I purchased and then fired the pietta 1860 snub

[Dreadnought]

I purchased the 1860 pietta snub nose revolver that I inquired about in another post. It was used but in very nice condition. Included was a nice cross draw holster that fits the revolver perfectly. What was not included was the brass ball ramming tool that I am pretty sure these pistols came with. Well anyway, I purchased some .451 and .454 roundballs. I took the revolver to my friends back yard pistol range. At 7 yds (21ft) I was getting 3" 6 shot groups shooting duelist style. Pretty good I think for one handed and a 3 1/2" barrel. Even at 50' I was getting 5" groups. At 25 yds (75') the groups opened up to 8" using a 2 hand stance. Loading this lil beast is a pain... not having the factory supplied ramming tool I figured I would use a standard ball starter that I use for my t/c renegades. This was a real pain to do with the cylinder in the pistol so I took out the cylinder and pounded the balls in the cylinder using the ball starter and my small rubber mallet. Worked fine just no way as easy as using the usual type of loading level that are on the longer barrel models. I guess I shoud purchase one of those cylinder loading tools that cabela's sells (do they still sell them?) The .454 balls were very hard to load even with with the rubber mallet :banghead: the .451 loaded easier (of course) but still shaved off a thin ring of lead so I think these are the ones I will use. Not having any wads, I covered the cylinder bores with a beeswax, deer tallow and olive oil lube that I use with my muskets. I used 30 gr of 3F I was going to use 30 gr of 777 but did not, maybe next time.

All in all I am very pleased with my purchase....it shot much better than I thought it would. It makes for an impressive muzzle flash and it just looks down right cool looking.

Regards to all,
Dread

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8169/pettasnub002cj1.jpg

 

[subgunner]

You can get a loading tool from VTI Gun Parts. I got mine for ten bucks, plus shipping.

 

[subgunner]

If you want a cylinder loader stand , I got one from Dick Dasterdly's web site. It works like a champ. I use it for my colts and remmies.

 

[Cincinnati Slim]

Cylinder loading device

I'll second that opinion !

The "Dick Dastardly" cylinder loader is all I use now for cap & ball shooting.

Makes very consistent chamber to chamber loads, improves accuracy and save wear and tear on the revolver.

Plus it's build like a tank and will probably outlast the owner !

Get one, It's a C&B's best friend...

Slim

 

[Dreadnought]

Where can I find this "Dick Dastardly" cylinder loader? I tried to google it and only found links to cartoon crap.

Anyone got a link for me?

Thanks in advance,
Dave

 

[Old Dragoon]

Here's his website look under extra's.

http://www.biglube.com/

 

[O.S.O.K.]

Loading tool and stand

I have the snubby as well and like it, but it is a pain to load up. I have the brass tool and it requires a lot of force to use it. Looking at the DD loading stand, I think that would be a great investment for all of my cb revolvers. I recommend getting that.

Here's a video of me shooting my snubby: (hope you like old rock and roll)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMER5uBhRGU