Using a loading stand with my 1851

[oldfart]

Will using a loading stand--where the top of the barrel barrel leans into a deep notch and the heel locks into the base,
put BAD stress onto the cylinder shaft and frame?

I've seen the ones with the notch cut out for the hammer,
and
the barrel rest ones,

i need to make one up so I'm asking --dont want to wreck my new toy

thank
john

[rdstrain49]

The type of rest has nothing to do with stressing the loading arm etc.  Being stupid most certainly does have an effect.  Keep your head in the game, use correct size ball, use only dead soft lead ball, don't try to over compress your powder and you will be just fine.  The problem usually occurs when one of the previous is ignored.  Stay within the design limits of your weapon and you'll have fun not problems. 

Now get off that stupid computer and go shoot.

[mazo kid]

IMHO, using a loading stand won't put any more stress on the revolver than loading without using the stand. Plus, it is a bit more convenient.

[Captainkirk]

I would agree. I've loaded plenty of rounds on a stand and it really helps.

[99whip]

Hey John,

I have used a loading stand a good bit also, you can make one really easily with some scrap wood.

I load the powder, push a lubed wad down on top of it with a short piece of dowel so I won't spill any before pulling the revolver out of the stand, then load and seat the balls by hand.  An unnecessary step perhaps but I prefer seating the balls with gun in hand.  Probably no more or less stress on the gun, just personal preference.

Whip

[ssb73q]

Hi John, the easiest method to reload cylinders is by loading off the revolver. I use the Tower of Power reloading tool, see:

http://www.biglube.com/BulletMolds.aspx?ItemID=1302742a-9e12-41e5-881f-f99340c6d9e6

or make a powerful reloading stand using an arbor press, see:

http://blackpowdersmoke.com/colt/index.php?topic=1933.msg19113#msg19113

You will need to make some adapters to use the arbor press.

Regards,
Richard

[oldfart]

Thanks guys,
Ill be making up a wood stand, today,

99 whip--i like that idea,
SSB73q--im going to order that press, whats the gap measure between the legs?
how thick is the square ram?
 enough to get a brass 12 gauge shell down there between the legs?
my gears are smoking, thinking of using it also for my BP shotgun 12 and 20 shell de-prime and loading, I like that magnetic tip-idea,

[ssb73q]

Hi John, the maximum opening between the bottom of the ram and the baseplate is 4". The ram is square 3/4". I made a few adapters to load different BP cylinders:



While I will use my Tower of Power (it's smaller and lighter than the arbor press) for loading soft lead projectiles in BP cylinders, the arbor press is used to load hardened lead balls typical of swagged hardened lead buckshot.

Regards,
Richard

[Suntiger]

I am a big believer in the loading stand...and the snail capper and a fixed measure flask

[oldfart]

how thick are the legs?
and how wide a space between them?

thinking if the press is bolted down to a piece of plywood i could put a 12gauge brass shell between the legs and be able to deprime a shot shell,

Hi John, the maximum opening between the bottom of the ram and the baseplate is 4". The ram is square 3/4". I made a few adapters to load different BP cylinders:



While I will use my Tower of Power (it's smaller and lighter than the arbor press) for loading soft lead projectiles in BP cylinders, the arbor press is used to load hardened lead balls typical of swagged hardened lead buckshot.

Regards,
Richard

[ssb73q]

Hi John, I don't know what you mean by "legs". If you are referring to the circular steel disk on the bottom of the press, the disk is removable.

Regards,
Richard

[Captainkirk]

Richard, I am thinking maybe if you need a press to load buckshot into your .31 cal revolvers it is too hard?

[ssb73q]

Hi Kirk, IMO the harder the better for maximizing chamber pressure with the mouse guns. This spring I will test this with the chronograph.

Regards,
Richard

[Captainkirk]

Hi Kirk, IMO the harder the better for maximizing chamber pressure with the mouse guns. This spring I will test this with the chronograph.

Regards,
Richard

Looking forward to your report. I had considered using buckshot in my mouse gun in the past.