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Black Powder Pistol Tricks

Many firearms enthusiasts prefer shooting black powder pistols, rather than more modern guns. Black powder pistols are loaded with either original black powder or with black powder substitutes. There is as much a trial and error -- or art -- to loading and shooting a BP pistol -- as there is science. The granule size and volume of the powder, size of lead ball, lead hardness, bore smoothness, patch type and thickness all affect the function and reliability of a BP pistol. The following tips and tricks will make certain aspects of loading and shooting a BP pistol easier and safer.

Selection of Powder
- Black powder pistols, and their modern replicas, are designed to shoot genuine black powder, but also modern substitutes, such as Goex, Triple 7 and Pyrodex. They are formulated to be loaded by volume, just like black powder, and function in these pistols reliably. They even produce the trademark white smoke after a cylinder is fired. The substitutes are cleaner-burning than genuine black powder, so chamber and bore fouling is reduced. This means more shots may be fired before cleaning is necessary. This increases valuable shooting time at the range, and also maintains shot-to-shot accuracy.
Clean Nipple Flash Holes
- Nipple flash holes must be clear of powder fouling or other obstructions. A percussion cap fits over the nipple. When the hammer falls, it crushes the cap, sending a spark through the flash hole, igniting the main powder charge. The cleaner the flash hole, the more consistent and reliable ignition will be. Load all chambers with percussion caps, but do not load powder or bullets. Fire all the chambers, while pointing the gun in a safe direction. The blast from the percussion cap will ensure there are no obstructions and the flash hole is dry.
Mark One Chamber As Empty
- Since traditional revolvers have their firing pins attached to the hammer, it is universally accepted that one chamber must be left empty for safety. The hammer is brought down and rested on the empty chamber. Use a bright colored marking pen or hobby paint to mark one nipple. This will provide a visual clue to leave that particular chamber empty as you are loading the other chambers.
Cleaning and Storage
- Black powder, once fired, is extremely corrosive. Powder fouling must be cleaned out of the chambers and the bore, after you are done shooting for the day. Otherwise, the fouling will etch into the steel and promote pitting and rust. Remove the cylinder and flush all chambers and the barrel with warm water to flush out the large contaminants. Then scrub the bore and chambers with a bore brush and hot soapy water, until all fouling is removed. Dry the bore and chambers with a dry patch. Refer to your particular gun's instructions regarding storage. Some require a light coat of oil on all surfaces, while others recommend leaving the chambers and bore dry.

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