Haha, thanks for the reply BCRider. A couple more things that are bothering me:
1. I will probably end up getting a brass framed pistol just to keep the cost down. Are they okay? Also, it looks like I would probably get the Pyrodex stuff for now. Would ~30 grains of Pyrodex in a brass framed pistol be a bad idea?
That's a personal decision that each person makes based on which model they own and their experience. Not all brass frame pistols and powders are the same. Many people limit their loads to 25 grains or less in their brass frame Colts. 777 powder loads need to be reduced by 15% to be equivalent to any amount of black or sub. powder.
2. I've heard that a 38 special shell is like 24 grains and can be used as a powder measure, is that true?
Here's a list of cartridge case capacities in grains:
Cartridge Grains
.22 LR = 5
.320 ACP = 7
.380 ACP = 10
.30 cal Carbine = 20
.38 Special = 23
.357 Mag = 27
.45 Auto = 26
.44 Colt = 35
.45 Colt = 41
.38-40 = 40
.30-30 = 42
.30-06 = 70
.45-70 = 83
9mm – 13.3
40 S&W – 19.3
3. Is it better to get the swaged balls?
Generally yes, since they don't have voids (air pockets) and are more consistent in size and lead purity. However cast lead balls of the proper size will usually work just fine.
4. Should I get #10, #11, or #11 magnum caps? What do you use?
The Remington #10 caps seem to fit the Pietta Remington factory nipples the best. However which model isn't mentioned.
5. Can a paper clip be used as a nipple pick?
Maybe, it depends on the size of the paper clip. The nipple hole is relatively small, many sizes of sewing needles would work of a piece of piano wire.
6. So you just pour powder, seat the ball, and put a drop of vegetable oil on the seated ball? Have you ever had a chain fire or anything like that?
Some folks don't apply any oil to the loaded balls and they haven't experienced any chainfires. The place to put the oil is where the ball meets the chamber wall. Chainfires often originate at the nipple due to loose fitting caps.
Besides over powder wads and cards, some folks use a drop of oil, while others use a dab of Bore Butter, Crisco, Vaseline, homemade lube or wax pills.
And some use a combination of more than one of the above items.
Like I said, I'm just trying to keep the cost down for now. If I love it and it seems like I'll be doing it a lot, I'll probably spring for the good/proper stuff later on. I appreciate the help!
Most models need to have some kind of lubricant applied to the cylinder pin or arbor, at least intermittently. Bore Butter can be used. And most folks will apply some lube, breech plug grease or anti-sieze to the nipple threads.
The loading stand is helpful for holding the gun upright during loading the powder and ball and when ramming. It allows for the use of 2 hands instead of only one hand to do everything. It isn't necessary but it is helpful.