When loading a blackpowder pistol, is it necessary to use wads? i have an 1858 replica?

Question

When loading a blackpowder pistol, is it necessary to use wads? i have an 1858 replica?

Answer 1

Wads or cloth/leather patches are seldom used for black powder revolvers but are used often in single shot pistols. This is because the wads can build up debris in the revolver but not in a single shot. It is also less accurate to use wads because that short jump from cylinder to barrel will change the wad placement in relation to the ball.

The tried and true method is to use a lead ball slightly larger than the bore so it wedges in the cylinder with the loading leaver and actually shaves off some lead. This saves time, is more accurate and you don’t have a burning wad to make a grass fire.

As said by others, cover the loaded ball with thick grease or you can use bees wax.

Answer 2

No, not needed, might be an idea to grease the ball ends to stop chance of flashover. Never had it myself or met anyone that has, but always hear the friend of my uncles cousin knew a man who did.

Answer 3

It is important to feel good about things, when we've all heard tales of the neighbor of a friend's acquaintance heard of someone experiencing flashover. Myself, when I saw how one shot pretty much blew all the grease away I had carefully smeared on the 5 remaining mashed-up balls, I knew I had to have something better or I would be having nightmares about it all! I used a 45ACP case to cut wads from leather. Then I worked MoS2 chassis lube into the leather to provide lubrication which the first flashgap blast wouldn't remove, and to keep the leather from smouldering and being a fire hazard. One such wad under the ball, pushed in flatly with a dowel-end initially to make sure it didn't tip sideways under ball insertion, and I felt a lot better. I still greased up the balls, so that the first shot would lube the barrel. Blast away! Regards, Larry.

Answer 4

muzzle loaded? - Yes

revolver ?- No, but grease balls

Answer 5

Yes

I have the same one you have

Answer 6

While it is not absolutley necessary, the wads serve two functions.  First they lessen the liklihood of a flash over.  A flashover is where the flash of one chamber going off ignites the powder in the other chambers.  it can be catastrophic and is to be avoided.  If you do not use wads, you will need to top each chamber with something like Crisco.  Crisco is chep and works very well.  The seco9ne purpose of teh wad is to give you a good seal so that any blow by is minimized.  This results in a decreased liklihood of a flashover but more importantly, it gives you more consistancy between shots.  Improved consistancy yields more accuracy.

So, you do not have to use wads but they are certainly beneficial.

Answer 7

CIH gave a good answer.

No you do not have to use wads or a patch. A .44 cal black powder pistol is actually .45 cal, so if you use a .454 cal ball some of the ball will be shaved off as you seat the ball in the cylinder, making for a tight fit. This tight fit is important for proper powder burn and accuracy.

This link will help you;

http://www.blockaderunner.com/other/info...

Here is a video on loading one;

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/41445...

Remember to grease over the loaded cylinder to prevent chain fire.