Target Sports

BEGINNING BLACK POWDER PART THREE: LOADS OF FUN

Created on 14th May 2009

In this third instalment, GEORGE PRESCOTT looks at how to load muzzle-loading revolvers, including what to do in the event of a misfire

Black powder revolvers

THERE IS little doubt that shooting any black powder firearm with consistent accuracy takes a lot of practice. Revolver shooting, however, is even more demanding than using a single-shot pistol. This is mainly because the construction of such firearms makes them subject to more variation than a muzzle-loading pistol.

Loading a revolver

In principle, this uses the same basic procedure as a single-shot pistol. First, clean out the barrel and every chamber with a clean piece of standard 4x2 cloth. Revolvers can get a bulge just as easily as a single-shot! Having capped off each cylinder and with the gun set at half-cock, load the cylinders separately, either from a powder flask or a single plastic vial, which are sometimes supplied with more expensive guns. The next stage differs from the single-shot's procedure. Accurate black powder shooting depends upon the ball being compressed as tightly as possible on to the powder charge before being fired. With noise a constant preoccupation on most black powder ranges, loads are restricted. 15-20gn is the usual charge.

With a single-shot firearm, this presents no problem. 15-20gn in most revolvers, however, will only bring the ball half-way up the cylinder. This makes it impossible to use the underbarrel rammer to effectively seat the ball, nor does it bring the ball flush with the end of the barrel, which are both necessary for accurate shooting. This means shooters use some sort of packing material to replace the missing powder. Ground rice, semolina, cous cous, washing powder and even bread have all been used at one time or another. Only experimenting will show which of these suits any particular shooter.

Having loaded the powder and packing material, a very well-greased wad is placed on top and the ball inserted into the cylinder. This wad is vital when using a full charge and no packing. Its function is to prevent the discharge jumping across the cylinder and igniting the powder charge(s) in the adjacent cylinder(s). Many successful revolver shooters also grease the ball after it has been rammed, but this results in much of the grease being deposited over the wall of the firing point and the practice is banned in many clubs (including mine).

Black powder revolvers usually come with an integral rammer, (an exception is the first Adams revolvers), so to finish loading rotate the chamber under the rammer and the wad. Ram the ball and charge into place, taking care to do this enough to allow the cylinder to rotate. By the way, this may seem an obvious point but it is surprising how often even experienced revolver shooters find their gun jammed because this has happened. And, surprise, surprise, it can't possibly have been their fault! Finally, with the gun still at half-cock, place caps on all six nipples and the revolver is ready to fire.

Misfire

If all goes well, there will be a nice, satisfying bang when you squeeze the trigger. If there isn't and the gun has misfired, then don't put it down. Carry on firing because, unlike a single-shot, the first rule about clearing a revolver misfire is to make sure the other cylinders are empty before attempting to clear the one that has misfired.

With all the other cylinders discharged the first thing you must do is place the gun on the bench of the firing point and seek expert help. Again, just like a single-shot pistol, the firearm should be left for a short period to both cool down and ensure that the cylinder is not
‘hanging fire.'

Misfires in revolvers occur for the usual reasons: either the shooter has forgotten to put powder into the cylinder or the nipple is blocked.

Nipple blockage is the first thing to check but, once again, these instructions are no substitute for help from a more experienced shooter.

If the nipple can't be simply poked clear while on the gun, then it will have to be taken out of the cylinder. Having cleared the spent cap from the nipple, take the cylinder out of the gun and remove the nipple from it using the correct wrench. This is important, especially with a Colt revolver, because other wrenches won't fit a Colt and if you damage the nipple too badly, it will need repair by a gunsmith.

Having removed the nipple, it can be cleaned with the thin wire tool supplied with the wrench or another piece of fine steel wire of the correct diameter. Once again, it's worth remembering that a good way to prevent this problem is to store the pistol muzzle down after cleaning and to get into the habit of clearing the nipple before loading. That way, any residue left in the cylinder will find its way into the barrel, where the initial clean before shooting will remove it.

A cylinder with no charge is dealt with exactly like a single-shot pistol: the nipple is removed, a 5gn charge inserted, the nipple is replaced, recapped, the ball re-rammed and the gun fired. Alternatively, one of the new, high-pressure devices can be used. A local gun shop will be happy to demonstrate how they work.

What can I shoot?

The Firearms Act 1968 is, perhaps of necessity, a fairly complex document. The part that concerns black powder shooters, and anyone else who wants to own a firearm in the UK, is Section 5: ‘Prohibition of certain weapons and control of arms traffic.' It reads as follows: (1) A person commits an offence if, without the authority of the Defence Council [or the Scottish Ministers (by virtue of provision made under section 63 of the Scotland Act 1998)], he has in his possession, or purchases or acquires, or manufactures, sells, or transfers..."

Then there is a series of prohibitions for firearms such as fully-automatic weapons and semi-automatic rifles not chambered for .22 rimfire. Finally, sub-section aba deals with pistols. This section states:

"Any firearm which either has a barrel less than 30cm in length or is less than 60cm in length overall (author's note: the weapon has to be more than 60cm overall and have a barrel more than 30cm long), other than an air weapon..., a muzzle-loading gun or a firearm designed as signalling apparatus."

So, in short, all you can own and shoot is a muzzle-loading pistol, single-shot or revolver, unless you want one of the long barrelled, metal case revolvers, or pistols with a butt extension.

There is, however, an interestingly varied collection of black powder revolvers and pistols, from the sophisticated modern Ruger .44 Army to Uberti's nice copy of Mr Sam Colt's .36 Navy revolver. It is probably sensible to start with a second-hand gun, although a Uberti copy of a Colt at the time of writing is priced at less than £200, so personally, I would be tempted to buy new. Once again, however, the best advice will come from a more experienced club member.

As well as a firearms certificate (FAC), anyone who wants to acquire and keep black powder for the purposes of shooting also needs an explosives licence.

Transporting black powder also requires a Recipient Competent Authority (RCA) document and the powder must be transported in one of the following ways:

1. In the container, in which it was sold, with its original packaging or,

2. A powder flask or container designed or adapted to throw a measured or measurable charge, having a fully enclosed plate or removable stopper.

3. Closed or stoppered tubes or phials designed to contain sufficient powder or propellant for one shot.

4. Gunpowder twists carried in a closed and sealed container.

Copies of these recommendations are available on the Health and Safety Executive website (www.hse.gov.uk).
Most importantly, wait until your initial visit from the police Firearms Officer before you buy anything, like a gun cabinet or black powder box. He will advise about what's required and give any advice needed about installation or other requirements. Associations, including BASC and NRA, can offer advice on suitable cabinets - some available on their websites.

My next piece will cover that most important of chores: cleaning!

BEGINNING BLACK POWDER PART THREE: LOADS OF FUN

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BEGINNING BLACK POWDER PART THREE: LOADS OF FUN

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