Folks, I would like to invite opinions, suggestions, and speculation on some testing I intend to do.
Short version:
Pietta 1860 Army
.440" swaged lead roundballs
~35 gr of FFFg blackpowder
Well fitting caps
I picked up a box of undersized balls to do some testing regarding chainfires. The balls roll in and out of the chambers, and obviously shave no ring of lead whatsoever. Essentially, the interface between the ball and cylinder is all "gap", and should only have 1 theoretical point of contact.
I have read many folks explaining that they smear gobs of lube over the cylinder face to protect against small gaps that they feel can cause chainfires. Another crowd uses wads underneath the ball. Since I am in the "no lube at all" category, I want to do some testing to improve my own understanding of the subject.
I am prepared to cause and deal with chainfires under controlled conditions, should they occur. I'm essentially trying to make them occur.
If anyone would like to throw out some speculation, observations, or opinions, my flame suit is just back in from the cleaners. Let loose.
If I get around to doing a "proper" experimental study, I will share the results.
Short version:
Pietta 1860 Army
.440" swaged lead roundballs
~35 gr of FFFg blackpowder
Well fitting caps
I picked up a box of undersized balls to do some testing regarding chainfires. The balls roll in and out of the chambers, and obviously shave no ring of lead whatsoever. Essentially, the interface between the ball and cylinder is all "gap", and should only have 1 theoretical point of contact.
I have read many folks explaining that they smear gobs of lube over the cylinder face to protect against small gaps that they feel can cause chainfires. Another crowd uses wads underneath the ball. Since I am in the "no lube at all" category, I want to do some testing to improve my own understanding of the subject.
I am prepared to cause and deal with chainfires under controlled conditions, should they occur. I'm essentially trying to make them occur.
If anyone would like to throw out some speculation, observations, or opinions, my flame suit is just back in from the cleaners. Let loose.
If I get around to doing a "proper" experimental study, I will share the results.