Colt Navy 1851 repro - 1st time BP shooter!

[NCLivingBrit]

So, I finally ordered the trigger spring and repaired my Pietta 1851 Navy Colt (brass frame, .36cal) repro, got powder and ball, caps and the rest..... And realised I only have YouTube and memory of a pamphlet to go by for actually shooting the thing!

My only real area of uncertainty is powder. Seems like the amount used was all over the place with the average being about 15-20 grains. Not sure if I need to add buckwheat to that so any voices of experience please chime in!

 

[Combat Diver]

I've always just filled the cylinder full of Pryodex P powder, seated ball on top, then swaged ball in. Filled top with Crisco shorting. Never had any issues with either my 51' Navy or 62' Pocket Police both in .36 cal. Been loading that way since the mid 80s. Cast my own balls with pure lead and Lyman single cav. .375" round ball mold ( also use it in my 12 ga)

CD

 

[ECNC]

I also have a 36 caliber. Add powder ( I use about 17) ball and as @Combat Diver stated use Crisco or use a wad such as https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/202/2/OX-WAD-36-D You can use dry or lubricated. I use dry. Make sure to pack that ball to the powder.

 

[NCLivingBrit]

I also have a 36 caliber. Add powder ( I use about 17) ball and as @Combat Diver stated use Crisco or use a wad such as https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/202/2/OX-WAD-36-D You can use dry or lubricated. I use dry. Make sure to pack that ball to the powder.

I have those same wads ordered from there in fact.

 

[patrick_ford]

My Pietta navy likes 20gr of fffg black with a pre-lubed felt wad between the powder and ball. Shoots very accurately, at least in my gun.