Those of you who have been following this blog for a while know that I am very interested in "throughput" or the rapid and efficient production of things.
You also know that one of my buddies recently purchased a replica of an 1858, blackpowder, muzzle-loading pistol.
This is a time for honesty
The first time I timed myself reloading the weapon was the second time I loaded all six chambers. It took me 14 minutes.
Disgusted, I made some changes. I dumped the 25 grains-by-volume (23 grains by weight) of Triple Seven FFFG powder into six, empty .223 Rem cases and stuffed the mouths with foam, hearing-protection ear-buds. I did the same for the 1.0cc of filler. And rather than using my finger to wipe lube around the mouth of each chamber, I spent the big dollars and bought Wonder-wads.
I was able to beat the time down to five minutes and I cheated. The 1.0cc of filler was too much when combined with the 3mm thick wonder wads. I stopped the clock after chamber #3 and had to really crank the loading lever down so the ball would clear the rear of the barrel. Ooops!
If my buddy is agreeable, the next timed-trial will use 0.5 or 0.7cc of something round like millet or turnip seeds. I had used long-grain rice and that did not flow well. I will also put the filler in a different case (maybe .38 Special) than the powder so I can reload totally by feel.
Looking at the labor content of the tasks, any shooter who can reload all six chambers in two minutes or less (twenty seconds a chamber) doesn't need to apologize to anybody. That time does NOT include the percussion caps.
Conceivably, it might even be possible to get it down to reloading all six in a minute but that will involve a multi-pocket apron with each component in its own pocket. That might work for "competitions" but would be impractical for somebody just rambling about the woods enjoying the glories of the autumn.
Another pre loaded cylinder in a belt pouch can be handy if you want another 6 shots quickly. ---ken
ReplyDeleteSo why the need for speed, anyway? Half of the enjoyment of shooting these old charcoal burners is fussing around with the loading process. If you want fast, any swing-cylinder revolver and a speedloader will fit the bill. The old cap-and-ball guns, on the other hand, lend themselves to more of a leisurely process. A great deal of fun on a warm day at the range.
ReplyDeleteCleanup, on the other hand.....
I never used a filler, myself. Not sure why it would be necessary. My powder dispenser drops 25 grains, and a wad and ball on top of that works well for me.
I used to like hunting snowshoe hares in the winter when loading wasn't too much fun so I would carry an extra cylinder. I would only shoot at them when they were running by with my dog chasing them until I ran out of ammo. That worked well. I had a good time, the dog had a good time and the rabbits had a good time. And I got to hunt the same rabbits all winter. ---ken
DeleteKen beat me to it. HIstory says many carried multiple loaded cylinders in their pockets.
ReplyDeleteif you are willing to save time reloading by spending time before hand, you can make up paper cartridges. Nitrated paper or just cigarette rolling paper formed into a tube, fill with powder and an filler you want topped off with a round ball or conical. You can get 3D printer jigs to make it easier.
ReplyDeleteRapid reloading might be possible with consumable paper cartridges.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure that others have thought about using store bought flash paper in lieu of DIY flash paper.
I have done no actual testing, but I'm fairly sure that somebody has tried it out.
While working with black powder it may be a good idea to look at the buildings where DuPont made black powder and think about why the roofs were made from wood, and the openings of the rolling mills faced the river.
https://www.hagley.org/plan-your-visit/what-to-see/exhibits/powder-yard
You need to practice to be faster. Certainly, replacing the cylinder is faster but that is a different task than reloading the cylinder. Certainly, prepacking measured amounts of powder is faster than weighing and loading, but it is ultimately slower since you have added a prepacking step to it. Any time all the same functions have to be performed, you only get faster through practice or automation.
ReplyDeletesam
I am 100% in agreement that I need more repetitions to become faster.
DeleteThe advantage of pre-packaging in the .223 cases is that I have a powder measure that is more repeatable than dippers and much faster.
The time at the reloading bench might be measured in minutes. The time shooting at fleeing game or physical threats might be measured in fractions of a second. Under those circumstances, spending a minute at the bench to save a second in the field is a good trade.
From a capital outlay and weight-on-the-belt, prepackaged powder/filler beats additional cylinders.
And...frankly...not being proficient at basic tasks bothers me. It is like doing taxes. Even though I have an intense dislike for the process (or maybe because I dislike it) I want to be fast, efficient and to not have to go back and do corrections.
Of course, have extra cylinders, BUT ALSO HAVE YOUR SWORD!!!
ReplyDeleteKeep yer head in the fight here folks! Sheeesh, NOBODY thought of a sword?
There is a gizmo that you can use to reload the cylinder outside if gun. Stud to put cylinder on and a lever to seat bullet. Not that expensive. Mine works great.
ReplyDeleteDuelist1954 is the YouTube source for everything black powder revolver related. Highly recommended.
ReplyDelete