Griz44Mag
70 Cal.
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2017
- Messages
- 4,326
- Reaction score
- 4,385
- Location
- Republic of Texas, District of Krum
OK, so I picked up a pair of Belgium cap locks from another member here and need a bit of advice.
I cleaned up the locks and triggers, cleaned the barrels until they are slick as snot, got everything working and ready. The nipples are smaller than my rifle nipples, but I got them both to fire a #11 cap to test the locks. The #11 caps are really loose, just floating on the nipple, so I assume these are for a #10? Everything works great! Now it's time to load up with some powder and ball and see if they will shoot. The bores are smooth, and measure right at .482. The guy I got them from thought they were a 45 caliber, but he never actually loaded and fired them. Seems like a .440 or .445 ball is going to be too small even with a really thick patch. So what do the experts on such things have for advice? I assume a smooth bore pistol should be loaded with a tight ball and patch, but with a lot less powder than a rifle. I cannot find anything on these pistols doing internet searches, so I would really appreciate some guidance selecting a ball/patch/powder!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SvhQgAjKjtcaoFbr7
I cleaned up the locks and triggers, cleaned the barrels until they are slick as snot, got everything working and ready. The nipples are smaller than my rifle nipples, but I got them both to fire a #11 cap to test the locks. The #11 caps are really loose, just floating on the nipple, so I assume these are for a #10? Everything works great! Now it's time to load up with some powder and ball and see if they will shoot. The bores are smooth, and measure right at .482. The guy I got them from thought they were a 45 caliber, but he never actually loaded and fired them. Seems like a .440 or .445 ball is going to be too small even with a really thick patch. So what do the experts on such things have for advice? I assume a smooth bore pistol should be loaded with a tight ball and patch, but with a lot less powder than a rifle. I cannot find anything on these pistols doing internet searches, so I would really appreciate some guidance selecting a ball/patch/powder!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SvhQgAjKjtcaoFbr7