an Adams designed bullet with a post on the base to hold a fibre wad that was meant to let you load the cylinder by hand. I wonder if that really worked.

 

[Mike 56]

I am thinking about a piece of angle iron with a socket welded to it so you can put on the edge of a loading bench to hold it in place while seating the balls just an idea in my head but will it really work. I think a tee T handle might work well but there is just one way to find out.