Too Much Blow Back?

[doc623]

A friend has a ROA. I have seen the revolver after he has fired even one cylinder and the hammer - face,end, sides and throat is basically coated with residue from the firing.
The question being is this the norm/normal or should he address this by maybe replacing the nipples? And/or is this a sign of excessive blow back?
Let me add that the revolver functions or seems to function fine.

[biliff]

C&B is not a closed system. Residue on the frame, hammer and recoil shield is normal.

[greyhunter]

Would have to see it while being fired. Does cyl lock up tight on cocking? Caps will make a mess on back of cyl, normally. I would think if nipple was bad it would blow hammer back, have seen that happen on an old shotgun with wide open nipple. Make sure right nipples are installed, right charge is used, and cyl locks up tight(no rotating by hand) when pistol is cocked. If not sure, take it to a gunsmith before your friend has an injury.

[Captchee]

yes revolver pistols are normally messy .
 but that’s relative.  Remember  that  BP revolvers are know for potently chain firing .
As you can see from all the  fouling . Heat and such often goes everywhere .

But  before we go  into saying “yep its normal “
 We need to check a few things
 1) the gap between the cylinder face and the barrel . This should be minimal and equal across the breech .  
 2) There should also  very little slop  for and aft  and none or  side to side of the cylinder  , when the  gun is in lock up .
 To check this. With the pistol empty , squeeze the trigger  and while holding it , cock the pistol  and then  gently let the hammer back down on the cylinder  while holding the trigger  back .
 Now try and slide the cylinder forwards and back , as well as side to side .
3) the hammer should not be  found to be at the full cock after firing a round . If it is  you have 1 of 2 issues
a) very worn  nipple
b) weak  hammer spring

[Shadow Hawk]

i would also check to see what condition the fired caps are in. if they are in one piece and spladed out that is good if they are in pieces that is bad and if there in a hole or other crack that reaches the center area you may be getting blow through. and that is bad.