Got my first BP gun

[Ben Beam]

I found a good deal on a Pietta Remington 1863 Pocket Pistol .31 cal. I wasn’t intending on buying a BP pistol but it was too neat not to. I know next to nothing about black powder, so looks like I’ll have some reading to do before I go out to shoot it. The good news (?) is that I’m so busy that likely won’t be anytime soon.

Any general recommendations on food for it (balls, powder, lube, cleaning)? It’s mostly gonna be a prop, but heck, shoot ‘em if you got ‘em.

[Major 2]

 .... you've a fun little popper there

There much " wisdom " on this BB ...help will flow

basically,  
31 cal. balls , .320" Dia. will shave a ring
  https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Item.aspx/201/1   ( there are other places , but here is one )

Stick with  3fff BP or APP @ 11-12 grains (15 Max, )  ... avoid Triple 7  ( any Pyrodex for that matter )  other opinions will chime in though .

Load from a flask ... one of these or similar  https://www.trackofthewolf.com/Categories/PartDetail.aspx/201/1/FLASK-POCKET

I like RWS Caps & Remington #10  ...opinions again varies

Lube can be bore butter or wonder lube or your own concoction ( bees wax base ) or lubed felt wads

Do  pull the Nipples and apply anti-seize of some sort

Clean with hot soapy water , and relube with Ballistol ( Mobil 1  also works ) avoid petroleum base


No dog in the fight concerning Track of the Wolf ...just an  easy 1 stop source

[Dick Dastardly]

Excellent advise given above.  Should you want to shoot .32 S&W Spl. cartridges (I do this) with your little belly gun, Kirst does make a great 5 shot conversion cylinder for your gun.  I have one of these and really like it.

DD-MDA

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