everything to know about the '58 NMA ...

[Bigsmoke]

My typical load is powder, Wonder Wad and ball.  Started out with grease covered ball.  Didn't particularly care for the mess associated with that system.
I've never been associated with accuracy in pistols, but it is my understanding that one should position the ball as close as possible to the crown of the chamber, hence some corn meal filler could be used as part of your load.
I don't believe there is any truth to the thought that chain fire is caused by fire accessing the powder from the front.  I think it can happen if a cap falls off a nipple.  The fire enters through the uncovered nipple.
As far as a capper goes, rotsa ruck!!  The cylinder design just doesn't make using one practical.  On a Rogers and Spencer or a Colt, they work OK.  Like rollingb said, use your fingers and set with a dowel piece, probably 5/16 is good.  It does cut down on your speed, but if that was a consideration, you'd be shooting Glocks or UZI's or something, whatever they are.
Cleaning?  Take them apart, hose them down, dry the parts (hair dryer works pretty good for that), WD-40 everything, wipe them off and put 'em back together.
Seems like I had two or three of them before I even thought about getting a rifle.  They sure can be terrible addicting.
Loading devices are kinda cute but I never felt the desire to opt for one.  I have tried a few, but they don't particularly excite me much.

[RobD]

i will NOT stick lube over the ball, what a mess.  under the ball makes better sense.  i like the idea of paper cartridges, too.  

this'll all be fun.

[Ohio Joe]

dang, i gave away all my cci #11 caps, only have cci #10 ... will they be ok, or ......... ?

Revolver nipple normally take #10 caps, however I've used #11 caps for years and just pinch them a bit for a better fit. Also, give me a little time and I'll post a picture of some of my roll your own paper cartridges.  

[Ohio Joe]

Here you go Rob. The picture is pretty self explanatory. 3 Cartridges with the ball glued in, and 3 with the ball wrapped in. Both ways work just fine, just depends on how you want to go. I've no doubt there's other ways to do this.

Oh, by the way... Q-tips will be your best friends when cleaning these BP Revolvers. Trust me.

[RobD]

finally got to see the image now that photobucket is back on line.  

very neat, joe - i like that paper patching!  hafta give it a try, for sure!  thanx!  

[Ohio Joe]

You are welcome Sir! I like to shape them like a cone as they load fast into the cylinder chambers that way. Also I've tested pricking them through the nipple with the nipple wrench wire after loading and before capping,,, and have also tested them with just loading them and capping without pricking the paper cartridge through the nipple. Both ways react the same on firing so I don't believe that part matters in the least.

[RobD]

i like the cone shape build.  definitely gonna build some, need to cast the .454 balls first, but have the cigarette papers and all the other goodies.  just bought 500 cci #11 caps.  they go on the nipples pretty well and fire off easy.  i can see why the need for finger seating caps, too!!  

speaking of nipples, the pistol came fully smeared in a light machine oil, for rust/corrosion protection and i wiped it all down  then i pulled off all 6 nipples and lubed the threads with nikal anti-seize for good insurance.  got a killer leather holster for $20 and just finished making the belt.  fun stuff!

[Bigsmoke]

Rob - You're getting set to be a real pistolero there, Bud.
Now, you will need to watch Outlaw Josey Wales a time or three to build up a need for about another 4 or 5 pistols.
THEN, you will be able to really strut your stuff.
Was it the Unforgiven where Clint was using a 1858 and spare cylinders?  Have to watch that one also, a few times to get the timing down.
This is gonna get exciting.  Wa-Hoooooooooooooooo !!!!
John

[Ohio Joe]

Pale Rider, John... Say, ol' Clint sure did his part for the cap-n-ball revolvers in his movies (even though many were cartridge conversions), however he did nail it in, The Outlaw Josey Wales, which I'll add is one of my all time favorites, and probably Clint's best western, IMHO.  

[rollingb]

I love both those movies!  

[RobD]

gittin' there ...

[Ohio Joe]

Pretty much the same setup I have.  

[RobD]

i like wearing the leather cross draw style.  the holster is new and stiff, will take some breaking in, i'll work in some neatsfoot oil, and need to add a leg thong for one-handed drawing.  

[Ohio Joe]

Here's my old rig... Believe it or not I still found room to tuck a '51 Colt's Navy in my belt, and a '63 Colt Navy Sheriff's Model in a shoulder holster.  Clint Eastwood told me the days of Josey Wales was long gone and we be civilized now...  :shock:

In any event, these sure are fun to shoot!  

[RobD]

very cool rig, joe - spare cylinders too!