Just as I did for cap n ball, I went to the best source of information I know, the cas-l post. Based on what I thought were ten basic questions, we have a primer for anyone starting out in Black Powder cartridge re-loading, or for the more experienced, a view on what his or her pards are doing. This information is based upon regular stage shooting, not long range side events.

• Do you shoot Black Powder cartridge in rifle and pistol, or cartridge rifle and cap n ball pistol?
  • 58% shoot Black Powder cartridge in rifle and pistol.
    
  • 25% shoot Black Powder cartridge in rifle and pistol and cap n ball pistol.
    
  • 17% shoot Black Powder cartridge in rifle with cap n ball pistol.
    

• What Brand of Black Powder do you use?
  • 67% use just Goex.
    
  • 17% use Goex or Elephant.
    
  • 08% use just Elephant.
    
  • 08% use Goex or Clean Shot.
    

• Do you use a wad, card, cookie, combination of these, or nothing between the powder and bullet?
  • 42% use nothing at all.
    
  • 33% use all of them together.
    
  • 17% use just a card.
    
  • 08% use just a Wonder Wad.
    

• Do you use a drop tube, hand compact or not at all?
  • 50% use a drop tube.
    
  • 50% compact by hand.
    

• Do you use a progressive reloader, or a single stage?
  • 50% use a progressive.
    
  • 50% use a single stage.
    

• Do you buy or cast your own bullets?
  • 58% cast their own bullets.
    
  • 42% buy their bullets.
    

• If you buy, do you buy them lubed, or lube your own?
  • Of those who buy their bullets, all buy them pre lubed.
    

• Do you carry a cleaning solution to the range for dumping your brass into?
  • 58% bring a cleaning solution.
    
  • 42% don't bring a cleaning solution.
    

• Do you clean your guns between stages, or only at the end of a shoot?
  • 58% clean between stages, some more often than others, some guns more often than others.
    
  • 42% do not clean between stages.

  • Cleaning solutions for brass and guns include: Ballistol and water, 409/vinegar/water, Windex, Dish liquid and water, vinegar and water, 1/3 Murphy's Oil Soap, 1/3 Hydrogen Peroxide & 1/3 Rubbing Alcohol.
    

• Do you tumble your brass with brass used for smokeless, or separately?
  • 67% tumble separately.
    
  • 33% tumble together, but only after cleaning.
    

• Comments and personal observations:
  • Very different from long range BP cartridge shooting, less preparation, less accuracy needed.
    
  • Not a complicated as most think.
    
  • Cleaning is easier than smokeless once you have a system.
    
  • It's fun!
    

As you can see, there is no single "right way" to do this. Everyone has their own methods and theories. What is best for you can only come from trial and error. Just make sure you have fun doing it!

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