Loading the Colt Army 1860 Percussion Revolver. .44 cal. round ball with 22 grains of black powder. Each of six cylinder charges must be loaded with 22 grains of powder then a .44 cal round lead ball is seated on the powder. The six loads are then primed with a "cap" which ignites the powder when fired!

Muzzle loading and shooting black powder percussion revolvers and rifles

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Bill-Haycock > The Colt Dragoon is extremely accurate! Six shots fired from 25 yards, using a 40 grain load of black powder with a .454 caliber lead ball. The revolver was factory sighted for a "point of aim" hit at 50 yards. Typical engagement range was from 15 to 20 yards. You can see from this target it was a deadly weapon!

Bill-Haycock > Colt Dragoon 1847, .44 cal., six rounds fired with a 40 grain black powder charge at 25 yards.

Bill-Haycock > Loading the Colt Army 1860 Percussion Revolver. .44 cal. round ball with 22 grains of black powder. Each of six cylinder charges must be loaded with 22 grains of powder then a .44 cal round lead ball is seated on the powder. The six loads are then primed with a "cap" which ignites the powder when fired!

Bill-Haycock > After loading the powder and ball the revolver is ready to have a cap placed on each of the six "nipples" which will ignite the powder when struck with the single action hammer.

Bill-Haycock > Aiming and preparing to fire.

Bill-Haycock > The revolver presents some "kick" as a .44 cal. ball is rather large! I shoot at the minimum powder load of 22 grains - the gun will take up to 30 grains of powder.

Loading the Colt Army 1860 Percussion Revolver. .44 cal. round ball with 22 grains of black powder. Each of six cylinder charges must be loaded with 22 grains of powder then a .44 cal round lead ball is seated on the powder. The six loads are then primed with a "cap" which ignites the powder when fired!