percussion pistol question

[jrfoxx]

I took my Traditions "Crocket" .32 cal pistol out for the first time today, and it SEEMS like the patch/ball combo I have MAY be too tight.(Keep in mind, I've never loaded or fired ANY blckpowder gun before).I was using .315 balls, and .010 patches. I cleaned after every shot with Hoppe's #9 Plus blackpowder solvent and lube.I lubed the patches liberally, but had to tap the rod with my leatherman to be able to load it (I couldnt really budge it at all without tapping).Note this is the stock rod with no ball or T. I was AMAZED at how accurate it shot, and am hesitant to change anything and loose acuracy, but I dont want to hurt myself or the gun.Should I be worried about how tight it is to load, or does this sound pretty normal? Would a ball or T handle rod likely eliminate the need to tap the rod to load? realize this is a pretty subjective question and may be hard to answer....
just trying to be safe....
Thanks.

FWIW- I had a great time with this gun, and am definitely hooked

 

[AntiqueCollector]

The ball should be nice and tight but not so tight you need a tool to pound the ramrod to get it in, good strong taps with the ramrod alone should be enough. So yes, too tight. You could try a thinner patch (or no patch, I know some BP shooters who really hate hearing that suggestion of no patches, but I'm not one of them) first before getting smaller balls, if that works it'd save money over buying more lead (not that you can ever have too much lead around if you've got a mold to cast it with...).

Also, I think you're overdoing it a bit on the cleaning--it's not needed after every shot, just after every use (in other words, when you're done shooting it for the day then clean it). A hit with a swab or brush may be needed occasionally if it gets really dirty to the point of poor accuracy, but no solvent after every shot for sure!

 

[jrfoxx]

Also, I think you're overdoing it a bit on the cleaning--it's not needed after every shot, just after every use. A hit with a swab or brush may be needed occasionally if it gets really dirty to the point of poor accuracy, but no solvent after every shot for sure!

yeah, I figured as much, but since it was already so tight, I didnt want to make it any harder.....

I'll definitely look for thinner patches online (these were the thinnest the local shop had).Also, will try the no patch idea.Didnt know that was an option....

Thanks.

 

[Niner]

How tight is tight?

In my opinion, the patched ball should fit tight and offer some resistance when you load and, with a regular ramrod, it should be difficult. I'd continue to use the patch. And you could probably use a "short starter" to load the ball. Place the patched ball in the muzzle, put the end of the short storter on top of it and hit the ball handle on the starter with the palm of you hand to get it going down the barrel.

 

[Plink]

Instead of going to a thinner patch, I'd suggest trying .310 balls. Thinner patches lead to their own problems of gas sealing and blown patches. The smaller ball should work fine. If you can get it to fit with a .015 patch, it might shoot even better. I'm like you. When I find an accurate load, I'm hesitant to change it. Good luck and let us know how it works out.

 

[mykeal]

Welcome to the fine art of developing a load

I use a short starter to start the ball and then get it about 4 inches into the barrel, then go to the ramrod. If you cannot move the ball (with some difficulty - it should offer some significant resistance) with just hand pressure the ball/patch combination are too tight.

Smaller patch or smaller ball? Try both. One will be better for your gun, but there's no way we can predict which.

Ease up on the cleaning - try every third or fifth shot. And ease up on the amount of lube on the patch, too. It doesn't need to be saturated.

This is the fun part - you have an excuse to keep shooting to find out what the best combination of stuff is right for your gun. You will notice that we each do something a little different and think our way is the best way. No way they are all right, but you get to find out for yourself what's best for you.

 

[WV SCROUNGER]

Crockett pistol

Yea....you need a smaller ball....my Crockett rifle is .32 cal and I use .311 ball and patches made of old t shirt....it is a tack driver with the combo.

 

[jrfoxx]

for any interested, based on all of your helpful advice, I tried out some .005 patches, with the .315 balls I had, and loading was much easier, and accuracy seemed unchanged. Also tried out .310 balls, with the .010 patches I had, and (somewhat obviously), got similar results.Thanks to all of you for the help.