They either loaded paper cartridges with conical bullets (EDITED: sometimes lubed; see video below) or loose powder and ball (no lube). The majority of people anyway. Lube cookies, lube over the ball, and lubed felt wads are a relatively recent phenomenon. Historically people didn't shoot 80-100 shot CAS matches or worry about keeping fouling soft for all-day shooting. I'm talking about cap and ball revolvers here. People have been using grease/oil on patches for rifles for hundreds of years, or saliva, or no lube.I have been reading this thread with interest and have found it to be rather informative and even entertaining. It has made me curious though, what did great grandad's great grandad do when on the march? I'm pretty sure he didn't carry any premixed lube or felt wads. What does history tell us?
You're sort of making my point. I've been having fun with cap and ball pistols for over 50 years/(they're great fun at dusk) and never did anymore than put lard in the cylinder after powder and ball, to help prevent chain fire. I was never involved with CASS type competitions so there's that.They either loaded paper cartridges with conical bullets (no lube) or loose powder and ball (no lube).
You're sort of making my point. I've been having fun with cap and ball pistols for over 50 years/(they're great fun at dusk) and never did anymore than put lard in the cylinder after powder and ball, to help prevent chain fire. I was never involved with CASS type competitions so there's that.
Please keep in mind I was asking about the past procedures.There are multiple reasons to use lube
As I posted before "and never did anymore than put lard in the cylinder after powder and ball>Mr.rich1939, whats your current lube type and method? Im always curious to hear about what other folks use.
The 7/16" is what I use. but I used my Dremmel with a cone shaped stone to open it up slightly, for a snug fitting wad in my ROA's.If you watch some of the duelist1954 videos on YT he uses an ink pen or a dowel to make sure the wads are in the chamber straight.
Kid I think for .44 everyone is using a 7/16ths hole punch wich is a little undersized for the .451 ball. A 7/16s works out to .437. But I guess it works for those who use it. I made some paper wads like you like to use and they are just a little bit small in size. But a wax disc should flatten out on firing and spread the lube. Great idea on the lube soaked paper towels by the way.
Mr.rich1939, whats your current lube type and method? Im always curious to hear about what other folks use.
Hello Outlaw Kid. Since you asked about lube mixtures, right now I am melting a batch of 60/40 beeswax/castor oil. I got this recipe from Paul Mathews book "What You Should Know About Bullet Lubricant for the Blackpowder Cartridge Rifle". He mentions the fact that castor oil absorbs moisture from the air which aided his fouling control, especially in a 34 inch barrel. More to it than that, of course, but I want to try it because I just purchased two new Uberti 1858 Remingtons. With their reputation for fouling issues, I figured the moisture would possibly be an aid in this regard. I have never tried this mixture so will have to see how firm the 60/40 is when it cools. I am in the process of stripping the guns and doing the usual "massaging" so I haven't shot them yet. These are my first Remingtons as I have previously scratched that "Non-Colt" itch with several Rogers & Spencers which run all day long with no fouling issues. I probably won't be able to shoot them for a couple of weeks(home repair issues) but am anxious to start experimenting.
Edited: for any interested. I stand corrected.The original paper cartridges with conical bullets were dipped in lube. Some are still around in collections and still have a bit of lube on them. I dont use that method though...i prefer a lube disk.
I determined that 2.3 grs of lube placed in my pan and slowly heated gave me a thin, evenly flat sheet. After cooling I punch out discs with an appropriate size cartridge case.
Yep, this is the thing to do. I take those felt wads and dip them in a mixture of crisco and bees wax. Way less mess. It’s the way to do it.It is quicker and easier (maybe neater) to put a well lubed felt wad between the powder and ball. I make my own to ensure they are sufficiently lubed.
Jeff
would squeeze lube out of the wad and into the powder chargeSeems to me seating a round ball against a flat felt wad under pressure
I don’t put corn meal in my revolvers.
I’m pretty sure out ancestors would laugh their ass of at that stunt. Never had a need for dumping any cereal in there, my guns shoot just fine.
would squeeze lube out of the wad and into the powder charge